Democrats Rally Behind Kamala Harris at Chicago DNC 2024
As the Democratic National Convention kicked off in Chicago on Monday, a palpable sense of excitement filled the air, with party leaders and delegates rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who is set to become the party's nominee for President in 2024.
The day began with a breakfast meeting of the Illinois delegation, where Governor JB Pritzker, serving as the lead cheerleader, urged the attendees to embrace the task ahead: electing Harris as the first female President of the United States.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, echoing the sentiments of many, exclaimed, "Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris, the first woman president of the United States? Barack gave us hope. Kamala is going to move us forward."
The enthusiasm for Harris was evident throughout the day, with party leaders highlighting her uniting qualities, ability to fire up the base, and success in reversing negative poll trends.
"I think what's important to know is the vice president had three tasks: unite the party, fire up the base, reverse the polls. We sense that has all been checked off. Now we take that enthusiasm and try to expand on it," stated U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley.
The convention's first night was themed "For the People," highlighting the Democratic Party's commitment to working for the needs of ordinary Americans.
While President Joe Biden, who is set to deliver the keynote address, will be lauded for his achievements, other speakers will focus on the future, praising Harris's leadership qualities and vision for the nation.
"Joe Biden showed this country what real leadership looks like. It's about getting things done for the American people. Results, progress doing the right thing simply because it's the right thing. And now Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have united our party around their vision to lead us into the future," said Cedric Richmond, Harris-Walz campaign co-chair.
The Democratic Party platform will also be voted on during the evening, outlining the party's policy priorities for the upcoming election.
The convention proceedings, co-chaired by Peggy Flanagan, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, and hosted by actor Tony Goldwyn for the primetime programming, will feature a series of speakers and performances, culminating in President Biden's address.
Here is a detailed schedule for Night One:
5:15 p.m.
Call to Order: Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee, and Jaime R. Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee
Invocation: Cardinal Blase Cupich, archdiocese of Chicago
Land Acknowledgement: Zach Pahmahmie and Lorrie Melchior, representing the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
Presentation of Colors: Illinois State Police Honor Guard
Pledge of Allegiance: William and Charles Harrison
National anthem: Soul Children of Chicago
Remarks and video introduction: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Presentation of the Convention Agenda: Jaime Harrison joined by vice chairs Keisha Lance Bottoms, Ken Martin, and Henry R. Muñoz III, Treasurer Virginia McGregor, and Finance Chair Chris Korge
Confirmatory and Ceremonial Vote for the Vice Presidential Nominee: Minyon Moore
6 p.m.
Welcome remarks: Peggy Flanagan and Jaime Harrison
Remarks: U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters
Joint Remarks: Derrick Johnson and Melanie L. Campbell, representing the NAACP and the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
Honoring the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr, accompanied by Jonathan and Yusef Jackson
Remarks: U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood
Video: Rich Logis: former Donald Trump voter
Remarks: U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia
Remarks: Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya, health care advocates and founders of I Am ALS
Remarks: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
Remarks from Arizona: Dutch Martinez and Ryan Ahern, representing the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry
Remarks: U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty
Joint Remarks: Lee Saunders, April Verrett, Brent Booker, Kenneth W. Cooper, Claude Cummings Jr., and Elizabeth H. Shuler, representing various labour unions
Remarks: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
Performance: Mickey Guton
Joint Remarks on "Investing in the Future": California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin A. Davis, Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sarah Rodriguez and Harris County, Texas Judge Lina Hidalgo
7 p.m.
"Project 2025-Chapter One: Introduction": Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow
Remarks: U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schutz
Remarks: U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler
Remarks: U.S. Rep. Linda Haskins
Remarks: Lt. Jeremy Warmkessel, President of Local 302 IAFF Allentown Firefighters, Pennsylvania
Remarks: Maria-Isabel Ballivian, Executive Director of the Annandale Christian Community for Action Childhood Development Center, Virginia
Remarks: Deja Foxx, reproductive rights activists and content creator
Performance: Jason Isbell
Remarks: Gina M. Raimondo, United States secretary of commerce
Remarks: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul
8 p.m.
Remarks: Steve Kerr, Team USA men's basketball coach
Shawn Fain, president of the United Automobile Workers
U.S. Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez
Remarks: Stacey Johnson-Batiste and Doris Johnson, childhood friends of Kamala Harris
Hillary Rodham Clinton, former United States secretary of state
U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn
U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng
9 p.m.
Joint Remarks: Amanda and Josh Zurawski, Kaitlyn Joshua, and Hadley Duvall, representing various states
Remarks: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear
Remarks: The Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, Georgia senator
Remarks: U.S. Sen. Chris Coons
Remarks: First Lady Jill Biden
Performance: James Taylor
Ashley Biden
President Joe Biden
Benediction: Rabbi Michael S. Beals and Pastor Cindy Rudolph
Gavel out: Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
Alongside the main stage events, various caucus meetings were held at McCormick Place, including those focusing on Black, Hispanic, AAPI, Native American, LGBTQ+, Labour, Small Business, Environmental, and Climate issues.
With the Democratic Party united behind Vice President Harris, the 2024 election promises to be a captivating battle for the future of the United States.
