Democrats open 2012 convention

The chair of the Democratic National Committee, Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, has opened the party's 2012 convention in the city of Charlotte, North Carolina.

In her opening remarks, Ms Wasserman Schultz said the Democrats were planning the "most open and accessible political convention in history".

The three-day event will see speakers from across the country, culminating with President Barack Obama's acceptance of the party's nomination for president.