The first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) begins tomorrow in Chicago under the motto “For the People,” as thousands of politicians, delegates and speakers unite behind the newly formed slate of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Harris entered the presidential race nearly a month ago after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her on July 21.
Earlier this month, she secured enough delegates to run as the Democratic Party’s nominee and is expected to formally accept her nomination at the DNC. The main part of the convention will take place at the United Center, home to two of the city’s professional sports teams – the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks – and has a capacity of more than 20,000 spectators.
The convention will also honor Biden’s legacy, and many high-ranking current and former Democrats are expected to attend.
Newsweek reached out to the DNC via email on Sunday for confirmation of speakers and additional comment.
The convention is expected to demonstrate the unity of politicians and the party’s official support for the Harris-Waltz program. However, demonstrations by pro-Palestinian protesters, estimated to be tens of thousands of people from nearly 200 groups, are planned before the convention to demand that the government end US military aid to Israel during the 10-month war.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protests have taken place across the country, demanding ceasefires and an end to US support for Israel. The protests are a response to Israel’s ground and air offensives in Gaza following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed around 1,200 people and took about 250 hostage.
Since then, around 40,000 Palestinians have been killed and 2 million displaced, according to the Associated Press. Many protesters have criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the war.
Protesters at a campaign rally in Michigan interrupted Harris’ speech earlier this month, chanting, “Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide! We will not vote for genocide.” She shouted to the protesters, “You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, say so. Otherwise, I’ll speak.”
Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson told National Public Radio (NPR) on Saturday: “Protecting the fundamental right to protest is the foundation of the functioning of our democracy. I will do everything in my power to ensure that the First Amendment to the Constitution remains intact for all residents and people of this country.”
He added that the city had agreed on a route for the protesters and that “amplifiers and microphones and portable toilets and everything else that is needed there have been provided to ensure that the protesters are fully protected and respected.”
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Monday, August 19: “For the people”
On Monday, Johnson is expected to greet the crowd, while First Lady Jill Biden will deliver a brief speech.
President Biden is expected to deliver the keynote address, in which Biden’s aides told the DNC he will highlight the record of the Biden-Harris administration, his support for Harris and Walz, the importance of democracy and the need to defeat former President Donald Trump.
It is likely that Harris will appear alongside Biden at some point on Monday evening.
According to Axios, former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will also speak that evening.
Tuesday, August 20: “A bold vision for America’s future”
Illinois Democratic Governor JB Pritzker is scheduled to give a brief speech on Tuesday, according to Axios. In the CNN broadcast On the state of the nation On Sunday morning, Pritzker said the DNC would be “like a rock concert” with celebrations of Biden and Harris-Walz’s victory.
According to Axois, both former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are scheduled to speak on Tuesday. USA Today White House correspondent Joey Garrison reported Sunday on X, formerly Twitter, that Michelle Obama would speak before her husband, Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president for two terms.
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will also make a remark.
Wednesday, August 21: “A fight for our freedoms”
According to Axios and CNN, former President Bill Clinton, Representative Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg may speak Wednesday night.
The evening begins with the acceptance speeches of the candidates, with Walz giving his acceptance speech as Vice President.
Thursday, August 22: “For our future”
On the final evening of the convention, Harris is expected to deliver a speech and officially accept the party’s presidential nomination.
Other speakers
According to some reports, former and current members of the Democratic House and Senate, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are also expected to speak at the DNC.
