CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
An article written for Reuters says the outlook for the Democratic National Convention, being held in Charlotte next week, is grim and "Democrats have only themselves to blame."
The biggest reason? A tighter hold on the purse strings is keeping the convention and surrounding parties less lavish.
The article, written by Andy Sullivan, also quotes a Democratic lobbyist who says "going to the NASCAR Hall of Fame isn't reason enough to be in Charlotte."
"Many were already less than enthusiastic about spending a week in Charlotte," the article states. "Which is known more for its banks than its cultural amenities."
The article also calls Charlotte a "second-tier host city with few cultural attractions."
Charlotte residents who read the article Tuesday said they strongly disagreed with the critics' assessment of the Queen City.
"They're just hating on Charlotte," said Jamarl Duckson, who thinks Sullivan and the lobbyist he quoted have probably never set foot in the city.
"This is the best city in America," said Duckson.
Other residents pointed out cultural attractions like the Mint Museum, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the Levine Museum of the New South, and the The U.S. National Whitewater Center, to name a few.
"There's a lot more to Charlotte," said one resident. "There's great places to go eat, to visit, to learn."
Other locals mentioned a host of Queen City festivals from Speed Street to Taste of Charlotte.
While many residents jumped to defend their fair city, others simply offered an invitation for "the haters" to come visit.
"Just come here and see and you'll figure it out yourself."
