Pockets of people roaming the decorated streets of Uptown Charlotte,  snapping random pictures, numerous small gangs of police officers  patrolling the city: on foot, bicycles, motorcycles or cruisers, Iconic  TV personalities and political figures casing the place, soaking the  sunshine through the gentle breeze, yet, it is only the calm before the  storm. A few hours from now, politicians, celebrities, delegates,  protesters, reporters, bloggers and/or mere participants, including the  first family and its protection details will flood the Queen City,  historic host of the 2012 Democratic National Convention (DNC).

The world turned its attention to Charlotte, NC, following Tampa’s  Republican National Convention where former Massachusetts’ Governor Mitt  Romney, assisted by running mate Paul Ryan, accepted his party’s  nomination as President Barack Obama’s challenger during the November  2012 elections. The president will take center stage, seeking the  American people’s approval for a second consecutive term as Commander in  Chief. Some political analysts argued the president faced an uphill  battle, citing the country’s high unemployment rate.

Nevertheless, the city of Charlotte put on its best face to welcome  visitors to the mega event. Roadblocks create a buffer zone around the  uptown area, while highly visible law enforcement reinforces the newly  renovated streets. Television crews run around with makeover kits,  transforming street corners into satellite news studios. Businesses  greet potential customers with flashing billboards and posters,  showering them with a litany of slogans and advertisements, as steady  streams of enthusiasts flow in and out of local restaurants and other  uptown attractions ahead of the big event. Owners hope the influx of  visitors will boost revenues, as they face harsh economic realities;  something republican leaders say the Obama administration engineered.

Although President Obama won North Carolina four years ago, think  tanks perceive it as a pivotal battleground state he must win in  November. Therefore, it is not surprising that city officials and  democratic leaders went to great lengths to appropriately dress Uptown  Charlotte for the occasion, hoping a safe, enthusiastic democratic  convention will keep the Tar heels state in the president’s winning  column. But wait; here come the protesters.