August 18, 2024
- This week (Monday through Thursday), the Democratic National Convention kicks off. Traditionally, this is the event where elected Democratic delegates formally cast their votes for the person they want to run for President in November. Naturally, there are a few differences this year than others, including that — due to threatened shenanigans from the Ohio legislature — the delegates have already made their formal choice of Vice President Kamala Harris. Here’s what else you need to know:
- The convention will be held at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois (home of the Chicago Bulls), and the proceedings will be live-streamed across multiple platforms, including the convention website, YouTube, and eX-Twitter. Additionally, for the first time, vertical streams will be made available for the folks on TikTok and Instagram.
- English and Spanish versions are expected to be provided, as well as American Sign Language interpretation and an audio description service.
- Naturally, traditional television will also air portions of the programming during prime time, with previous night highlights hitting the morning news programs.
- Organizers expect 50,000 visitors to attend, including around 4,000 actual delegates.
- The program had to be adjusted quite a bit due to significant events that happened over the past few weeks, including President Joe Biden giving a speech now on the first night (rather than the last) to officially “pass the torch” on to Harris. Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will of course speak to accept their nominations.
- Also expect appearances this week from former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State (and previous candidate) Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Outside of traditional politicians, we’ll also hear from folks like Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
- The overarching theme for the program will be “For the People, For Our Future”, with each night focusing on a different aspect:
- Monday: “For the People”
- Tuesday: “A Bold Vision for America’s Future”
- Wednesday: “A Fight for Our Freedoms”
- Thursday: “For Our Future”
- When the Democrats last held their event in Chicago in 1968, there were significant protests regarding the Vietnam war, which resulted in brutal crackdowns from police. This year, there will also be protests from those who oppose the Biden administration’s support for Israel in its war with Hamas. Local police say they’ve undergone extensive de-escalation training in preparation, and to hopefully fend off a redux of 1968.
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