Every four years, the Democratic Party holds a multi-day convention where thousands of supporters gather and nominate their presidential candidate in an emotional process, and this year is no exception.
This year’s convention will be held in Chicago, where Vice President Kamala Harris will accept the Democratic nomination for president after winning a majority of delegates earlier this month.
The convention’s theme will be “For the People, For Our Future,” a message inspired by Harris’ previous campaign motto as district attorney: “Kamala Harris, For the People.”
While the convention itself is expected to draw between 5,000 and 7,000 delegates and alternate delegates, city officials expect the event to draw about 50,000 visitors to the city throughout the week.
“An ID to get into the Democratic National Convention in Chicago is more valuable than a Taylor Swift concert,” Chris Korge, the Democratic National Committee’s national finance director, told NBC News. “We have to tell people that there is a limit to the number of people we can have at the convention.”
When and where will the 2024 Democratic National Convention be held?
The convention will run for four days, from Monday, August 19 through Thursday, August 22 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Events will take place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
The full programme of events can however be consulted here.
A look at the DNC stage, screens inside the United Center
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 will speak at the convention?
Among the many speakers expected to take the stage, the convention will welcome familiar faces such as President Joe Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are expected to take the stage on the first night of the convention. Other speakers include Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Biden advisers said he would use his remarks to explain why he believes Harris must replace him and defeat Trump, whom he views as a threat to democracy. Biden will also highlight some of his popular accomplishments before leaving the stage to make way for Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, to take center stage for the rest of the week, the advisers said.
Speakers at the convention are expected to reference Biden’s accomplishments, from helping to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic to enacting major investments in infrastructure, climate and health care. Harris has used Biden’s policies as the basis for her own policy plans.
Other notable speakers at the convention include Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, former Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sen. Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
When will Harris and Walz give their acceptance speeches?
Walz will deliver his vice presidential acceptance speech on Wednesday. Harris will deliver her presidential acceptance speech on Thursday, according to the DNC.
How to watch the DNC convention live?
NBC News will air a special report on this NBC station from 10:00 p.m. ET to 11:00 p.m. ET each night of the convention.
The convention will also be available to stream via Peacock.
Primetime coverage of the DNC will air live from the United Center on the following dates and times:
- Aug. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET
- Aug. 8pm to 10pm ET
- Aug. 9 p.m. ET
- Aug. 10pm to 9pm ET
