Democrats Arrive in Charlotte, North Carolina

Rehearsals taking place ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, September 3, 2012. (N. Pinault/VOA)

Delegates tour the floor ahead of the convention, September 3, 2012. (J. Featherly/VOA)

Advertisements for the DNC at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, September 2, 2012.

The Charlotte, North Carolina skyline seen through the window of an airplane, September 2, 2012.

A stand-in for First Lady Michelle Obama during lighting and sound rehearsals at the The Time Warner Cable Arena. (J. Featherly/VOA)

President Barack Obama's campaign manager Jim Messina tours the floor at the Democratic National Convention, September 3, 2012.

The sign for the West Virginia delegation at Time Warner Cable Arena. (J. Featherly/VOA)

Delegates and Democratic National Convention visitors crowd one of the merchandise stores in Charlotte, September 3, 2012. (J. Featherly/VOA)

A sand sculpture of President Barack Obama near the Democratic National Convention. (N. Pinault/VOA)

The media set up on the floor of the The Time Warner Cable Arena for the Democratic National Convention. (J. Featherly/VOA)

Demonstrators march in a Labor Day parade in Charlotte, North Carolina, September 3, 2012.