The Democratic National Convention announced Wednesday that President Obama's speech Thursday will be moved to a smaller, covered arena because it is expected to rain in Charlotte that day.
Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were scheduled to speak at Bank of America staudium, but now will speak at Time Warner Cable Arena, the site of the first days of events.
Republicans immediately pounced on the announcement, saying Obama could not fill the stadium, which seats 70,000. The arena seats around 20,000. "The Democrats continue to downgrade convention events due to lack of enthusiasm – this time they are moving out of Bank of America/Panther stadium. Problems filling the seats?'' a Republican National Committee statement said.
Obama will hold a call with some of the supporters Thursday who are not able to attend.
"We have been monitoring weather forecasts closely and several reports predict thunderstorms in the area, therefore we have decided to move Thursday's proceedings to Time Warner Cable Arena to ensure the safety and security of our delegates and convention guests," convention chairman Steve Kerrigan said.