Democrats convened in Chicago on Monday to officially launch Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign for the presidency while honoring President Joe Biden, who recently stepped aside under pressure from party leaders concerned about his age and ability to govern for another term. The four-day Democratic National Convention is set to draw not only party supporters but also tens of thousands of protesters, many opposing the Biden administration’s stance on Israel’s Gaza offensive. These demonstrators, organized by a coalition of around 200 social justice groups, are expected to march through the city outside the convention’s security perimeter.
Biden, who at 81 reluctantly ended his re-election bid following a poor debate performance against Donald Trump in June, will deliver a prime-time speech on Monday night to advocate for Harris’s election and emphasize the need to defeat former President Trump. Harris, 59, is anticipated to join Biden on stage, where he will symbolically pass the torch to her as the party seeks to present a united front after this unprecedented change in their presidential ticket.
Harris, who has already made history with her campaign’s record-breaking fundraising and strong polling in key battleground states, will formally accept the Democratic nomination on Thursday night. Should she win on November 5, she would become the first female president of the United States. Meanwhile, her campaign is navigating challenges, including calls from pro-Palestinian delegates to amend the party platform to restrict arms sales to Israel.
As Democrats rally behind Harris, Trump’s campaign is simultaneously targeting key battleground states to divert attention from the convention and highlight areas where Republicans maintain a polling advantage. Trump, now 78, is scheduled for a series of campaign events, focusing on economic policy and steering clear of racially charged rhetoric, particularly in locations like Howell, Michigan, a town with a history of racial tensions.
In addition to Harris and Biden, the convention will feature tributes to notable Democrats, including former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, who are slated to speak later in the week. The event underscores the Democratic Party’s efforts to navigate internal and external challenges as they gear up for a high-stakes election battle against Trump in 2024.