Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

CHICAGO — The Democratic Party launched its 2024 nominating convention on Monday night in Chicago with a packed agenda that seamlessly blended tributes to past leaders, contrasts with their Republican opponents, and the spotlighting of their rising stars. The event, held at the United Center, was marked by a smooth transition from the current leadership to the next generation, symbolizing a new chapter in the party’s history.

The convention saw appearances from an impressive array of figures, from President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, singer Jason Isbell, and political heavyweights like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Raphael Warnock. The crowd, which filled the arena from floor to rafters, remained enthusiastic and engaged as the session stretched late into the night, well beyond the scheduled television broadcast window.

In a surprise move, Vice President Kamala Harris, who was recently confirmed as the party’s nominee, took the stage early in the evening. Her appearance was a tribute to President Biden, who announced his decision to step aside from the race just last month.

“Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do,” Harris said, acknowledging Biden’s pivotal role in her political career. “We are forever grateful to you.”

When President Biden eventually took the stage as the keynote speaker, the crowd erupted into a prolonged ovation that lasted over four minutes. After the cheers subsided, Biden delivered a powerful speech, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election and the battle for the soul of America. He lauded Harris for her critical contributions to the administration, particularly her decisive vote in the Senate on the reconciliation bill that allowed Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices.

“We’re in a battle for the soul of America,” Biden declared, sharply criticizing former President Donald Trump, whom he accused of emboldening neo-Nazis and other extremists. Biden also reflected on the tense atmosphere during his inauguration in 2021, just weeks after the Capitol insurrection, and reiterated his stance against political violence.

As Biden reflected on his long career, he expressed his deep love for the country, a sentiment that ultimately led him to step aside for the sake of the party’s future. “I love my job. But I love my country more,” he said, addressing his decision to make way for Harris and acknowledging that his age had become a factor.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, speaking at an earlier event on the convention sidelines, praised Biden’s decision to prioritize the country’s future over his own political ambitions. Schumer emphasized that Biden’s choice was motivated by a desire to prevent Trump from regaining the presidency, a sentiment shared by many in the Democratic leadership.

Throughout the night, speakers repeatedly returned to themes of democracy, freedom, and the ongoing struggle against authoritarianism, voting rights violations, and threats to women’s rights. Rep. Jamie Raskin, a constitutional law professor and impeachment manager, delivered a scathing critique of Trump’s disregard for the Constitution, while United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, wearing a “Trump is a scab” t-shirt, rallied the labor vote for Harris.

The night also featured a symbolic passing of the torch, with figures like Hillary Clinton and Rep. James Clyburn praising both Biden and Harris. Clinton, referencing her own historic but ultimately unsuccessful 2016 campaign, expressed hope that Harris would break the glass ceiling she couldn’t. “On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris raising her hand and taking the oath of office as our 47th president of the United States,” Clinton said, drawing a thunderous response from the crowd.

Sen. Raphael Warnock, a key figure in securing the Democratic Senate majority in 2021, electrified the convention with his call to action, urging delegates to support Harris in her bid to defeat Trump and protect the nation’s democratic values.

Despite the serious tone of many speeches, the mood in the United Center remained upbeat and celebratory. The event marked a turning point for the party, which, after years of contentious battles and hard-fought victories, now appears unified and energized for the 2024 election.

Rep. Dean Phillips, who had briefly challenged Biden for the nomination, captured the mood perfectly, saying, “I feel like I was invited to a funeral and I showed up to birth. It’s awesome, and it’s exactly what I dreamt of when I began this journey.”