- It’s a tradition dating 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, the convention took place at the United Center Arena in Chicago. It started on Monday, August 19, to Thursday, August 22, 2024.
Image: HANDOUT
The Democratic National Convention marks the final stage for the Democratic Party of the United States to be released to go seek the presidency.
It’s a tradition dating 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, the convention took place at the United Center Arena in Chicago. It started on Monday, August 19, and ended on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
Super Delegates
Around 50,000 people are expected to attend the convention, including thousands of delegates chosen by state Democratic parties as well as superdelegates, who are major elected officials, notable members of the Democratic Party and some members of the Democratic National Committee.
With the party already settled on a candidate, the DNC focused on speeches from prominent Democrats and the adoption of the party’s platform.
The first of the bigshots to take the stage was outgoing US President Joe Biden, who headlined the convention on Monday night.
He was invited to the stage by his spouse, Jill urged Americans to unite with faith in each other and hope for a brighter future.
The first lady spoke highly of Biden’s character and reiterated her support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden in his address said he gave his best to the people of the United States of America.
He also defended his presidency, saying that he has always been determined to keep America moving forward, and not going back.
“To stand against hate and violence in all its forms. To be a nation where we not only live with but thrive on diversity, demonizing no one, leaving no one behind, and becoming the nation that we profess to be.
“I also ran to rebuild the backbone of America, the middle class. I committed to you that I’d be a President for all Americans, whether you voted for me or not. We have done that,” Biden said.
He also spent time singing praises of Vice President Kamala Harris.
He said Harris and Tim Walz will continue to lead America forward, creating more jobs, standing up for workers, growing the economy, and lowering the cost of American families so they just have a little more breathing room.
Decision to pick Kamala
Biden said selecting Kamala was the very first decision he made when he got the Democratic nomination, and it was the best decision he made in his whole career.
“We’ve not only gotten to know each other; we’ve become close friends. She’s tough, she’s experienced, and she has enormous integrity. Enormous integrity. Her story represents the best American story.”
The highlight of the second day of the convention was the Obama’s who urged voters to back a "new chapter' of Kamala Harris.
Their speeches focused on criticising Donald Trump while at the same time praising Kamala Harris.
Michelle warned their party not to lose sight of what remains an extremely tight race amid the enthusiasm for Ms Harris's campaign.
The Obamas' appeal to Democrats to turn out in November exposed a deeper party anxiety about the narrow race between Harris and Trump.
Before the Obama’s, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Harris's husband, addressed the DNC sharing personal stories about the VP.
He also narrated how they met through a blind date set by one of his clients in 2013.
He spoke about their blended family, referring to his son, Cole, and daughter, Ella, from his first marriage.
Doug further described Harris as a joyful warrior and a supportive parent who put their family first despite the demands of her job.
Bill Clinton on Trump
The third day featured Wednesday’s line-up, which reportedly features former President Bill Clinton and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, among others
Bill Clinton criticised Trump as he took to the stage at the Democratic National Convention, insisting that Harris would work to ensure every American had the chance to chase their dreams.
He accused Trump of being about himself.
Television icon Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the DNC in her hometown of Chicago, where she urged Democrats and independent voters to choose common sense over nonsense.
“Let us choose truth, let us choose honour, let us choose joy,” Oprah said.
The highlight of that night was running mate nominee Tim Walz who accepted the Democratic party’s nomination.
He touted his small-town upbringing and career as a teacher and coach.
Walz said they would only rest after the work was done.
"We’ll sleep when we’re dead. And we’re going to leave it all on the field," he told the party convention.
Kamala's formal acceptance
Thursday was the most important night of the convention as Kamala Harris formally accepted the presidential nomination.
She delivered a message of unity, promising to be a president for all.
Harris also promised to prioritise the interests of the United States.
"I know there are people of various political views watching tonight, and I want you to know, I promise to be a president for all Americans," Harris said.
"You can always trust me to put country above party and self, to hold sacred America's fundamental principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power."
She vowed to be a president who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical and has common sense.
In her remarks, she referred to Donald Trump as an unserious man.
“But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious. Consider not only the chaos and calamity when he was in office but also the gravity of what has happened since he lost the last election,” she said.