Democratic National Convention 2024: Key Moments of the event
The first night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago marked a significant moment in U.S. politics, coming just a month after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race and endorsed his former running mate, Kamala Harris. The event featured a range of prominent speakers, including Biden himself, who gave a heartfelt farewell address.
Biden's Emotional Send-Off
Kamala Harris, the newly endorsed Democratic presidential candidate, opened the convention with a tribute to President Biden. "I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden," she said, highlighting her gratitude for his leadership and support.
Despite stepping down from the race, Biden's appearance was met with prolonged applause from the crowd, who chanted “Thank you, Joe!” in recognition of his service and decision to support Harris.
Biden, visibly moved, delivered a 50-minute speech reflecting on his administration's achievements and warning of the threats posed by the Republican nominee, Donald Trump. "America, America, I gave my best to you," he declared, drawing the loudest cheers of the night. The event may represent one of the final times Biden addresses a crowd of this magnitude and with such fervent support.
Passing the Torch to a New Generation
The opening night of the DNC was not only a farewell to Biden but also a celebration of the party's future. While Democratic stalwarts like Hillary Clinton took the stage, much of the evening was devoted to the party’s rising stars, signaling a generational shift.
Among them were Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and progressive New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Ocasio-Cortez, in her first major speech at a Democratic convention, endorsed Harris and emphasized her working-class background: “Kamala Harris is for the middle class because she is from the middle class.” Even lawmakers who had previously urged Biden to remain in the race, like Delaware Senator Chris Coons, voiced strong support for Harris. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had been involved in discussions about Biden’s departure, also expressed her support during Biden’s address.
Subdued Pro-Palestinian Protests Outside the Convention
Outside the convention, thousands of demonstrators gathered to protest the Biden administration's support for Israel's actions in Gaza. Though the crowd was smaller than expected, their protest was intense enough to breach a security barricade, leading to 13 arrests. Inside the convention, the topic received minimal attention. Biden briefly acknowledged the demonstrators, stating, “They have a point,” but also noted that many innocent people have died "on both sides" of the conflict.
The pro-Palestinian protests are expected to continue throughout the week, though it remains uncertain whether any Palestinian voices will be featured on the convention stage. When asked, a Harris campaign spokesperson did not provide any updates on the convention schedule.
The first night of the DNC was a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party as it seeks to unify behind Kamala Harris and look to the future. With a blend of established leaders and emerging voices, the convention set the stage for the 2024 presidential campaign and highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the party and the nation.