The Democratic National Convention (DNC) officially began in Chicago on Monday, following the Republican convention held a month earlier in Milwaukee. U.S. President Joe Biden spoke during prime time on the first day of the event, marking a significant moment as he passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.
The convention drew nearly 50,000 attendees, including around 4,000 delegates. The event’s theme, "For the People, For Our Future," set the tone for the week’s proceedings. While the detailed schedule had not been released ahead of time, DNC officials confirmed that both President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden addressed the convention on Monday.
Monday’s theme, "For the People," centered on honoring President Biden, with speakers paying tribute to his contributions. Former U.S. President Barack Obama took the stage on Tuesday, speaking on the theme "A Bold Vision for the Future."
On Wednesday, the convention embraced the theme "A Fight for Freedom," with former President Bill Clinton and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi of California delivering speeches. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff also addressed the audience.
Governor Mike Waltz, Kamala Harris's running mate, officially accepted the vice-presidential nomination on Wednesday. Harris herself formally accepted the presidential nomination on Thursday, during a night dedicated to the theme "For the Future."
Harris’s convention appearance followed a bus tour through Pennsylvania over the preceding weekend. Earlier in the week, she had also held a rally in Milwaukee, the same city where former President Donald Trump accepted the Republican nomination last month.
While the convention typically features a roll call vote to formally nominate the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Harris had already solidified her status as the nominee earlier in August. A virtual roll call vote had taken place, granting Harris a majority of the delegates and securing her nomination. This early vote aimed to avoid ballot access issues in Ohio. However, a ceremonial roll call still occurred at the convention.
The DNC's programming was notably adjusted following President Biden's decision to withdraw from the race in late July. Biden had endorsed Vice President Harris as his successor on the ticket, leading to widespread excitement and anticipation among party members.
Ajay Bhutoria, a close aide to President Biden, offered insight into the atmosphere at the convention, stating, "We were at the United Center, ready for the Democratic Party convention. President Biden spoke on Monday, followed by President Obama on Tuesday, Governor Walz on Wednesday, and many more key figures. Finally, Vice President Harris, who is making history as the first Indian, Asian, and Black woman to be nominated for President, accepted the nomination on Thursday."
With nearly 50,000 to 60,000 attendees, the DNC marked a monumental moment for the country. "History was made here," Bhutoria remarked, as the excitement filled the air, with people gathering in anticipation of the week’s historic events.
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