AFPWith just three months until the 2024 election, thousands of people will gather in Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention.
It’s a tradition that dates back to the 1830s, when a group of Democratic delegates supporting President Andrew Jackson gathered in Baltimore to nominate him for a second term.
This year will be a little different than previous years, as Democrats officially nominated Vice President Kamala Harris via virtual roll call after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
But many other DNC traditions — including celebrity appearances and memorable speeches from party leaders — will remain the same. Here’s what you need to know.
When and where does the DNC take place?
This year’s conference will take place at the United Center Arena in Chicago from Monday, August 19 through Thursday, August 22.
Getty ImagesWhat happened at the DNC?
With Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz already nominated, this year’s convention will focus on speeches by prominent Democrats and the adoption of the party platform.
Delegates worked during the day to finalize the platform, the draft was released.
It focuses on a range of issues, including plans to lower inflation, mitigate climate change and address gun violence. In the draft, Democrats contrast each of the party’s positions with Project 2025, an ultraconservative blueprint for what a second Trump administration might look like, compiled by the Heritage Foundation. Trump has sought to distance himself from the project, although some of his allies helped write it.
Who will speak?
Dozens of prominent Democrats and celebrities will take the stage in Chicago.
President Biden will headline the conference on Monday night. The crowd will also hear from First Lady Jill Biden, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other Democratic leaders.
ABOVE TuesdayFormer President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Ms. Harris’ husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, will also speak at the convention on Tuesday.
WednesdayIt is said to be attended by former President Bill Clinton and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among others.
Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will deliver a prime-time speech that evening after being nominated.
The most important night of the conference is Thursdaywhen Vice President Harris will take the stage. She will formally accept the presidential nomination and deliver a speech on the final night of the convention dedicated to “For the Future.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will also take the stage at some point this week.
Prominent politicians aren’t the only ones making appearances. The convention will also hear from some ordinary Americans, including those who voted for Trump.
Who else will be attending?
AFPAbout 50,000 people are expected to attend this year’s convention in Chicago. That includes thousands of delegates chosen by state Democratic parties as well as superdelegates, who are key elected officials, prominent Democratic Party members and several members of the Democratic National Committee.
Thousands of members of the media will also attend.
It’s going to be a star-studded convention with plenty of celebrity appearances. In 2020, actors Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Eva Longoria attended the convention, while Elizabeth Banks and America Ferrera appeared in 2016.
There are rumors that big stars Beyoncé and Taylor Swift will be attending this year, but the reality is that no one has confirmed they will be there.
Will there be protests?
Protests are planned outside the DNC, many focused on protesting U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Organizers say as many as 10,000 people could march. Protesters have been fighting with the city of Chicago over where they can demonstrate.
How can the public view?
The public can only attend the conference in person by becoming a volunteer.
Major television networks will cover speeches and events, as will C-SPAN.
Additionally, for the first time, the conference plans to offer vertical event livestreams on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube so viewers can watch on their phones.
You can follow the latest news, including daily live pages and analysis from the BBC teams at the Democratic convention, at bbc.com/news.
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