Vice President Kamala Harris is set to become the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party this week at the Democratic National Convention, following a fast-tracked campaign to the nomination.
After President Joe Biden exited the presidential race in July, he was quick to endorse his right-hand woman to be the nominee. An overwhelming majority of the party has coalesced around Harris and embraced her as the new leader. She picked Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) to be her running mate, and the pair will become the nominees at the DNC in Chicago.
Here is everything you need to know about the Democrats’ convention.
When is the convention?
The 2024 Democratic National Convention runs Monday, Aug. 19, through Thursday, Aug. 23. Most programming will begin around 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.
Where is the convention?
The convention is taking place this year in Chicago, Illinois. Most events, including Harris’s acceptance speech, will take place at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks.
The last time the convention was held in Chicago was in 1968. That year, as many have pointed out, has similarities with this year’s convention. Then-President Lyndon B. Johnson also did not seek reelection, and the Democratic Party was protesting the Vietnam War. There are expected to be large protests from the left wing of the party, which is unhappy with the Biden administration’s handling of Israel’s war in Gaza.
Both political conventions this year took place in the upper Midwest, with the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July. Chicago and Milwaukee are about an hour-and-a-half drive or a quick flight apart.
What is the purpose of the convention?
The main event of the convention is the nomination of the presidential ticket on behalf of the party. Nearly 4,000 delegates representing each state will gather to approve a party platform and nominate the presidential ticket: Harris and Walz.
Who are some of the speakers?
The full schedule of the DNC has not been revealed.
Biden is expected to speak on the first night of the convention. According to those familiar with the matter, the first day of programming will focus on the accomplishments of the Biden administration. He will then “turn the keys over” to Harris. Former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is also expected to speak on Monday.
Tuesday’s lineup includes former President Barack Obama. Former President Bill Clinton is also expected to speak at some point. Former President Jimmy Carter’s grandson will speak on behalf of his grandfather.
Walz will accept the vice presidential nomination on Wednesday, as per tradition. Harris will make her acceptance speech Thursday night. Harris’s husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, is also expected to address the convention at some point.
Some celebrities, including Uma Thurman, John Legend, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Kerry Washington, will also attend. Beyonce is rumored to be performing on Thursday evening.
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How can I watch the convention?
The Washington Examiner will deliver a live feed for each day of the event on our YouTube channel. Monday’s livestream can be found here.
The DNC will also be livestreaming the event.
