CHICAGO — The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) is set to begin Monday, Aug. 19, in Chicago, marking a historic moment for the Democratic Party. Delegates from across the nation will officially throw their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, following their unconventional rise to the party’s nomination. The four-day event will be packed with speeches from Democratic heavyweights and serve as a rallying cry for the party as it gears up for the upcoming election.
Vice President Harris secured the nomination after garnering the majority of delegate votes during a virtual roll call earlier this month. Her nomination comes as President Joe Biden withdrew from the race following concerns about his age and ability to campaign, effectively passing the torch to Harris. This momentous occasion will culminate with Harris’ acceptance speech on Thursday night.
President Biden is expected to take center stage on Monday evening, delivering a bittersweet address as he reflects on his legacy and the future of the party. His withdrawal from the race came after private and public pressure from Democratic leaders and polling data indicating a widening gap between him and former President Donald Trump. Despite stepping aside, Biden has endorsed Harris, emphasizing her potential to be “one hell of a president.”
In a speech likely to celebrate his administration’s accomplishments—including the Inflation Reduction Act and federal gun reform—Biden is expected to rally Democrats while acknowledging that the future of the party now rests in Harris’ hands. Observers anticipate that Biden will receive a hero’s welcome, with calls for unity and recognition of his policy achievements.
The convention will feature a lineup of notable speakers, including Bernie Sanders, who will focus on lowering healthcare costs and taking on Big Pharma, a key issue for the Harris-Walz ticket. Other prominent figures such as Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton will also speak throughout the week, adding to the event’s political gravitas.
The DNC will be held at the United Center, with additional activities at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Democrats are gathering in Chicago, a key stronghold in the party’s 2020 victory, as they look to re-energize their base ahead of November’s election.
ABC News will provide special coverage throughout the convention, with live-streamed events available on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
