Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago: Day one agenda and highlights

Democratic National Convention, day one (X: TheDemocrats)

The Democratic National Convention begins in Chicago on Monday, marking a crucial moment for the party as it rallies around its new presidential ticket. With Vice President Kamala Harris officially confirmed as the Democratic nominee earlier this month, the convention will celebrate her historic candidacy alongside her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

President Biden's recent decision to step aside has reshaped the presidential race, prompting a significant turnout of Democratic delegates to Chicago's United Center and McCormick Place. The convention will feature a ceremonial roll call to officially nominate Harris and Walz, with Biden scheduled to address the convention on Monday evening.

The delegates' choice of Harris and Walz was formalised through a virtual vote earlier this month, leading to their official certification as the Democratic nominees.

The convention will include key speeches and events, with Walz accepting the vice-presidential nomination on Wednesday night and Harris formally accepting the presidential nomination on Thursday, just months before the election, CBS News reported.

Agenda

The Democratic National Convention, themed "For the People, For Our Future," kicks off with Monday's focus on the "For the People" aspect. The convention aims to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration has prioritised the needs of the public while contrasting their record with that of former President Donald Trump.

According to CBS News, Monday's programming will also pay tribute to President Biden, acknowledging his decision to step aside and celebrating Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz as the new Democratic ticket. Anita Dunn, a former senior adviser to Biden and now part of the super PAC supporting Harris, noted that Biden views his role as "volunteer-in-chief," committed to defeating Trump in the upcoming election.

Convention activities will run from 6:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. CT). On Tuesday, delegates will participate in the ceremonial roll call vote, officially nominating Harris for president and Walz for vice president. The convention seeks to energise the party and galvanise support as they prepare for a challenging election.

Who is Speaking?

The Democratic National Convention’s first day will feature key addresses from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, First Lady Jill Biden, and President Joe Biden, who will deliver the keynote. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also set to speak.

The evening will include speeches from leaders of major labor unions, including the United Automobile Workers, SEIU, and AFL-CIO, as well as congressional allies like Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The convention is set to emphasise the party’s connection with organized labor and its crucial voting bloc.

How to Watch

The convention will be livestreamed on the DNC's website and available on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Television channels will also broadcast the convention.

(Inputs from Agencies)