According to NBC News, the Democratic National Convention, which will take place in Chicago from August 19-22, 2024, will feature prominent party figures as speakers.
The speakers' list includes President Joe Biden, former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, is also confirmed to speak on behalf of his grandfather. This lineup echoes the 2020 convention, where Obama and the Clintons also delivered speeches, albeit in a largely virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to make history at the convention as she formally accepts the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.
Harris, who ran unopposed after Biden's withdrawal, has already secured the majority of delegate votes in a virtual voting process earlier this month. Her nomination marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first Black woman and first Indian American to secure a major party's presidential nomination in U.S. history.
The convention will also serve as a platform for Harris to introduce her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, whom she announced last week. This announcement has further energized the campaign, with a reported surge in requests for entry into the main event space at the United Center and other convention-related events in Chicago.
Harris's campaign has shown impressive momentum since her presidential bid announcement last month. The campaign reported raising a historic $310 million in the previous month, with an additional $36 million raised in the 24 hours following the announcement of Walz as her running mate.
The convention comes in the aftermath of a significant shift in the Democratic primary race. President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race following widespread calls from Democrats to drop out after what was described as a disastrous June debate performance against former President Donald Trump. The fallout from this debate led to major losses in campaign donations and the withdrawal of support from some backers.
Biden's decision to withdraw reshaped the Democratic primary landscape, paving the way for Vice President Harris to secure the nomination unopposed. This unexpected turn of events has added an element of renewed interest and energy to the upcoming convention.
The presence of Biden as a speaker at the convention, despite his withdrawal from the race, underscores the party's efforts to present a united front as they prepare for the general election campaign.
The lineup of speakers at the Democratic National Convention, featuring current and former party leaders, appears designed to demonstrate unity within the Democratic Party. By including voices from different eras of Democratic leadership, the convention organizers seem to be aiming to appeal to a broad spectrum of the party's base.
The inclusion of former presidents Obama and Clinton, along with Hillary Clinton, brings a wealth of political experience and star power to the event. These figures have played significant roles in shaping the party's direction over the past few decades, and their presence at the convention could serve to energize longtime Democratic voters.
Jason Carter's participation as a representative for former President Jimmy Carter adds a touch of legacy to the proceedings, connecting the current party leadership to its past.
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago is shaping up to be a significant event in the 2024 election cycle. With a lineup of prominent speakers, including Biden, Obama, and the Clintons, the convention will showcase party unity and historical significance. Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the presidential nomination, marking a historic moment in American politics. The convention comes after a period of upheaval in the Democratic primary race, with Biden's withdrawal and Harris's emergence as the nominee. The event aims to energize the Democratic base and set the stage for the general election campaign ahead.
