This week, the Democratic National Convention in Chicago will serve as the official stage to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the Democratic Party’s presidential and vice-presidential nominees. The event marks a significant moment for the party following President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the race in July.
The atmosphere heading into the convention is optimistic, with Harris gaining ground on her Republican opponent, Donald Trump. Since Biden stepped aside, the ticket of Harris and Walz has energized the Democratic base, drawing increased attention from young voters, celebrities, and major donors. Harris, at 59, is making history as the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major party’s presidential ticket. Her running mate, Tim Walz, a former teacher who transitioned into politics, has quickly risen in prominence with his relatable style and his viral moment when he labeled Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, as “weird.”
The convention, which runs from Monday through Thursday, will take place at Chicago’s United Center and will be broadcast on major TV networks like CNN, ABC, NBC, and PBS. It will also be available for streaming on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—marking a first in the convention’s history, according to the Democratic National Committee.
Prime-time sessions will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. local Chicago time) from Tuesday to Thursday, with Monday’s events starting slightly earlier at 6:15 p.m. Eastern Time. The lineup of speakers includes former President Bill Clinton, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Delegates have already cast their votes in a virtual roll call to confirm Harris as the party’s nominee. However, on Tuesday, the convention will hold a symbolic roll call where state delegations will give brief remarks, showcasing the party’s nationwide diversity. The event is expected to draw numerous celebrities, including musician John Legend, stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race, actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson from Modern Family, and soccer player Ali Krieger, all coming to show their support.
In a bid to divert attention, Republican nominee Donald Trump is planning a tour of key swing states, including a stop at the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday. His campaign aims to distract from the Democratic Convention’s momentum and reassert his presence in the race.
An important tradition at the convention is the release of the party’s platform—a comprehensive document outlining the Democratic Party’s policy priorities. The final 2024 platform was published Sunday night for delegates to vote on Monday. A draft version was initially released in July while Biden was still in the race.
Harris has already begun rolling out her campaign proposals, including plans to expand child tax credits, offer tax incentives for first-time homebuyers, and lower the costs of food and prescription drugs. Notably, she has also endorsed a proposal to exempt tipped wages from federal taxes—an idea that has found rare bipartisan support, with Trump backing it as well.
Polling Insights
Recent polls indicate a competitive race between Harris and Trump. A Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll conducted from July 24-28 showed Harris leading Trump by a slim margin, 48% to 47%, across seven critical swing states—a statistical deadlock. Another poll, released Sunday by The Washington Post, ABC News, and Ipsos, found Harris leading Trump 49% to 45% among registered voters nationwide. This poll also showed a near-tie when Biden was still the candidate in early July.
Security and Potential Protests
Security measures in Chicago will be significantly heightened, with an increased police presence, road closures, and collaboration between the U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement. These precautions come amid concerns about possible protests, especially regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian groups have announced plans for a large demonstration under the slogan “Shut Down the DNC for Gaza!” in protest against Harris’s support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas.
These concerns are intensified by memories of past events in Chicago, including the violent Vietnam War protests during the 1968 Democratic Convention and the civil unrest following George Floyd’s death in 2020.
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