CHICAGO (CBS) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson took the podium Monday evening to address delegates to the first night of Democratic National Convention.
Johnson drew on the city’s history of political activism and famous figures from Ida B. Wells to Jesse Jackson to former President Barack Obama, and linked that legacy to the party platform behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who will officially accept the Democratic presidential nomination. Johnson argued that she will stand up for working and middle-class Americans.
“As the son of a family that had to work hard to make ends meet, I know that Kamala Harris, the daughter of a mother who worked hard every day, will look out for the interests of ordinary people,” he said.
The mayor also pointed to the historic nature of Harris’ campaign, as she is the first black woman and Asian-American woman to run as a major party candidate.
“As a black man raising a little black girl on the West Side of Chicago, I know that in the White House, my daughter Braedyn will not only see a reflection of herself, but will also experience the deepest part of American values,” he said.
As CBS News Chicago’s Chris Tye reported, Johnson seemed to deviate significantly from what was loaded into the convention’s teleprompter and also spoke a little longer than expected. But the pace seemed to be well received, as the festivities also began about a half hour later than planned.
However, Johnson’s speech took place shortly after the repair of a Breaking through the security fence by some demonstrators near the United Center. Thousands of people were march to protest against the policies of the Biden administration in support of Israel and its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
