The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago is entering its fourth and final day on Thursday. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to give an important speech in which she will accept her party’s nomination, outlining her vision and policy plans for the nation.
Harris’ address follows an energetic evening featuring notable speakers and performances from celebrities such as music icon Stevie Wonder, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and actress Mindy Kaling. Additionally, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz accepted his nomination for vice president, expressing gratitude to supporters and sharing personal stories to introduce himself to a broader audience.
The final night will also feature a performance by pop star Pink and speeches from various figures, including North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Reverend Al Sharpton. The evening’s theme is “For Our Future,” set by the convention organizers.
Protests are planned for Thursday, organized by the Chicago Alliance against Racist and Political Repression and March for the People’s Agenda, with marches expected to move from Union Park to Park 578 on the West Side. These protests follow a recent demonstration by Pro-Palestinian activists.
The previous night saw prominent speeches from former President Bill Clinton, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Opra Winfrey, and Senator Amy Klobuchar, among others. A touching moment occurred when Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin honored their son, who was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attack in Israel.
Looking ahead to Thursday, Vice President Harris will wrap up the convention by presenting her policies and contrasting her outlook with that of Republican Donald Trump. She is expected to emphasize her background as a prosecutor and appeal to American patriotism in her speech.
Other speakers on Thursday will include various state governors and influential leaders, with doors opening at 4 p.m. CT for the main programming starting at 5:30 p.m. CT.
The 2024 DNC began on August 19 and concludes on August 22, held mainly at the United Center, which also hosted the convention in 1996. While the online live stream of the event can be accessed through NBC Chicago’s platforms, direct attendance is restricted to credentialed delegates and invited guests.
Security measures are in place, with numerous law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, collaborating to ensure safety during the event. Multiple street closures around the convention sites have been implemented to manage traffic and security.
In summary, this convention is significant for the party as it prepares for the upcoming election, spotlighting key figures and fostering engagement from delegates across the country.