While rumors of the high-profile performers haven’t been confirmed, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) promises to be a historical event in what has already been an extraordinary presidential election cycle.
Heightened security measures are in place as more than 50,000 visitors are expected for the convention, which runs from Aug. 19 to 22 at the United Center in Chicago. Some 5,000 Democratic delegates and party leaders, not to mention thousands of demonstrators protesting the U.S. funding of Israel’s war in Gaza, abortion, and other causes, are set to gather in the city.
Historic firsts mark this year’s Democratic convention. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, the daughter of immigrants, will make history as the first Black and South Asian woman to represent a major political party in the U.S.
Harris ascended to the top of the ticket when President Joe Biden decided not to seek a second term. Following pressure from Democratic party leaders to step aside due to concerns about his ability to make the case against former President Donald Trump, Biden announced on July 27 that he would bow out of the race for president and endorsed Harris.
Biden’s choice to pass the torch to Harris has sparked excitement and enthusiasm among Democratic voters, as reflected in improved polling numbers, increased fundraising, and large rally turnouts. If elected in November, Harris would become the first woman president of the United States.
Though Harris has not emphasized the historic nature of her candidacy in her presidential campaign thus far, during her 2019 presidential bid, she cited Shirley Chisholm as a major inspiration. Chisholm made history in 1972 as the first Black woman to seek the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
DNC Speaker Highlights
Day one: President Joe Biden will take the stage on Monday night to make the case for VP Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, as well as highlight the Biden-Harris administration’s achievements and make the argument against giving Trump another four years.
According to reports, Dr. Jill Biden will pay tribute to her husband. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also set to speak. The night’s theme is “For the People,” a slogan used during Harris’s campaign for president in 2019.
Day Two: Keeping with the forward approach of the Harris-Walz campaign, Tuesday night’s theme is “A Bold Vision for America’s Future.” Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to give remarks, and Former First Lady Michelle Obama is also set to speak.
Day Three: The Harris-Walz campaign theme of “A Fight for Our Freedoms” will be highlighted on Wednesday night. Vice presidential nominee Gov. Walz will give his acceptance speech following a speech by President Bill Clinton. According to reports, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also scheduled to speak on Wednesday.
Day Four: Presidential nominee Harris will officially accept the nomination on Thursday night. The theme for that day is “For Our Future.”
Beyond the DNC
In addition to the major networks offering primetime coverage, viewers can watch the convention on various streaming platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The official livestream will be at DemConvention.com.
Before their acceptance speeches on Wednesday and Thursday, Harris and Walz will hit the road during the DNC convention to hold a rally in Milwaukee on Tuesday night at the Fiserv Forum. The pair completed a bus tour in Pennsylvania over the weekend before the convention.
Following the convention, the next potentially pivotal steps in the 2024 presidential campaign will occur when Vice President Harris and former President Trump square off in a highly anticipated debate hosted by ABC on Sept. 10. Vice presidential candidates Gov. Walz and Sen. JD Vance are scheduled to debate Oct. 1 on CBS.