WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Democratic National Committee will hold its convention in Chicago next week to celebrate the nomination of Kamala Harris as the party’s presidential candidate, with meetings beginning on Aug. 19.
The four-day event is expected to draw thousands of people to the city to show their enthusiasm for Harris’ surprise nomination after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
While the atmosphere inside the congressional hall is like a party, the streets outside are expected to be crowded with protesters who are unhappy with the democratic government’s support for the way Israel is waging its war in Gaza.
What you need to know:
WHAT IS THE CONVENTION?
The two major U.S. parties hold a convention in each presidential election cycle to officially nominate their candidates and adopt a party platform. The Democrats had already officially nominated Harris in a virtual delegate election last month because they were concerned about access to the ballot in states with early deadlines.
At the Republican Party convention in Minneapolis last month, Donald Trump was officially nominated and introduced his preferred candidate for vice president: JD Vance, a US senator from Ohio.
WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE DNC CONVENTION TAKE PLACE?
The congress will take place from August 19 to 22 at the United Center in Chicago.
The primetime events will be broadcast on all major networks, streaming services such as Hulu, Paramount Plus, Peacock and Max, the DNC’s YouTube and X channels, and various news websites.
WHO ARE THE SPEAKERS?
Biden will open the convention on Monday evening with a bittersweet keynote speech that will serve in some ways as a farewell for a politician who just a few weeks ago was scheduled to come to Chicago to accept his party’s re-nomination as its presidential candidate.
Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton will also speak.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, will introduce himself to Americans on Wednesday night, and Harris will close the convention on Thursday with one of the most significant speeches of her political career.
AND THE PROTESTS?
During the congress, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters plan to gather and demand that the US stop its aid to Israel in view of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The March on the DNC, a coalition of over 200 organizations from across the country, is planning two demonstrations during the event. Those events are expected to take place on Monday and Thursday.
(Reporting by Heather Timmons; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
