Diary of a Democratic Delegate -- Welcome to Charlotte!

Welcome to Charlotte! ... That has been the refrain we've been hearing since we got here from the hundreds, maybe thousands, of local volunteers who seem to be everywhere as we settle in for the 47th Democratic National Convention. ... Tonight, the community rolled out the "blue carpet" for delegates and their guests at welcome parties all over town, and ours was at the local science museum, the Discovery Center.  The Michigan delegation is housed in Concord, smack dab in the middle of the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR operations with names such as Roush, Petty, Earnhardt, Ganassi and Hendrick, so we were welcomed by both Concord Mayor Scott Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx AND Concord Mayor Scott Padgett. They spoke of how their region has evolved into an economic powerhouse anchoring not only the motorsports empire, but finance and energy innovators as well.  - - - THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME Michigan delegates had gathered since arriving, and there was a lot of hugging, kissing and, of course, politicking.  Party Chair Mark Brewer told us daily breakfast briefings would begin tomorrow (Monday) at 7 a.m., and I am told there will be a VIP mystery guest (no, not Clint Eastwood or The Chair!).  The daily briefing will be followed by scads of caucuses and special events at the convention center and other venues downtown. Tomorrow, I plan to go to the ethnic caucus, the faith caucus and several other events before dropping in on the signature local Labor Day public event, an ARTS BEATS AND EATS style street party called Carolina Fest featuring top-notch performers such as Jeff Bridges and James Taylor. - -- WILL GIVE YOU ANOTHER REPORT tomorrow. You can also follow my tweets at #hoffmanfred.