What to expect from the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention.
2024 Democratic National Convention
It’s a tradition that dates back to the 1830s, when a group of Democratic delegates supporting President Andrew Jackson met in Baltimore to nominate him for a second term.
This year will be a little different than before, as the party has already officially nominated Vice President Kamala Harris in a virtual roll call after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
However, many other DNC traditions will remain unchanged, including celebrity appearances and notable speeches by party leaders. Here’s what you should know.
What happens during the DNC?
Because Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz have already been nominated, this year’s convention will focus on speeches by prominent Democrats and endorsements of the party’s program.
Delegates work during the day to finalize the platform, a draft of which has already been made available.
It addresses a wide range of concerns, including measures to reduce inflation, mitigate climate change and combat gun violence.
In the draft, Democrats compared each of the party’s positions to Project 2025, an ultra-conservative blueprint for a second Trump presidency created by the Heritage Foundation. Trump has tried to distance himself from the project, even though numerous of his aides helped write it.
Who will speak?
Dozens of prominent Democrats and celebrities will take the stage in Chicago.
Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak Tuesday, along with former First Lady Michelle Obama. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Ms. Harris’ husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, will also speak.
Former President Bill Clinton and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are reportedly scheduled to appear on Wednesday.
ALSO READ : Project 2025: A wish list for a Trump presidency is explained.
Project 2025: A wish list for a Trump presidency is explained.
It is billed as a policy “wish list” for the next Republican president, with the goal of dramatically expanding presidential powers and imposing an ultra-conservative social agenda on the United States.
Ms. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will deliver a prime-time speech the night after her nomination.
The most significant night of the conference is Thursday, when Vice President Harris takes the podium.
He will formally accept the presidential nomination and deliver a speech titled “For the Future” on the final night of the convention.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will also take the stage this week.
The conference has already heard from President Joe Biden, who delivered the keynote address on Monday. He was introduced to his wife Jill and daughter Ashley. During an impassioned defense of his administration, he remarked, “America, I gave you my best.”
That same evening, 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton paid tribute to Mr. Biden and expressed her hope that Kamala Harris would eventually break the “tallest, toughest glass ceiling” in the United States by becoming the first female president.
Other speakers on Monday included progressive legislator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Americans Affected by Abortion Bans in Republican-controlled states and labor leaders such as Sean Fein of the United Auto Workers union.
And who will be present?
This year’s event in Chicago is expected to draw nearly 50,000 attendees. It includes thousands of delegates elected by state Democratic parties, as well as superdelegates, who are major elected officials, prominent Democratic Party members, and members of certain Democratic National Committees.
Several thousand members of the media will also be present.
It will be a star-studded gathering with various celebrities. In 2020, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Eva Longoria attended the event, while Elizabeth Banks and America Ferrera did so in 2016.
Rumors have swirled that megastars Beyoncé and Taylor Swift may appear this year, but neither has confirmed.
What will be the protest?
Protests are planned outside the DNC venue, many of which focus on protesting US support for Israel’s conflict in Gaza.
On Monday, thousands of people marched in a largely peaceful rally to demand a cease-fire in Gaza and an end to US support for Israel. Several people were arrested after breaking through the security fence.
Turnout was even lower than the 15,000 that organizers had claimed.
Mr Biden acknowledged that activists “have a point” in his speech that night and added that “a lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides”.
How can I follow the coverage?
Members of the public may only attend the convention in person if they volunteer. However, as with the Republican Convention, there will be extensive national media coverage and the convention itself will be live-streamed on social media sites.
You’ll be able to follow MACLISTEN news coverage with on-site reporting and commentary on the website and app, as well as via our live stream.
