As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) begins in Chicago, the party is gearing up for a crucial election year, with a strong focus on the future and the goal of electing Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States. The convention, which runs from August 19 to August 22, features a packed schedule of events, speeches, and strategic planning sessions designed to rally the Democratic base and present a unified front.
Kickoff and Keynote Speakers
The convention officially kicked off on Monday, August 19, with events and meetings throughout the day leading up to the main programming in the evening. The first night's theme, "For the People," set the tone for the convention, emphasizing the party's commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of everyday Americans. The main programming began at 5:30 p.m. CDT, with speeches from some of the most prominent figures in the Democratic Party.
Among the key speakers on Monday were Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and First Lady Jill Biden. President Joe Biden also addressed the convention, highlighting the achievements of his administration and expressing his confidence in Harris as the party's presidential nominee. Vice President Kamala Harris was present and is expected to formally accept the party's nomination later in the week.
A Packed Agenda
Throughout the convention, delegates and attendees will participate in a wide range of meetings, caucuses, and discussions. Monday's schedule included sessions for various caucuses, including the Black, Hispanic, AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander), and Native American Caucuses. There were also meetings focused on key issues such as labor, small business, climate change, and immigration reform.
Each day of the convention has a specific theme, with Tuesday focusing on "A Bold Vision for America's Future," Wednesday on "A Fight for Our Freedoms," and Thursday on "For Our Future." These themes are intended to underscore the Democratic Party's platform and vision for the country, as well as to energize voters ahead of the 2024 election.
Streaming and Viewing Options
For those unable to attend the convention in person, the DNC is offering multiple ways to watch the proceedings. All four floor sessions will be livestreamed on NBC Chicago's website and mobile app, as well as on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 Streaming Channel. Additionally, Telemundo Chicago will provide expanded coverage in Spanish, available through its app.
The main programming, which features the keynote speeches and other high-profile addresses, will be streamed from 5:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. CDT on Monday, and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Full Program and Schedule of Events
Here is the detailed day-by-day schedule of events for the 2024 Democratic National Convention:
Monday, August 19:
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM CDT
- Delegate Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
- Morning Press Briefing
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CDT
- DemPalooza
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
- Black Caucus Meeting
- Hispanic Caucus Meeting
- AAPI Caucus Meeting
- Native American Caucus Meeting
- Ethnic Council Meeting
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
- LGBTQ+ Caucus Meeting
- Small Business Council Meeting
- Labor Council Meeting
1:00 PM - 2:45 PM CDT
- Tribal Organizing 101
- In the Bubble with Jaime
- Democratic Local Elected Officials (DLEO) Council Meeting
- Digital Organizing, Misinformation, and Disinformation
- Shirley Chisolm Predicted This Political Moment. Now is the time to unite.
- Project 2025: Organizing Your Friends and Family
- Narratives That Build Power: Teaching AANHPI How to Reach Their Communities By Narrative Storytelling
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM CDT
- Environmental & Climate Crisis Council Meeting
3:00 PM - 4:45 PM CDT
- Go Dox Yourself: Protecting your online privacy to enable you to show up as your best self
- Voices for Justice: Democrats for Palestinian Human Rights
- We Can't Win Without Rural: Understanding and Overcoming the Rural Urban Divide to Win in 2024
- The Future of Immigration Reform
- Protecting the Vote 2024: Effective Strategies to Make Sure Every Vote Counts
- Chop it Up
- We Show Up: The Power of Equality Voters with HRC, LGBTQ+ advocates, community leaders, and Political Experts
4:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
- United Center Doors Open
5:15 PM - 5:30 PM CDT
- Night One Gavel In
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM CDT
- Main Programming
10:00 PM - 10:15 PM CDT
- Night One Gavel Out
Tuesday, August 20:
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM CDT
- Delegation Breakfasts
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
- Morning Press Briefing
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CDT
- DemPalooza
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
- Women's Caucus Meeting
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
- Disability Caucus Meeting
- Youth Council Meeting
- Rural Council Meeting
1:00 PM - 2:45 PM CDT
- Harris for President Messaging Guidance 101
- Finance and Compliance
- The Theory of Election Campaigns - Understanding the Self-Interests of Voters
- Tips for Recruiting Volunteers - and the Art of the One-On-One Interview
- All In: The Black Voters Saving Democracy Forum Powered by the NAACP
- Care Can't Wait: Our Economy Runs on Care
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM CDT
- Veterans & Military Families Council Meeting
- Poverty Council Meeting
- Interfaith Council Meeting
3:00 PM - 4:45 PM CDT
- What's at Stake for Reproductive Freedom Messaging Training
- We Rent, We Vote: Solutions to America's Housing Crisis with Rep. Maxine Waters and CPD Action
- Tools for the Party: 2024 DNC Tech Infrastructure
- Fighting censorship and building the best schools for our kids
- Using Earned Media
- Phone Bank/Text Operations, Phone Platforms and Compliance
- Tips for First Time Candidates
- Using Social Media in Election Campaigns
- From Apathy to Action: Mobilizing the Youth Vote
4:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
- United Center Doors Open
6:00 PM - 6:15 PM CDT
- Night Two Gavel In
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM CDT
- Main Programming
10:00 PM - 10:15 PM CDT
- Night Two Gavel Out
Wednesday, August 21:
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM CDT
- Delegate Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
- Morning Press Briefing
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CDT
- DemPalooza
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
- Black Caucus Meeting
- Hispanic Caucus Meeting
- AAPI Caucus Meeting
- Native American Caucus Meeting
- Ethnic Council Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
- The American Jewish Community and Israel After October 7
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
- Labor Council Meeting
- LGBTQ+ Caucus Meeting
- Small Business Council Meeting
1:00 PM - 2:45 PM CDT
- Climate Power, EDF Action, NDRC Action Fund, LCV, and Global Strategy Group Present the Latest on Climate
- Everything You Need to Know About Trump's Project 2025 Agenda
- Youth Organizing Training
- Winning the Narrative on Safety, Accountability, and Justice
- Spotting and Preventing Infiltration
- Great Campaign Direct Mail
- The Principles of Political Communication
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM CDT
- Environmental & Climate Crisis Council Meeting
- Seniors Council Meeting
3:00 PM - 4:45 PM CDT
- AI & Deepfakes in the 2024 Election
- Building Winning Coalitions
- Messaging to Young Voters
- Using Artificial Intelligence Programs in Progressive Politics
- Developing Strategic Issue Campaigns
- Latinos: The X Factor in 2024
- Student Debt Relief: Celebrating Wins and Fighting Onwards
- Boomers for Harris-Walz Rock 'n Doo-Wop Party
4:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
- United Center Doors Open
6:00 PM - 6:15 PM CDT
- Night Three Gavel In
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM CDT
- Main Programming
10:00 PM - 10:15 PM CDT
- Night Three Gavel Out
Thursday, August 22:
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM CDT
- Delegate Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
- Morning Press Briefing
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CDT
- DemPalooza
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
- Women's Caucus Meeting
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
- Jewish Values and Domestic Policy: What's at Stake
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
- Disability Caucus Meeting
- Youth Council Meeting
- Rural Council Meeting
1:00 PM - 2:45 PM CDT
- Mitigating AI-Driven Misinformation Risks for Women in Politics
- Campaigning With Joy Online: Digital Organizing for Vice President Kamala Harris
- Harvard Youth Poll Panel
- Public Speaking Principles in Practice
- Campaign Field Operations and GOTV/Voter Protection Getting an ID
- Opinion Research: Polling, Focus Groups, A/B Testing
- Mapping Technologies for Elections and Issue Campaigns
- The Unseen Black Men-How to Reach Them
- Towards a Safer Future: Approaches to Gun Violence Prevention
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM CDT
- Veterans & Military Families Council Meeting
- Poverty Council Meeting
- Interfaith Council Meeting
3:00 PM - 4:45 PM CDT
- Crisis in the Court: It's Time for Reforms To Restore Legitimacy and to Protect Our Constitution
4:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
- United Center Doors Open
6:00 PM - 6:15 PM CDT
- Night Four Gavel In
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM CDT
- Main Programming
10:00 PM - 10:15 PM CDT
- Night Four Gavel Out
Looking Ahead
The DNC is a critical moment for the Democratic Party as it seeks to solidify its strategy and message heading into the 2024 election. With a lineup of influential speakers and a focus on unity and progressive values, the convention aims to inspire both party members and the broader electorate.
On Wednesday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was chosen as the vice-presidential nominee, will deliver his speech to the convention. The following day, Vice President Harris will officially accept the party's presidential nomination, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman of color to lead a major party's ticket.
