The 2024 Democratic National Convention begins on Monday, August 19th, in Chicago. Themed, FOR THE PEOPLE, FOR OUR FUTURE, it is already shaping up to be a star-studded four day convention. Although the full list of speakers for each of the days hasn’t yet been officially announced, some notable ones have already floated to the surface for its opening night.
Day one notable speakers
President Joe Biden: Its keynote speech is expected to be given by President Joe Biden on Monday night. More than this, it’s expected that Biden will pay homage to his legacy as the Democratic president at 81 years of age.
First Lady Jill Biden: The First Lady will also be speaking at the convention on day one. Her main points are driving the success of the Biden-Harris administration.
Former President Bill Clinton: Former President Bill Clinton also is expected to speak that first night of the convention and deliver a prime time address to the convention.
Hillary Clinton: Among those who will take the podium on Monday will be former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Clinton’s speech comes only a few days after the 24th anniversary of her historic nomination as the first woman to be a major party’s presidential candidate in 2000.
Other notable speakers
Other notable Democrats scheduled to speak at the convention’s opening include:
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer
- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
Convention schedule and timing
The Democratic National Convention will take place August 19-22 in Chicago. Primetime convention programming is each evening at the United Center, 5:30-10 p.m. CT on Monday and 6-10 p.m. CT on Tuesday through Thursday.
Protests and demonstrations
While the convention will no doubt put on a show of Democratic Party unity behind the Harris-Walz ticket, protests against the ongoing conflict in Gaza are also planned. Activists have planned marches for August 19th and 22nd to demand an end to US weapon shipments to Israel and unconditional support of Israel. One of the largest Palestinian American communities in the country resides in Chicago, and many locals are expected to participate in the protests.
This week, the opening night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago will be a star-studded night featuring Pres. Biden, former Presidents Obama and Clinton, and other leading Democrats. The convention is expected to put on a face of unity behind the Harris-Walz ticket, but huge attention is also expected from protests against the Gaza conflict. As the campaign season truly heats up, all eyes are on Chicago to see how Democrats will kick off their convention and actually start making a case to the American people.
