Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris’ history-making candidacy as the first Black woman to head a major party’s presidential ticket in his opening remarks Monday as the Democratic National Convention kicked off in his city, with President Joe Biden set to headline the event’s first night.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at ... [+]
Johnson said Harris will “defeat MAGA Republicans and move our country forward and not backwards” and will be an inspiration to Black girls like his daughter, who Johnson said “will not only see a reflection of herself in the White House, but . . . will experience the deepest part of American values” under a Harris presidency.
Convention Chair Minyon Moore and Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison called the convention to order Monday evening just before Johnson’s speech.
President Joe Biden is expected to speak later Monday, along with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Democrats are also expected to approve their 2024 party platform at some point Monday evening—a 92-page document written before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race that outlines a continuation of his policies.
The president will be the final featured speaker of the night, set to give his address in the 10 p.m. EDT hour. He will be introduced by his daughter, Ashley Biden.
Vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is scheduled to speak Wednesday, and Harris is expected to speak Thursday to close out the convention.
Democrats descend on Chicago this week as the party has been reenergized by Harris’ candidacy since Biden dropped out of the race on July 21, less than a month after his disastrous June 27 debate performance effectively ended his campaign. More than 99% of Democratic delegates voted to nominate Harris and Walz earlier this month in a virtual roll call—a formality typically reserved for the convention—though delegates are expected to also hold a ceremonial vote this week.
Here Are The Biggest DNC Speakers—Bidens, Obamas, AOC And These Republicans (Forbes)
Trump Vs. Harris 2024 Polls: Harris Leads In 2 Major Surveys—Up 6 Points In 1 Poll (Forbes)