74 days before Election Day, the 2024 Democratic Party Convention took place from August 18 to 22 at the United Center in Chicago. 46 delegates from Iowa attended.
With so much political happening and changing in the weeks leading up to the convention and President Joe Biden’s exit just a month ago, several Iowa delegates expressed their growing excitement in the Windy City as the week progressed with high expectations for the new and younger faces at the top of the Democratic Party.
In recent days, many conversations have featured the word “freedom,” jabs at presidential candidate Donald Trump and vice presidential candidate JD Vance, and the claim “we are not going back,” warning of potential threats to Project 2025.
Heavy security forces, merchandise and protesters could be seen all over the city and even far beyond the restricted areas.
Among the protesters were supporters of Palestine, Bible preachers, supporters of former President Donald Trump and many others who wanted to speak and debate their concerns and beliefs.
With the conflict between Israel and Gaza a major burden for some voters, large organized pro-Palestine demonstrations have taken place throughout the week, with dozens of protesters arrested. On Wednesday, hundreds of police and over two thousand protesters filled the streets near the outer exclusion zone.
The Democratic Party Convention ended on Thursday evening with a speech by presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
A “No Trespassing” sign with stickers is seen in downtown Chicago on the third day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
