- Kamala Harris to accept presidential nomination at DNC
- Thursday’s speech is pivotal for her 2024 campaign
- Democrats push platform opposing Trump’s Project 2025
Democrats will gather in Chicago on Thursday night to hear Vice President Kamala Harris deliver the most important speech of her life as she prepares for the presidential race in November.
Ms Harris will formally accept her party’s nomination on the final day of the Democratic National Convention, following a ceremonial roll call earlier this week in which state delegates confirmed their support.
Her running mate Tim Walz appeared on Wednesday night, pleading to middle America with a “pep talk” in the style of an American football coach.
Political conventions in the United States have been held every four years before presidential elections since the 1830s when a group of Democratic delegates supporting President Andrew Jackson met to nominate him for a second term.
Here’s what you should know about the 2024 DNC, attended by hundreds of individuals.
What’s coming up on Thursday?
The convention has been building towards Thursday night.
When she approaches the stage, Vice President Harris will formally receive the presidential nomination and deliver a speech about November.
It will be the most important speech of her political career.
Ms Harris became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden stepped aside and endorsed her, following weeks of pressure from party members.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, both from swing states, are slated to appear on Thursday, as is prominent Republican Adam Kinzinger.
Who spoke on Wednesday?
Wednesday night was Mr Walz’s first important opportunity to introduce himself to the country – specifically, to connect with middle Americans.
His speech focused heavily on his personal life, highlighting the value of his family, his teaching profession and time spent coaching a high school football team, his experience in the Army National Guard, and his service as a congressman and Minnesota governor.
Long-time television anchor Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance, eliciting a boisterous response and pushing Americans to “choose truth” in the forthcoming election.
Other famous Democrats who appeared on the same night included former President Bill Clinton and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Rising stars like Pennsylvania’s governor, Josh Shapiro, also made appearances.
Earlier this week, the convention heard from President Joe Biden, who stepped down last month to allow Ms. Harris to run for president. He made an emotional defence of his time in the White House on Monday, saying, “America, I gave my best to you.”
The same evening, Hillary Clinton, the 2016 presidential contender, ascended the stage to express her hope that Ms Harris would ultimately break the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” in the United States by becoming the first female president.
Barack and Michelle Obama delivered back-to-back remarks on Tuesday, mixing jokes with serious calls for Democrats to vote in November.
“Hope is making a comeback,” Mrs Obama stated. This contrasted with the “chaos” of Donald Trump’s presidency, Mr Obama said. Stephanie Grisham, Trump’s former spokeswoman, delivered her speech denouncing her former boss.
Doug Emhoff, America’s Second Gentleman, was brought to the stage the same night by his son Cole, who referred to him as a “goofy dad”. Mr Emhoff went on to describe his wife, Ms Harris, as the “right person” for him and the president.
What is the purpose of the DNC?
Because Ms Harris and Mr Walz had already been nominated before the event, and the roll call was a formality, this year’s convention has been centred on speeches and the approval of the party’s platform.
Delegates have been working over the day to finish the platform, a draft of which has already been released. It addresses a wide range of concerns, including measures to reduce inflation, ameliorate climate change, and combat gun violence.
In the draft, Democrats compare each of the party’s positions to Project 2025, an ultra-conservative blueprint for a second Trump presidency created by the Heritage Foundation. Trump has tried to disassociate himself from the project, even though numerous of his associates helped write it.
Who else is in attendance?
Approximately 50,000 individuals are reported to have attended the event in Chicago. They include thousands of delegates chosen by state Democratic parties, party leaders, and some Democratic National Committee members.
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The DNC has been a star-studded affair, similar to the Republican convention last month, which also featured well-known figures. Winfrey and Lil Jon have been joined by musicians Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Lil Jon, as well as comedian Mindy Kaling.
Rumours have circulated about mega-stars Beyoncé and Taylor Swift making visits, but neither has confirmed anything.
How about the protests?
Demonstrations have taken place outside the convention venue, focussing on protests to the US support for Israel’s attack in Gaza. A further demonstration is scheduled for Thursday.
On Wednesday, delegates who were refused the opportunity to speak at the convention staged a sit-in outside the arena.
As part of an internal protest over Gaza, the delegates elected in state Democratic primaries earlier this year promised to be “uncommitted” to any presidential contender.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, a protest near Chicago’s Israeli consulate ended in scuffles between demonstrators and police, resulting in multiple arrests.
On Monday, thousands of demonstrators marched to the streets in a mainly peaceful protest, demanding a cease-fire in Gaza and an end to US support for Israel. Several were arrested after scores of them smashed through a security fence.
Mr Biden recognised that the activists “have a point” in his speech that night, adding that “a lot of innocent people are being killed, on both sides”.
