The 2024 Democratic National Convention officially begins today in Chicago, with Vice President Kamala Harris stepping into the spotlight as the Democratic nominee for president. The convention marks a pivotal moment in the election cycle, coming just three months before the November general election. Harris’s campaign has gained significant momentum as she takes over from President Joe Biden, who ended his reelection bid last month amid concerns within his party about his ability to continue as commander in chief at his advanced age.
Harris’s candidacy has been met with enthusiasm from Democratic voters, and the party has quickly rallied around her. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been selected as her running mate, solidifying the Democratic ticket as they gear up to challenge former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
When is the 2024 Democratic National Convention?
The four-day convention kicks off on Monday and runs through Thursday. The event will feature speeches, party business, and formal nominations for the Democratic presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Keynote speeches and programming will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. CT) on Monday. Evening programming will continue Tuesday through Thursday, starting at 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT) and wrapping up around 11 p.m. ET (10 p.m. CT) each night.
Where is the Democratic National Convention?
This year’s convention is being held in Chicago, a stronghold for the Democratic Party. The city last hosted a nominating convention in 1996 when then-President Bill Clinton was seeking reelection. The event will take place at two venues: the United Center, which will host the evening speeches and events, and McCormick Place, where official party business and meetings will be held during the day.
Although Chicago itself isn’t located in a battleground state, it’s strategically positioned near key swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan. These states will be crucial for Democrats if they hope to secure a victory in November. Both Wisconsin and Michigan, historically part of the Democratic “blue wall,” flipped to Trump in 2016 before returning to the Democratic column under Biden in 2020. Nearby Minnesota, while not considered a battleground state, had shown signs of competitiveness for Republicans before Harris selected Walz as her running mate.
When Chicago was announced as the host city, the Democratic National Committee emphasized the region’s importance in securing Biden’s 2020 win. As DNC chairman Jaime Harrison noted, “The Midwest reflects America.”
What’s happening at the convention?
Over 4,000 delegates will convene in Chicago to officially recognize Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president and to approve the party’s platform. Typically, the convention includes a roll call vote to formally nominate both presidential and vice-presidential candidates. However, Harris had already secured a majority of delegates earlier this month in a virtual roll call vote. This decision was made to avoid any issues with ballot access in key states like Ohio. Nevertheless, a ceremonial roll call is expected to take place during the convention.
What’s the speaker schedule for the 2024 DNC?
While the official schedule has yet to be fully released, Democratic National Convention officials have confirmed that President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will deliver remarks on Monday. The theme for the night will be “For the People,” with speakers paying tribute to President Biden’s leadership.
Other prominent speakers include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic nominee, as well as heads of major labor unions. On Monday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and New York Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamie Raskin will also deliver speeches. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker are slated to speak on Tuesday.
Former President Barack Obama will deliver a highly anticipated speech on Tuesday under the theme “A Bold Vision for the Future.” Former First Lady Michelle Obama will also address the convention that night. Wednesday’s theme, “A Fight for Freedom,” will feature former President Bill Clinton and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi of California.
Wednesday will also see Tim Walz officially accept the vice-presidential nomination. Kamala Harris will formally accept the presidential nomination on Thursday during a night dedicated to the theme “For the Future.” Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are among the other notable speakers scheduled throughout the week.
Anita Dunn, a former senior adviser to President Biden who is now with the super PAC supporting Harris, previewed Harris’s upcoming speech in an interview. She emphasized that Harris would focus on moving the country forward and building an opportunity-driven economy. Dunn also hinted that the Democrats would draw a sharp contrast between their vision and that of Trump and the GOP, highlighting the stakes of the upcoming election.
What is the Democratic Party platform for 2024?
The Democratic Party unveiled a draft of their platform in July while President Biden was still in the race. The platform seeks to draw a sharp contrast between Democratic priorities and those of Donald Trump and the Republican Party, particularly with regard to “Project 2025,” a conservative agenda proposed for the next Republican president.
Key elements of the Democratic platform include raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, making the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit permanent, and addressing child care and health care costs. Additionally, the platform proposes implementing a minimum income tax for billionaires, raising the corporate tax rate, banning “junk fees,” and expanding clean energy projects.
On reproductive rights, Democrats are committed to passing legislation to codify abortion protections, strengthen access to contraception, and safeguard access to IVF and medication abortion. The platform also supports the expungement of federal marijuana-only convictions, securing the U.S. border, and enacting gun control measures, such as banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Internationally, the platform advocates for a negotiated two-state solution that ensures Israel’s security and the right of Palestinians to live in freedom in a viable state of their own.