Democratic National Convention Begins

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Facts

  • The Democratic National Convention (DNC) began Monday in Chicago, where the Democratic Party is expected to coalesce around Vice President Kamala Harris as its presidential nominee. Harris was already nominated by the party in a virtual vote.[1]
  • Pres. Joe Biden will speak Monday night following a speech by his wife, First Lady Jill Biden. The couple will then leave for California rather than staying for the rest of the week's events.[2]
  • Other scheduled speakers for Monday — the first of four nights — include Reps. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Jamie Raskin of New York, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.[3]
  • In addition, NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, members of Pres. Biden's cabinet, and leaders of labor unions will speak Monday. Earlier Monday, meetings will be held for the Congressional Black, Hispanic, and Asian caucuses, as well as the small business, environment, and labor councils.[4]
  • The DNC, which is being held at the United Center, will begin amid the backdrop of at least seven protests that took place outside the venue Sunday over topics ranging from abortion to the war in Gaza. Upwards of 100K pro-Palestinian protesters are expected to show up throughout the week.[5]
  • Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will officially accept his nomination for vice president Wednesday, with Harris closing things out Thursday with a speech themed 'For the Future.'[3]

Sources: [1]Wsj, [2]ABC News, [3]CBS, [4]Austin American and [5]FOX News.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Washington Post. Harris and the Democrats will have an opportunity to flaunt their winning strategy with the whole country watching this week. She must contrast how her plan for the future differs from former President Trump's, and explain why she should take the baton from President Biden. The country is ready to get behind her.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News. Everything the Democrats stand for is represented by their convention's host city. Chicago is one of the murder capitals of the country thanks to failed Democratic policies. It also has the second-highest sales and property tax despite a crumbling economy. Its schools are failing because they're run by the teachers' union. Plus, far-left anti-Israeli protesters will be highly visible. Harris won't be able to hide any of this.

Predictions