This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact The Epoch Times Reprints.
President Joe Biden speaks at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
President Joe Biden speaks at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Here is the latest
•
Biden: ‘I Gave My Best to You’
•
Biden Celebrates His Administration’s Achievements
•
Biden Takes the Stage at DNC
•
•
Delegate With Anti-Israel Sign Escorted Out of Convention
CHICAGO—During his speech, President Joe Biden discussed some of the policies his administration has fought for over the past three and a half years.
President Joe Biden speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 20, 2024. Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images
He celebrated Vice President Kamala Harris’s tie-breaking vote that pushed the Inflation Reduction Act over the line; the legislation gave the president the power to negotiate lower prices on key drugs for Medicare patients. Biden also emphasized the work he did toward improving infrastructure with the American Rescue Plan.
CHICAGO—After an introduction from his daughter Ashley, President Joe Biden, in tears, took the stage amid resounding applause.
“Thank you, thank you. I love you,” he told the audience as they entered into a standing ovation, chanting, “We love Joe.”
President Joe Biden speaks at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
President Joe Biden gets emotional onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
First Lady Jill Biden speaks ahead of President Joe Biden, who is headlining the opening night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. Jackson Richman/The Epoch Times
Delegate With Anti-Israel Sign Escorted Out of Convention
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
CHICAGO—Hillary Clinton took the stage at the Democratic National Convention to urge delegates to support Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid to become the first woman to serve as President of the United States.
Clinton, 76, was the first woman to gain a major party’s nomination for president. The former First Lady, who went on to serve two terms as a senator from New York and as U.S. Secretary of State, lost the 2016 presidential election to Donald Trump.
Reflecting on that outcome in her Aug. 19 remarks, Clinton said, “Together, we put a lot of cracks in the highest, hardest, glass ceiling, and tonight ... tonight, we’re so close to breaking through.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom Arrives at DNC, Says He’s Not Officially Speaking
California Gov. Gavin Newsom arrived at the Democratic National Convention a little before 10 p.m. CDT and spent time shaking hands and taking pictures with attendees in the concourse of the United Center.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom greets supporters after arriving at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois on Aug. 19, 2024. Travis Gillmore/The Epoch Times
While clearly a crowd favorite based on reactions from hundreds of people that spotted him in the hallway, he told The Epoch Times he isn't scheduled to speak on stage during the week.
Democrat Kingmaker Jim Clyburn Praises Biden, Harris
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), who’s often credited as a key factor in President Joe Biden’s landslide 2020 primary victory in South Carolina, praised the president and Vice President Kamala Harris during his late-night speech to the Democratic National Convention Monday.
Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
“Thanks to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, we reopened our schools, brought back our businesses, and restored our faith in the American can-do spirit,” Clyburn said.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton looks on as she is applauded after arriving on stage to speak on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images
Steve Kerr, Team USA Men’s Basketball coach and Golden State Warriors coach, speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
US Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the party's nomination for president at the DNC which runs from August 19-22 in Chicago. Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images
CHICAGO—Voters favoring candidates on both sides of the aisle made their way to Chicago on the first day of the Democratic National Convention to voice their opinions.
Sheila Mrotek (L) and Tracy Grundy are visiting Chicago from Wisconsin to support Vice President Kamala Harris during the Democratic National Convention. Travis Gillmore/The Epoch Times
Sporting Kamala Harris shirts, two lifelong friends said they’re looking forward to the festivities and the election in November.
Delegates on the arena floor at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Democrats Gathered in Chicago Say Harris Is Building Momentum
Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris waves as she steps off Air Force Two upon arrival at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Aug. 18, 2024. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris waves as she steps off Air Force Two upon arrival at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Aug. 18, 2024. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
CHICAGO—Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in the Windy City fresh off a week of touring battleground states that attracted rally crowds of up to 15,000.
Within a month of having been nominated as the Democratic candidate for president, Harris has erased former President Donald Trump’s advantage in the polls, now leading by 2 to 3 points, according to FiveThirtyEight polling averages.
Democrats who gathered for the first day of the Democratic National Convention told The Epoch Times they'd seen renewed energy among Democrats since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, even as they looked forward to hearing him address the convention on the evening of Aug. 19.
Congressman Says Harris Needs to Work to Earn Pro-Palestinian Vote
Delegates on the arena floor at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Ohio Party Chair: Volunteers Surged After Biden Dropped Out
CHICAGO—Democrats have seen a groundswell in volunteer support in the wake of President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, the chair of the Ohio Democratic Party told The Epoch Times.
“We are so grateful for President Biden's service and his incredible legacy, but we definitely feel the energy, the enthusiasm, the joy,” Liz Walters, the leader of the Buckeye State delegation, said.
Delegates on the arena floor at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Delegates on the arena floor at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Shapiro: Anti-Semitism ‘Played No Role’ in Harris Selecting Walz
Delegates on the arena floor at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Delegates on the arena floor at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Delegates on the arena floor at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Philadelphia-Area Rep. Says Harris Must Focus on Economy, Abortion, Maternal Mortality
CHICAGO—Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), who represents a suburban district in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, said her concerns are aligned with Vice President Kamala Harris related to efforts to stop price gouging at grocery stores.
“It is a concern. It's something I've been working on in Congress, trying to address consolidation of foodstuff,” Scanlon told The Epoch Times at the Democratic National Convention.
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.) attends the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois on Aug. 19, 2024. Arjun Singh/The Epoch Times
CHICAGO—Shortly before 5 p.m. CDT, pro-Palestinian protesters breached a perimeter fence around the United Center at Chicago’s Park 578, just north of the venue.
Chicago police officers quickly responded, forming a line between the protesters and another barrier.
Iran Behind Hack Targeting Trump Campaign: US Intelligence Agencies
A seal reading "Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation" is displayed on the J. Edgar Hoover FBI building in Washington on Aug. 9, 2022. Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
A seal reading "Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation" is displayed on the J. Edgar Hoover FBI building in Washington on Aug. 9, 2022. Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
U.S. officials have concluded that the Iranian regime was behind an attempted hacking operation targeting former President Donald Trump’s campaign.
In a joint statement on Aug. 19, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency announced, “The IC is confident that the Iranians have through social engineering and other efforts sought access to individuals with direct access to the Presidential campaigns of both political parties.”
The FBI on Aug. 12 had announced that it was investigating reports that hackers potentially linked with Iran had targeted the Trump campaign.
PHILADELPHIA—The Republican vice presidential nominee, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), answered questions from news reporters traveling with him on the campaign aircraft dubbed “Trump Force Two” on Aug. 19.
Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), the Republican vice presidential nominee, speaks to reporters aboard "Trump Force Two," his campaign airplane, en route to Ohio after a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Aug. 19, 2024. Janice Hisle/The Epoch Times
In response to a question from The Epoch Times, Vance explained how he and former President Donald Trump hope to appeal to “disaffected Democrats,” especially in Pennsylvania and other Rust Belt states that could prove pivotal in the Nov. 5 election.
Presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Wilkes Barre, Pa., on Aug. 17, 2024. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Wilkes Barre, Pa., on Aug. 17, 2024. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Former President Donald Trump, his running mate, and their allies are “barnstorming” across battleground states this week, his campaign announced.
While the opposing party gathers in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention Aug. 19–22, the Republican presidential team, Trump and Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), “will bring their America First message to voters,” a news release said.
In addition, Trump surrogates will conduct daily press conferences in Chicago to get out their side of the story, the campaign said, and other events will be held in various swing states.
Gun Control Activist David Hogg Confident Harris Will Impose Firearm Restrictions
CHICAGO—David Hogg, a leading gun control activist, told The Epoch Times he’s confident that Vice President Kamala Harris will pursue progressive gun control priorities if she wins the White House in November.
David Hogg, co-founder of the March for Our Lives, attends the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 19, 2024. Arjun Singh/The Epoch Times
“What I look for more than anything, more than campaign promises, is what have you done,” Hogg said. “They're actively out there talking about the need to do things like ban assault weapons, the need to fund programs that prevent people from wanting to feel the need to pick up a gun and harm somebody else.”
Palestine protestors gather on the same date as the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump takes the stage during a campaign rally at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes Barre, Pa., on Aug. 17, 2024. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
‘Abandon Biden’ Activist Explains Why He Wants to Abandon Harris
CHICAGO—On the fringes of Union Park, Hassan Abdel Salam was opening up a cardboard box containing posters reading, “Abandon Harris ‘24.”
He was previously involved in the “Abandon Biden” movement, which set a deadline of Oct. 31, 2023, for the president to advocate for a permanent cease-fire in the Israel–Hamas war.
“The Abandon Biden campaign’s goal is to ensure that Biden loses the swing states,” its website states.
Dean Phillips Says Harris Needs to Focus on Policy
Jean-Pierre: Biden Will 'Pass the Convention' to Harris
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre provided insights into President Joe Biden’s upcoming speech as Air Force One made its journey to Chicago Monday.
“This is a fulfilling moment for him. He is eager to talk about the historic results he has delivered for the country," she said to members of the press.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington on Aug. 14, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Arab-American Delegate Says Harris Risks Losing If She Doesn’t Appeal to Pro-Palestinian Demographic
Pennsylvania’s Gov. Josh Shapiro appeared before the Democratic National Convention’s Labor Council meeting on Aug. 19, promising the pro-union voters that under a Harris presidency, America will never become a right-to-work nation.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) speaks at the Labor Caucus at the Hyatt Regency Mccormick Place during the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Right-to-work refers to legislation intended to protect workers from being forced to join a union in order to get work.
Asian-American Delegate Says Biden Will Go Down in History for Passing Torch to Harris
CHICAGO—The Trump campaign is holding daily press conferences at the Trump Hotel in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention, and Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) were the featured guests on Aug. 19.
They focused on inflation and policies they say are detrimental to the nation.
Sennator Ron Johnson (R-WI) speaks to reporters in Chicago, Ill., on Aug 19, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Labor Unions make a difference in the election, says AFL-CIO president
CHICAGO—Liz Shuler, president of AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States, said that Vice President Kamala Harris has strong support among union households in battleground states.
President of the AFL-CIO Liz Shuler speaks at the Labor Caucus at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place during the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
AFL-CIO issued a statement on July 3, endorsing President Joe Biden and Harris.
A mile or two west of the Democratic National Convention, the streets of the Fulton Market District were eerily quiet on Monday morning.
Delegates wait for credentials near the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. Nathan Worcester/The Epoch Times
The district is usually a busy neighborhood, especially on a weekday. It’s home to many restaurants, bars, and corporate offices, including the headquarters of McDonald’s (located on the site once occupied by Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios). The word on the street is that many workers were told they could stay home to avoid the blocked streets, increased law enforcement presence, and anticipated protests.
Harris-Walz campaign surrogate Cedric Richmond addresses reporters at the McCormick Center in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. Jackson Richman/The Epoch Times
Harris–Walz Campaign, Convention Officials Preview Night One
Starting Monday, Democrats will hold their long-anticipated national convention during which the party will outline to voters their vision for the future and is expected to rally behind their presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.
Earlier this month, Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, were formally nominated after a virtual roll call—a departure from tradition where the formal nomination occurs at the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
The vice president and governor will give speeches delivered on the final two nights of the event.
This is set to be a very different convention than voters expected at the beginning of the election cycle, when President Joe Biden led the ticket for Democrats.
However, a pressure campaign forced Biden out of the candidacy after an underwhelming debate performance shock up the political landscape.
Since Harris took over the ticket, Democrats have enjoyed a boost in polling. Still, the stakes are high for Harris and the Democrats, who will need to put on a united front after months of division within the party.
Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), were nominated at the Republican National Convention last month.
Here’s what to expect during the second major party convention of the year.
When and Where
The DNC will be held from Monday, Aug. 19, to Thursday, Aug. 22, in Chicago.
Democrats have a long history of holding their conventions in the windy city—this will be the 12th time since 1864 that the convention has been hosted there.
The last DNC to be held in Chicago was in 1996, when President Bill Clinton was easily re-nominated by his party.
The main event this year is being held at the United Center, a convention center that doubles as the home stadium for the Chicago Bulls basketball team and the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team.
Around 50,000 attendees are expected, including the party’s approximately 5,000 delegates. Like most major political events, it won’t be open to the public.
However, it will stream on a variety of platforms, according to the party.
In addition to the normal media coverage of the event each night, voters will also be able to watch the convention online, courtesy of C-Span.
The event will also be streamed in its entirety via Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube using the vertical style popularized by those apps.
Additional delegate-only events that are not streamed to the public will be hosted at the nearby McCormick Center.
Speakers
The convention will feature speeches from an array of Democrat notables.
Biden will be among the first speakers.
As is tradition at these events, neither Walz nor Harris are expected to speak until the final two days: Walz is likely to speak on the second to last day of the convention, and Harris on the final night.
Speaker are expected to appear according to this schedule:
Aug. 19:
President Joe Biden
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
Aug. 20:
Former President Barack Obama
Aug. 21:
Former President Bill Clinton
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz
Aug. 22:
Vice President Kamala Harris
Time and Day TBD:
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.)
Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.)
Platform
During the convention, Democrats will also formally adopt their party’s draft platform.
Released in July, the draft platform mentions Trump dozens of times.
It also details Democrats’ position on an array of issues.
It reiterates Democrats’ demands for a federal codification of Roe v. Wade—unsurprising as abortion is one of Democrats’ strongest polling issues.
Economically, there’s not much in the platform that’s especially new: it calls for the federal minimum wage to be raised to $15 an hour by 2026, policies to increase the affordability of childcare and healthcare, and making the Child Tax Credit permanent.
Additionally, the platform repeats Democrats’ long-held demands for higher taxation of very wealthy individuals and corporations.
The draft platform also calls for securing the southern border while providing a “pathway to citizenship” for the millions of illegal immigrants in the country.
However, this platform, released in early July, hasn’t been updated since Biden dropped out.
Now, hours before the convention kicks off, it still lists Biden as the party’s candidate.
As is usually the case at major party conventions, the platform will be discussed, debated, amended, and formally ratified during the convention.
Protests
While Democrats seek to project an image of unity, there’s one factor that’s outside of the party’s control: expected protests from interest groups on the left.
Namely, protestors are expected to move full steam ahead with protests originally planned against Biden.
One protest, organized as the “March on the DNC 2024,” will feature a group of around 200 left wing-groups, and could potentially number into the tens of thousands—raising concerns about event security.
Specifically, the protestors are demanding that the DNC and Harris change their stance on Israel, calling for the United States to “stand with Palestine” and “end U.S. aid to Israel,” along with a laundry list of other left-wing demands.
The event already has the highest possible federal security classification.
Security for the event will be handled by a coalition of local, state, and federal law enforcement, including the Secret Service.
Despite the challenges, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and local police have maintained that the event will be secure.
By Joseph Lord
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz would be formally nominated at the convention. Both were nominated earlier in August in a virtual roll call. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
