Image via: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Chicago, IL – The Democratic National Convention is being held in Chicago, Illinois this election year, as democrats vow to select Vice President Kamala Harris as the democratic presidential nominee.
The first question — where can I watch? Those wanting to view have a variety of choices. Almost all, if not all, news networks on cable and network will carry coverage at a scheduled time each night (Monday – Thursday). Viewers can also watch on the DNCs’ X and YouTube. The DNC has also said they will have a vertical live-stream on social media.
The second question — who will speak and when? While, the official schedule has not been released for the convention — Harris, her VP pick Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, President Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as Hillary Clinton and former first lady Michelle Obama are said to all speak. Brookland News expects the official schedule to be released on Monday.
President Biden will be the keynote speaker and is said to speak on Monday night, during primetime.
Biden is expected to put his full pledge support behind Kamala Harris and what she will do in the Oval Office. Biden will be campaigning for Harris after the Democratic National Convention.
The third question — what even is the DNC and why is it a thing? The DNC used to be a huge event, and it was unexpected who the delegates would pick as the nominee. Now, the convention is largely expected and a platform for past and future democratic party leaders and candidates to get there name out there.
According to multiple sources, there will be a large amount of pro-Palestinian protesters. One source reports that there will be upwards of 20,000 protesters outside of the convention.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has said protesters should protest at the DNC.
“Well, the first and foremost – protecting the fundamental right to protests in this country is why our democracy is functional, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that the First Amendment of all residents, people of this country, remain intact.”
– Mayor Brandon Johnson, of Chicago | Source: NPR Radio Interview
Protesters will protest nearly three miles away from the convention at lakefront park.
Kamala Harris has been defiant to anti-Israel protesters at her rallies and public events. “If you want Donald Trump to win , say so, otherwise I’m speaking,” Harris said to protesters at a recent rally.
The last Democratic National Convention that turned into chaos was in 1968, when police battled anti-war protesters. At that time, delegates even battled with protesters as they casted their delegates to Vice President Hubert Humphrey. Humphrey had not been on the ballot or was voted for during the primaries, similar to Kamala Harris.