What to expect from the 2024 Democratic National Convention
Madeline Halpert
Reporting from Chicago
With just three months to go before the 2024 election, thousands are set to gather in Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention.
It’s a tradition dating back to the 1830s, when a group of Democratic delegates supporting President Andrew Jackson gathered in Baltimore to nominate him for a second term.
This year will look slightly different from others, as the Democratic Party has already officially nominated Vice-President Kamala Harris in a virtual roll call after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
But many of the other DNC traditions – including appearances from celebrities and memorable speeches from party leaders – will remain the same. Here’s what to know.
When and where is the DNC?
This year’s convention is taking place at the United Center Arena in Chicago from Monday 19 August to Thursday 22 August.
Image source, Getty Images
Around 50,000 people are coming to Chicago for the DNC
What happens at the DNC?
Because Ms Harris and Mr Walz have already been nominated, this year’s convention will focus on speeches from prominent Democrats and the adoption of the party’s platform.
Delegates work during the day to finalise the platform, a draft of which has already been released.
It focuses on a broad range of issues, including plans to lower inflation, mitigate climate change and tackle gun violence. In the draft, Democrats contrast each of the party positions with Project 2025, an ultra-conservative blueprint for what a second Trump administration could look like, authored by the Heritage Foundation. Trump has sought to distance himself from the project, though several of his allies were involved in writing it.
Who will be speaking?
Dozens of prominent Democrats and celebrities will be taking the stage in Chicago.
President Biden will headline the convention on Monday night. The crowd will also hear from First Lady Jill Biden, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other Democratic leaders.
On Tuesday, former President Barack Obama is expected to deliver remarks. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Ms Harris’s husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, will also address the convention on Tuesday.
Wednesday’s line-up reportedly features former President Bill Clinton and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, among others.
Ms Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will give the prime-time speech that night after his nomination.
The most important night of the convention is Thursday, when Vice-President Harris will take the stage. She will formally accept the presidential nomination and give her speech on the final night of the convention dedicated “For the Future.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will also take the stage at some point during the week.
Famous politicians aren’t the only ones who will make an appearance. The convention will also hear from several everyday Americans, including Trump voters.
Who else will be in attendance?
Around 50,000 people are expected to attend this year’s convention in Chicago. This includes thousands of delegates chosen by state Democratic parties as well as super delegates, who are major elected officials, notable members of the Democratic Party and some members of the Democratic National Committee.
Thousands of members of the media will also be in attendance.
It will be a star-studded convention with appearances from several celebrities. In 2020, actors Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Eva Longoria attended the convention, while Elizabeth Banks and America Ferrera appeared in 2016.
Rumours have swirled about whether mega-stars Beyoncé and Taylor Swift will attend this year, but neither has actually confirmed they will be there.
Will there be protests?
Demonstrations are planned for outside the DNC venue, many of which are centred around opposition to US support of Israel’s war in Gaza. Organisers have said as many as 10,000 people may come to march. Protesters have been fighting with the city of Chicago about where they can demonstrate.
How can the public watch?
Members of the public can only attend the convention in person by becoming volunteers.
Major TV networks will provide coverage of the speeches and events, as well as C-SPAN.
Additionally, for the first time ever, the convention plans to offer vertical streams of the events on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, so viewers can watch on their phones.
You can follow the latest news, including daily live pages and analysis from BBC teams at the Democratic convention, at bbc.com/news.
