Kamala Harris is set to formally accept her party’s nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago next week.
Preparations for the DNC are underway in the nation’s third-largest city as Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, continue to rally voters this week on the campaign trail.
This is the first time the Windy City has hosted the event since 1996.
Democrat Stronghold
The convention will be held from Aug. 19–22 at the United Center, an indoor arena on the west side of Chicago that hosts the Chicago Bulls basketball games. Other official business, including meetings and briefings, will be held at McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America.
Chicago was chosen as the site of this year’s DNC because it is a “union city” and part of the democrat stronghold that led to a Biden-Harris victory in 2020, according to the DNC website.
“Chicago is the perfect place to tell the story of the Democratic Party to the American people,” the website states. “Chicago represents the diversity of the Democratic Party and the country.”
A total of 50,000 people will attend the convention. This includes 5,000 delegates representing all 50 states and U.S. territories and 15,000 members of the media. Only credentialed delegates, guests, and media can attend the event in person.
As many as 500 officers from law enforcement agencies across the state will provide security for the convention. The city’s police chief on Monday issued a warning to potential rioters.
“Protesting and rioting are two different things. You have the right to protest, but there will be no rioting tolerated,” Police Supt. Larry Snelling said.
Purpose
The convention, traditionally held every four years, is a chance for the Democratic Party to offer a comprehensive party platform and adopt a unified stance on major issues.
“At the convention, Democrats will come together to build on our progress, lay out what’s at stake in this election, and unite around our shared values of democracy and freedom to create a future for all Americans,” according to the official website.
Despite Harris having already secured the presidential nomination, an in-person ceremonial roll call will still be held at the DNC. A virtual vote was held earlier this month in which Harris surpassed the threshold to win the majority of delegates’ votes, according to DNC Chair Jaime Harrison.
“I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party following the close of voting” on Aug. 5, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said during a livestream video.
Harris secured 4,563 votes during the virtual vote, far surpassing the 2,350 votes needed to secure the party’s nomination.
“Throughout this process, thousands of delegates made their voices and the voices of their communities heard, and their diligence and dedication has ensured that every voter has the opportunity to vote for our Democratic nominees this November,” according to a statement by convention chair Minyon Moore.
“Now the eyes of the world turn to Chicago, where our delegates will celebrate this historic ticket with a ceremonial roll call and tell the story of Vice President Harris, Governor Walz, and the Democratic Party as we prepare to defeat Donald Trump once again.”
Guest Speakers
Although a schedule of guest speakers has not been published, high-profile speakers are expected to attend the DNC and address Democratic delegates and supporters.
President Joe Biden will speak at the DNC, the White House confirmed on Monday.
“I think you can expect this president to take this moment,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “He understands this is an incredibly important moment … He’s still very much the leader of the party, right? And he takes that very seriously. And he’s also very proud of his vice president.”
Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee after Biden suddenly changed course and dropped his reelection bid. Shortly after his shock announcement, Biden endorsed Harris as his replacement in the 2024 race.
Walz is scheduled to address the DNC on Wednesday and accept a ceremonial nomination as vice president. Harris tapped the Minnesota governor as her running mate last week. The pair made their debut as the new 2024 democrat ticket at a rally in Philadelphia as part of their weeklong campaign tour of several battleground states.
Harris is expected to close out the convention as featured speaker on Thursday when she formally accepts her party’s nomination for president.