In pictures: Pennsylvania’s passionate performance at the Democratic Party Convention

CHICAGO – Thousands of delegates, prominent politicians, social media influencers, celebrities and attendees flocked to Chicago last week for the Democratic National Convention.

Among those in attendance were ten students from COMM 4280: “Conventions, Debates, and Campaigns” – a course offered at Pennsylvania University once every presidential election year – and among them were two photographers from the Daily Pennsylvanian.

Over the four days, politicians delivered enthusiastic, rousing speeches and democratic groups mobilized for conferences, breakfasts and panel discussions to support their party. This is how the DP captured this historic moment in an unprecedented electoral cycle.

The energy was particularly high among the delegations from the swing states – Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania.

At the convention, Pennsylvania delegates completed their voting as Boyz II Men’s “Motownphilly” played in the background. Although Harris was declared the nominee in a virtual vote earlier this month, Pennsylvania officially cast its vote for Harris.

Pennsylvania delegates and politicians showed their support for Harris throughout the week, hosting breakfasts each day at the famous Palmer House. Prominent Pennsylvania politicians such as Governor Josh Shapiro (D-Penn.) and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker (D-Penn.) were in attendance, emphasizing Pennsylvania’s importance in the upcoming election.

It is extremely important that all offices be filled by members of the Democratic Party “in order to deliver for this electorate,” Parker told the DP.

Democratic vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) surprised the crowd when he spoke at the Pennsylvania delegation breakfast. The crowd listened as Walz praised Pennsylvania for its efforts to get voters to the polls.

“Believe in a positive future,” Walz said.

Throughout the week, several politicians, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Senator Corey Booker (DN.J.), local politicians and Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz, delivered enthusiastic speeches to the Pennsylvania delegation.

The course that allows Penn students to attend the DNC is held at the Annenberg School For Communication. Led by instructors David Eisenhower, Marjorie Margolies and Craig Snyder, the students had the unique opportunity to meet politicians, activists and journalists.

Other students in the class attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July. Together they will meet in person for classes once a week until Election Day.

Although the outcome of the election is still uncertain, Pennsylvania plays a crucial role as a swing state. But for now, the delegates from Pennsylvania, along with the students of the University of Pennsylvania, felt the energy of a newly strengthened Democratic Party during the four short days.