The 2024 DNC is set to kick off in Chicago, bringing together some of the biggest names in politics to the city that has hosted more political conventions than any other.
The convention will culminate with Vice President Kamala Harris addressing delegates on Thursday, setting the stage for a two-month sprint to the finish line in one of the most contested presidential elections in history.
Here’s everything you need to know about the convention.
When will the convention take place?
The 2024 DNC kicks off Monday in Chicago, with speeches expected over four consecutive nights.
Where is the convention taking place?
The convention will be held in two venues. The main venue for the convention, where speeches will be given and votes will be held, will be the United Center, located on the city’s West Side. The building is home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, and also hosted the Democratic National Convention in 1996.
Festive events will also take place at McCormick Place, the city’s largest convention center. The building is located near Lake Michigan, just south of Soldier Field and the city’s museum campus.
How can I watch the DNC 2024?
All four sessions of the Democratic National Convention will be streamed live on NBC Chicago’s website and mobile app, as well as in the player above.
The speeches will also be available on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel.
Viewers can also expect expanded coverage via Telemundo Chicago and the Telemundo Chicago app.
Broadcast times (Central time):
Monday: 5:15 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Tuesday: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Wednesday: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Thursday: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
With the Democratic National Convention just days away, NBC Chicago’s Lexi Sutter gives a first look at the stage and screens at the United Center.
Who is supposed to speak at the convention?
While the full list of speakers has not yet been released, some of the Democratic Party’s biggest stars will be in attendance, including President Joe Biden, who will address the convention on Monday.
Former Presidents Barack Obama (Tuesday) and Bill Clinton (Wednesday) will also speak, as will former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (Monday), First Lady Dr. Jill Biden (Monday), former First Lady Michelle Obama (Tuesday) and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (Tuesday), among others.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was chosen as the ticket’s vice presidential nominee, will speak at the convention on Wednesday, while Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the party’s presidential nomination on Thursday.
Here’s a list of some of the people scheduled to speak this week at the DNC in Chicago.
How will the convention be secured?
More than a dozen law enforcement agencies will help provide security throughout the convention, with the Chicago Police Department, FBI and Secret Service among those coordinating during the week.
Permitted protests will take place in two Chicago parks, with a march route just north of the United Center, officials said.
More information can be found on the NBC Chicago app.
Where will the street closures be located?
Numerous street closures are currently in effect around the United Center and McCormick Place, with fencing largely blocking off restricted areas and other areas requiring security screening for incoming vehicles.
These closures can be found on the NBC Chicago app.
A series of closures were also reported in the downtown corridor, including on Huron Street and Chicago Avenue, between Michigan Avenue and Rush Street.
State Street will also be closed between Delaware Place and Walton Street, among other downtown closures.
You can find information about these closures here.
With the Democratic National Convention just days away, perimeter controls have been put in place for people living and working near the two main venues — the United Center and McCormick Place. NBC Chicago’s Vi Nguyen reports.
Where can I find the 2024 Democratic Party platform?
Democrats find themselves in an interesting position heading into the convention because they have yet to update the draft platform they approved earlier this year, with the original version still listing Biden as the leading candidate on the ticket.
The platform as it currently stands details how the Biden-Harris ticket is different from that of former President Donald Trump, according to an Associated Press analysis.
The document highlights the Biden administration’s refusal to raise taxes on those earning less than $400,000 a year, cut costs and raise wages, fight climate change and strengthen voter rights and access to reproductive health care, among other issues.
The party is expected to approve a new platform at the congress.
What are the daily themes of the convention?
The theme of the convention will be “For the People, For Our Future” and will focus on moving the country forward and strengthening the work of the Biden administration.
The daily themes are:
Monday – “For the people”
Tuesday – “A Bold Vision for America’s Future”
Wednesday – “A fight for our freedoms”
Thursday – “For our future”
