CHICAGO—President Joe Biden stopped to honor Vice President Kamala Harris as he reached the end of his convention speech.
“The ancient Greeks taught us that character is destiny,” Biden said, “Selecting Kamala … was the best decision I made my whole career.” He said Harris will be a president that children can look up to.
“She’ll be a president respected by world leaders, because she already is. She’ll be a president we can all be proud of, and she will be a historic president who puts her stamp on America’s future,” Biden said.
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
CHICAGO—A delegate at the Democratic National Convention was escorted out of the convention hall during President Joe Biden’s speech Monday night.
The delegate, reportedly from Michigan, was seen holding up a sign reading “Stop Arming Israel.”
Event staff took control quickly as the delegate was escorted out by police and lights in that area of the arena were dimmed. Attendees made it difficult for journalists to get close enough to film the sign.
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.”
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.
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
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took the stage Monday night to tell the crowd at the Democratic National Convention, “We are writing a new chapter in America’s story.”
The former first lady honored former Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-N.Y.), who in 1972 became the first black candidate to run for a major party nomination and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party presidential nomination.
In 2016, Clinton became the first woman to be nominated for president from a major political party when she challenged candidate Donald Trump.
In a continuation of the economic proposals she made on Aug. 16, Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a plan Monday to raise the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent.
“As president, Kamala Harris will focus on creating an opportunity economy for the middle class that advances their economic security, stability, and dignity,” campaign spokesperson James Singer said in a statement.
The plan is in line with President Joe Biden’s fiscal year 2025 budget, which also calls for raising the corporate tax rate to 28 percent.
CHICAGO—Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) briefly took the stage at the DNC to reiterate her endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris.
While Ocasio-Cortez has already given her endorsement to Harris in past statements, the New York Democrat took the opportunity to restate her reasoning.
“We have a chance to elect a president who is for the middle class, because she is from the middle class,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
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
CHICAGO—Steve Kerr, coach for the Golden State Warriors and Team USA Men’s Basketball, spoke at the convention on Monday night.
“The reason I said yes to speaking here tonight is that as a coach and former player, as a husband, a son, a father, even a grandfather, and as an American, I believe in a certain kind of leadership. I believe that leaders must display dignity. I believe that leaders must tell the truth,” he told the crowd.
Kerr said he believes leaders should be able to laugh at themselves, care for and love those who they lead, and possess knowledge and expertise.
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
Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on the convention stage on Monday night to honor President Joe Biden, who will speak after 9 p.m. CDT.
“Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you,” Harris said in a brief speech.
“Looking out at everyone tonight, I see the beauty of our great nation. People from every corner of our country and every walk of life are here, united by our shared vision for the future of our country.
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
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
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.
CHICAGO—Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) said the momentum since Vice President Kamala Harris launched her campaign has been phenomenal.
“The change that was made when President Biden passed the baton has been really remarkable. It’s a big change: joy, enthusiasm, everybody’s encouraged,” Johnson told The Epoch Times.
“Kamala Harris is going to win this race and become the first female president of the United States.”
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
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
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, while speaking with Joy Reid of MSNBC, addressed claims that his Jewish faith affected Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision to pass him up as running mate for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
“Anti-Semitism played no role in the dialog between me and the vice president, none,” Shapiro said, after blaming the claims on former President Donald Trump.
“It is true that there is anti-Semitism in this country. It is true that there is racism and Islamophobia, and other forms of hatred and bigotry. And what we need to do, all of us all leaders is stand up and speak with moral clarity, act with moral clarity,” Shapiro 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
CHICAGO—Actor and Democrat activist Rob Reiner said he believes President Joe Biden saved Democracy twice: Once in 2020 by beating former President Donald Trump and the second time by stepping aside for Vice President Kamala Harris to take over the top of the Democrat ticket.
Reiner said the momentum for Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, can be attributed to the “incredibly smart, articulate, passionate and joyful people on the campaign trail.
“They’re talking about what’s great about America, not what’s disastrous about America, and that’s the difference,” he said.
CHICAGO—Philip Alagia, chief of staff to New Jersey’s Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., said that the Harris campaign is seeing enthusiasm from beyond the Democratic Party base.
“I do think we pick up a tremendous amount of energy among independent voters, among young voters,” Alagia told The Epoch Times from the convention floor in Chicago.
When asked if he had concerns about winning over independents in battleground states, the chief of staff suggested his party is not taking any state for granted.
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
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke with CNN’s “OutFront” on Monday night, right as Democrat delegates officially nominated Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for vice president.
Buttigieg called Walz a great pick and described what he brings to the Democratic Party’s ticket.
“Campaigns and so many parties spend millions on political consultants and ads to try to make their candidates seem like the kind of guy who would be a football coach or a teacher or would serve 24 years in the military,” Buttigieg 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
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.
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.
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.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) released an updated speaker list for the first evening of the Chicago convention.
Delegates will hear from Team USA Men’s Basketball and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, United Automobile Workers President Shawn Fain, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) between 8 p.m.–9 p.m. CDT.
Former DNC chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) will speak during the 7 p.m.–8 p.m. time slot.
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.
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.”
CHICAGO— Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, criticized Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), the GOP vice presidential nominee, for supporting the child tax credit.
Vance has called for a $5,000 child tax credit. DeLauro noted that Vance has not supported the child tax credit pending in the Senate. Vance was among five Republicans and three Democrats recorded as “not voting” on a bill that would have expanded the child tax credit. Two independents who caucus with the Democrats, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Joe Manchin (I-W.V.), voted against the bill alongside 42 Republicans.
“Maybe there’s an uncanny grasp of the obvious here. Margaret, I don’t know,” said DeLauro when asked by Axios senior contributor Margaret Talev during an event hosted by the news outlet.
United Center on first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
A few thousand protesters have gathered at Union Park for a rally and march focused on the Israel–Hamas war. Some protesters chanted in favor of divestment from Israel.
Brian Hartling was holding a sign condemning President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Hartling said Harris didn’t have his vote.
Nadine, who did not share her last name with The Epoch Times, came to Chicago to convince voters like Hartling.
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
The U.S. manufacturing industry is in a recession, former President Donald Trump said on Monday.
Speaking at a campaign event in York, Pennsylvania, the Republican presidential nominee doubled down on his criticisms of the U.S. economy, including the decline in real (inflation-adjusted) incomes.
Trump homed in on the current state of the manufacturing sector. The GOP challenger stated that, under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, manufacturing has slipped into a recession and thousands of jobs have been lost since the beginning of the year.
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
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.
CHICAGO—Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), who challenged President Joe Biden in the Democratic Presidential primary, told The Epoch Times that Vice President Kamala Harris needs to focus on policy issues at the Democratic National Convention.
“Policy will have to be issued. There’s no question that former President Trump is going to want to make it about policy,” Phillips said. He implied that the Trump campaign’s populist agenda, particularly as advocated by Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), should be contrasted with Harris’s agenda.
“What I do want to see her do is demonstrate her chops … there should be more policy discussion,” Phillips said.
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
CHICAGO—Mohammed Khatib, a Democratic National Convention delegate from Florida, said the Democratic Party must declare the Israel–Hamas War a “genocide” against Palestinians if it wants to win the support of pro-Palestinian Democrat voters.
“Kamala Harris … has to recognize the injustice and has to make serious actions to call for ending this injustice,” Khatib told The Epoch Times in an interview.
Since October 2023, Israel has carried out military operations in the Gaza Strip and other Palestinian-occupied territories in the Levant in retaliation for terrorist attacks committed by Hamas. Despite efforts by the Biden administration for a cease-fire, the violence shows no signs of stopping.
CHICAGO—Artemis Langford, a delegate from Wyoming, said young voters are key to a Harris–Walz victory.
“We make memes because we want to share our fun and joy … It not only helps the campaign, but also those down ballot races for Democrats everywhere across the country,” Langford told The Epoch Times.
Langford also said the enthusiasm around the revamped campaign is driving youth to devote themselves to the Harris–Walz ticket.
CHICAGO—Former Democrat presidential candidate Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) said protests outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago could hurt the party’s chances in November.
“If they create scenes that I know Donald Trump would love to see, they are literally [and] simply elevating his candidacy and diminishing the opportunity that they seek,” Phillips told The Epoch Times on the floor of the convention.
“Pragmatism is something that I hope every protester could learn a little bit about.”
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.
CHICAGO—Ludi Hughes, a Democratic National Convention delegate representing New Jersey, told The Epoch Times that President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from his re-election bid will be judged favorably by history.
Hughes, a Filipino-American, said Biden did the right thing by both stepping away and giving Vice President Kamala Harris his endorsement for the Democratic Party’s nomination.
Hughes said she supports Harris because she’s an Asian-American and she’s well qualified to hold the highest public office in the United States. Hughes cited Harris’s record as a prosecutor and attorney general
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
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.
Two people were arrested on Sunday evening near the organized protest site for the Democratic National Convention, according to the Chicago Police Department.
On Aug. 19, Briggs Le Mon, 23, and Christopher Enterline, 28, were charged with multiple misdemeanors for “defacing a business” on the 100 block of East Wacker Drive. The block is directly north of Chicago’s Millennium Park. Numerous protests are taking place in the strip of parkland in the so-called Loop.
The Chicago Police Department told the Epoch Times both suspects were taken into custody near 600 South Wabash Avenue.
CHICAGO—Brian Rhoades, 30, a volunteer for a Chicago-based voter mobilization group that mails postcards to voters in rural areas, said the gig has given him a sense of agency he hadn’t felt in previous elections.
“To this point, I’ve been watching everything happen around me, and it’s just like being an observer instead of a participant … I finally feel like a participant,” he said of his work with Progressive Turnout Project.
“We are expected to send out about 36 million postcards this year, and they estimate that we are adding about 180,000 votes in the communities just by doing our postcard program alone. So that’s not including our canvassing and everything else as well,” Rhoades told Epoch Times.
Sen. Ron Johnson speaks at a press conference Aug. 19 at the Trump hotel in Chicago, Illinois. Travis Gillmore/The Epoch Times
CHICAGO—While Democrats may credit the Biden–Harris administration’s track record for building Vice President Kamala Harris’ momentum, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) says “this momentum is only created by the press.”
“She doesn’t answer any questions. … There’s no way she can justify the economic policy she’s divulged right now,” he told The Epoch Times at a press conference at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago.
The Wisconsin senator said he found it “breathtaking” to see what he saw as the lack of scrutiny and “cheerleading” for Harris.
CHICAGO—Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) told reporters that he believes crypto currency is now a bipartisan issue for lawmakers.
“There’s so many, let’s say, kind of grassroots younger Democrats, younger Republicans who are so interested in this issue,” he said on the first day of a Democratic National Convention, which is themed around the future.
“We see it bubble up even as they’re talking about other things, whether it’s affordable housing or whether it’s, you know, getting their piece of the American Dream,” Krishnamoorthi said.
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago (DNC) on Aug. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Young people who may have scoffed at President Joe Biden are back on board with Vice President Kamala Harris on top of the ticket, according to Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.)
In a press gathering at the Democratic National Convention, Duckworth said young Americans are “super energizing” the Harris presidential campaign and down-ballot Democratic candidates.
She said millennials and members of Generation Z from Illinois are “jumping on board” organized groups to work in support of Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s (D-Wis.) reelection campaign in nearby Wisconsin.
CHICAGO—Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, made an appearance at the Asian-American Indian-Pacific Caucus meeting where he received a cheerful ovation and afterward was surrounded by attendees looking to get a selfie with him.
The gathering is one of many caucus meetings at the McCormick Center, where the convention daytime activities are happening.
Walz had a message for AAPI caucus members: Campaign intensely for the Democratic ticket that features Vice President Kamala Harris at the top.
Michigan delegate Andrea Pierce told The Epoch Times that if Vice President Kamala Harris wants the votes of the people she represents, she needs to close down the Line 5 pipeline.
“I represent Native Americans,” she said. “I’m chair of the Anishinaabek Caucus, and our biggest issue is Line 5.”
“We need a presidential order to shut it down completely,” she added. “So that’s a big issue for me and for 12 tribes in Michigan. If she wants our vote, they’re going to have to shut down Line 5.”
President Joe Biden, who was just a month ago expected to secure his re-nomination at this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, will instead deliver a speech to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Originally set to take the stage as the party’s nominee for a second term, Biden will now address the convention only on its opening night, endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee and emphasizing the importance of the November election.
Biden is scheduled to give the keynote address at the convention at 9:50 p.m. CT. Other key speakers Monday include First Lady Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Chicago ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Aug. 18, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
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
Ahead of the first night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), officials from the Harris–Walz campaign and the DNC provided a preview of what to expect during tonight’s speeches at the United Center, the home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks.
The officials focused on tonight’s main speaker: President Joe Biden, who dropped his re-election campaign last month, the first incumbent president to do so since Lyndon Johnson in 1968.
Officials said that the evening will be a celebration of the president, who is slated as the final speaker.
Here’s to Expect From the DNC
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.
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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:
- 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.
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.
The event already has the highest possible federal security classification.
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.
Original News Source Link – Epoch Times
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