The Democratic National Convention (DNC) will be held in Chicago starting next Monday (August 19) and will last for four days. The last time DNC was held in Chicago was in 1996.
Chicago beat out New York and Atlanta to secure the hosting rights for the 2024 DNC.
DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison stated that it was a difficult decision, but ultimately, considering Chicago’s labor relations and its proactive preparations, these factors helped Chicago win the opportunity. They will host approximately 50,000 visitors, 20,000 media members, and 5,500 delegates, alternates, and other guests attending the convention.
For a long time, Chicago has been considered a stronghold of the pro-labor movement in the Midwest, helping Brandon Johnson win a successful campaign for mayor.
Tourism industry professionals in Chicago are looking forward to having media from around the world gather locally to report on the convention. They believe this will help convey a positive image of Chicago, rather than it being in the national media spotlight in recent years due to crime.
Local officials have indicated that the hotel industry has recovered from the COVID pandemic, and this convention could enhance the city’s image in the coming years. Moreover, the timing of the conference is perfect to showcase Chicago’s beautiful attractions and unique features throughout the year.
ABC News reports that President Biden, former President Obama, Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary will all deliver speeches at the DNC convention.
Democratic Party officials stated that all speakers have not been finalized yet, and the lineup may change, but the Clintons have confirmed their attendance.
According to ABC News, the schedule from the Democratic National Committee currently stands as follows:
Monday: President Biden, former Secretary of State Hillary;
Tuesday: Former President Obama;
Wednesday: Vice Presidential nominee, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, former President Clinton;
Thursday: Presidential nominee, Vice President Harris.
The Democratic National Convention will last for four days and nights. After Biden withdrew from the race on July 21 under internal pressure, Democrats switched to online voting to nominate Harris as the party’s 2024 presidential candidate, rather than following the traditional process at the national convention.
The Democratic Party has redesigned the national convention agenda to praise Biden’s achievements and reintroduce Harris to the American people.
In addition, the Democratic Party’s “three presidents” have always been excellent fundraisers and the best explainers of policies, and they will help to articulate and refine domestic policies on economic and social issues that the public cares about.
The highlight and climax of the convention will be Harris’s nomination speech on Thursday night, August 22.
Typically, the goal of a party’s national convention is to introduce the presidential and vice-presidential candidates to the public who may not closely follow the campaign activities.
Organizers often share some personal highlights and stories of individuals, which serve as part of the party’s post-convention promotional material.
Axios reports that the message DNC hopes to convey this time is that the Democratic Party is concerned about America’s future.