Kamala Harris Rises: Will She Reshape the 2024 Election?

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Vice President Kamala Harris is experiencing a surge of voter support as she heads into the Democratic National Convention, which is poised to reshape the electoral contest against former President Donald Trump, just three months ahead of the election.

The four-day convention will take place in Chicago, beginning Monday, shortly after President Biden announced the suspension of his reelection campaign amid concerns among party members regarding his age and capacity to serve another term as commander in chief. In a swift response, the Democratic Party rallied behind Harris, who has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.

The 2024 Democratic National Convention is scheduled to run from Monday through Thursday. Keynote speeches and programming will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Monday, with evening proceedings commencing at 7 p.m. ET from Tuesday to Thursday. The nightly events are expected to wrap up around 11 p.m. ET.

Taking place in a city pivotal to Democratic politics, this year’s convention marks Chicago’s first hosting of a nominating convention since 1996, when Bill Clinton sought reelection. The United Center will serve as the venue for evening speeches and events, while daytime activities, including official party business, will be held at McCormick Place.

Though Chicago itself is not a battleground city, it is conveniently located within driving distance of key swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan, critical to Democrats’ prospects in the November elections. Historically, both states have been supportive of the Democratic Party but swung to Trump in 2016 before returning to Biden in 2020. Additionally, Governor Walz’s selection may influence perceptions of Minnesota, previously viewed as a competitive state for Republicans this election cycle.

Democrats emphasized Chicago’s importance in Biden’s 2020 victory, with DNC chairman Jaime Harrison asserting that “The Midwest reflects America.”

Over 4,000 delegates will gather in Chicago to officially nominate Harris as the Democratic candidate and endorse the party’s platform. Although a ceremonial roll call will occur, Harris secured her nomination earlier this month by attaining a majority of delegates through a virtual roll call held in August to prevent ballot access issues in Ohio.

Although the detailed speaker schedule is not yet available, DNC officials have confirmed that President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will be featured speakers on Monday, under the theme “For the People,” paying homage to the President. Additionally, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to address the audience on the first night.

Former President Barack Obama is slated to speak on Tuesday, which will focus on “A Bold Vision For the Future.” On Wednesday, under the theme “A Fight For Freedom,” both Bill Clinton and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi are anticipated to take the stage, along with other prominent Democrats.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will also participate, while Walz will officially accept his vice presidential nomination on Wednesday. Harris will deliver her acceptance speech for the presidential nomination on Thursday, with the night dedicated to “For the Future.”

The Democratic Party’s platform for 2024, which was unveiled in July, outlines key priorities including raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, making the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit permanent, ensuring affordable childcare, and lowering healthcare costs. The platform also aims to introduce a minimum income tax for billionaires, raise corporate taxes, ban “junk fees,” and expand clean energy initiatives.

On reproductive rights, the Democrats express their commitment to passing legislation that codifies abortion protections and safeguards access to contraception and assisted reproductive technology. Additional goals include expunging federal marijuana-only convictions, promoting democracy, securing the border, and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Finally, the platform endorses a negotiated two-state solution to ensure a Jewish and democratic Israel with recognized borders while advocating for the Palestinians’ right to live in freedom and security within a viable state.

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