The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) is set to begin on Monday, August 19, as thousands of delegates, party leaders, and supporters converge on Chicago with less than 80 days until Election Day. The convention is expected to attract around 50,000 visitors, including 5,000 delegates and alternates, making it a crucial event for the Democratic Party.
Harris and Walz Lead the Ticket
All eyes will be on Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who were nominated earlier this month in a virtual roll call following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Biden’s swift endorsement of Harris avoided the chaos of an open convention, allowing the party to rally quickly behind her and Walz as the Democratic nominees. Since their nomination, Harris and Walz have been actively campaigning across key battleground states to energize voters.
Where and When Is the DNC Happening?
The DNC will take place in Chicago, a city chosen for its representation of the party’s diversity and its status as a “union city” in the heart of the Midwest. The convention will be held at two primary venues: the United Center and McCormick Place. The United Center will host the primetime programming, including major speeches, performances, and video presentations, while McCormick Place will be the site for caucus meetings and party briefings.
Who Is Speaking at the DNC?
While the full list of speakers is yet to be announced, several key figures have been confirmed:
- Monday: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and President Joe Biden
- Tuesday: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and former President Barack Obama
- Wednesday: Former President Bill Clinton, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Governor Tim Walz
- Thursday: Vice President Kamala Harris will close out the convention with her keynote speech
Other notable speakers expected to address the convention include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
The DNC Platform: Key Issues
The DNC platform outlines the party’s policy priorities, with a strong focus on contrasting their agenda with that of former President Donald Trump, who is mentioned nearly 150 times in the draft. Key issues include raising taxes on billionaires, lowering childcare costs, investing in clean energy, and restoring reproductive rights. On the contentious issue of the Gaza war, the platform supports an “immediate and lasting ceasefire” but stops short of committing to cease U.S. munitions supply to Israel.
How to Watch the DNC
The convention will be broadcast live each night, with major networks airing one hour of coverage at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. In addition, the entire event will stream across various platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more. For those who prefer traditional TV, platforms like AppleTV, RokuTV, and FireTV will also carry the stream.
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