Tampa Prepares for a Short First Day of RNC

The weather was overcast and raining early Monday, when the convention site was largely deserted except for media and security in Tampa, Florida, August 27, 2012. (J. Featherly/VOA)

Anti-government protesters gesture towards riot police outside the headquarters of the ruling Puea Thai Party of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Bangkok, Nov. 29, 2013.

RNC banners are hung all over Tampa, Florida, August 27, 2012. (J. Featherly/VOA)

One of the many security checkpoints leading to the Republican National Convention. (J. Featherly/VOA)

Streets within the security cordon were deserted ahead of the convention in Tampa. (J. Featherly/VOA)

All televisions were tuned to weather coverage inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum. (J. Featherly/VOA)

The Tampa Bay Times Forum before the convention was due to be briefly called to order, August 27, 2012. (J. Featherly/VOA)

Officials meet on the main stage at the Republican National Convention shortly before it was called to order for ten minutes, Tampa, Florida, August 27, 2012. (N. Pinault/VOA)

Seating assignments are put out ahead of the convention, Tampa, Florida, August 27, 2012. (N. Pinault/VOA)

The debt clock on display at the Republican National Convention. (J. Featherly /VOA)

The Tampa Bay Times Forum before delegates began arriving. (J. Featherly/VOA)