With just three months remaining until the 2024 election, thousands of individuals have convened in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention (DNC). This event, rooted in tradition since the 1830s, marks a significant moment for the Democratic Party, as delegates gather to solidify their platform and energize their base.
The convention’s origins can be traced back to the 1830s when Democratic delegates supporting President Andrew Jackson assembled in Baltimore to nominate him for a second term. Over time, this gathering has evolved into a major event, filled with speeches, celebrity appearances, and political strategy.
This year’s convention, taking place at the United Center Arena in Chicago, began on Monday, August 19, and will continue through Thursday, August 22. While the event will uphold many longstanding traditions, it comes with some notable changes. The most significant is that the party has already officially nominated Vice-President Kamala Harris through a virtual roll call, following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race.
As a result, the convention’s focus has shifted to speeches from key Democratic figures and the finalization of the party’s platform. The platform, which has already been drafted, addresses a wide array of issues, such as reducing inflation, combating climate change, and curbing gun violence. The draft also contrasts the Democratic Party’s positions with those outlined in Project 2025, a conservative blueprint developed by the Heritage Foundation for a potential second Trump administration. Although Trump has distanced himself from the project, several of his allies were involved in its creation.
Throughout the week, the convention will feature speeches from a range of prominent Democrats. On Tuesday, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are expected to deliver remarks. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth are also slated to speak. Other notable speakers include Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Mesa, Arizona Mayor John Giles, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, the husband of Kamala Harris.
Wednesday’s lineup is expected to feature former President Bill Clinton and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, among others. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’s running mate, will deliver the prime-time speech on Wednesday night after his official nomination. However, the most significant moment of the convention will occur on Thursday when Vice-President Harris takes the stage to formally accept the presidential nomination and deliver her speech, which will be the culmination of the event. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will also make an appearance during the week.
Already, several notable figures have addressed the convention. President Joe Biden, who was the headline speaker on Monday, delivered an emotional speech defending his presidency. Introduced by his wife Jill and daughter Ashley, Biden stated, “America, I gave my best to you.” The same evening, 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton praised Biden and expressed hope that Kamala Harris could finally shatter the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” by becoming the first female president. Other speakers on Monday included progressive lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, individuals affected by abortion bans in Republican-led states, and representatives from the labor movement, including United Auto Workers head Shawn Fain.
The convention is expected to draw around 50,000 attendees, including thousands of delegates chosen by state Democratic parties and super delegates, who are significant elected officials and members of the Democratic Party. The media presence will also be substantial, with thousands of members of the press covering the event.
In addition to the political figures, the convention will feature appearances from various celebrities. In previous years, actors such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Eva Longoria, Elizabeth Banks, and America Ferrera have attended the DNC. This year, rumors have circulated about potential appearances by mega-stars Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, although neither has confirmed their attendance.
While the convention itself is a highly orchestrated event, it is not without controversy. Demonstrations have been organized outside the DNC venue, primarily opposing U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza. On Monday, thousands of protesters marched, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. support for Israel. Although the protest was mostly peaceful, several arrests were made when some demonstrators breached a security fence. The turnout was reportedly lower than expected, falling short of the 15,000 participants claimed by organizers.
During his speech on Monday, President Biden acknowledged the protesters, stating, “The activists have a point,” and added, “A lot of innocent people are being killed, on both sides.”
For those unable to attend the convention in person, there are multiple ways to follow the coverage. Members of the public can only attend by volunteering, but national media outlets are providing extensive coverage. The convention itself is offering live streams on social media platforms, ensuring that the public can stay informed. BBC News is among the media organizations providing in-depth coverage, with special reporting and analysis available on their website and app, as well as on their live-stream. The BBC News Channel is also airing special coverage each night from 20:00 ET (01:00 BST). Additionally, special episodes of The Global Story and Americast podcasts can be found on BBC Sounds and other podcast platforms.
As the 2024 election draws nearer, the Democratic National Convention serves as a critical moment for the party to rally its supporters and present a unified front. With speeches from key figures, the adoption of a comprehensive platform, and the nomination of Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate, the convention will set the stage for the final stretch of the campaign.
