The Democratic National Convention is set to begin on Monday in Chicago, following a series of unexpected events that led to a change in the party's nominee. With President Joe Biden stepping down from the campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris has swiftly taken his place at the top of the ticket, reshaping the general election battle against former President Donald Trump.
As delegates and officials gather in Chicago, adjustments have been made to the party's platform and physical materials to reflect the new ticket. The convention will run from Monday through Thursday, featuring speeches and activities in prime time each night. Notable speakers expected to address the convention include Harris, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as 2016 nominee Hillary Clinton.
The convention will be livestreamed on various platforms, including the convention website, YouTube, and X. For the first time, vertical streams will be available on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to enhance accessibility on mobile devices. The event will offer English and Spanish versions, American Sign Language interpretation, and an audio description service.
The convention is taking place at the United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, with additional event spaces at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Security measures are in place to restrict access to delegates, officials, volunteers, and credentialed media.
Protests are expected in Chicago, with concerns raised about potential unrest related to the Biden administration's stance on international issues. Law enforcement has undergone de-escalation training in preparation for any demonstrations.
Key moments to watch for include Harris' nomination acceptance on Thursday, Walz's acceptance as her running mate on Wednesday, and Biden's speech on Monday. The convention themes for each day have been announced as “For the People,” “A Bold Vision for America's Future,” “A Fight for Our Freedoms,” and “For Our Future.”
Following the convention, a debate between Harris and Trump is scheduled for September 10, with additional debates between Walz and Vance, and potentially more presidential and vice presidential debates to come.
