The 2024 Democratic National Convention has kicked off between Monday, August 19, and Thursday, August 22, under the wing of presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
Now, The Shade Room is running down EVERYTHING you need to know about the globally publicized event.
Democratic National Convention: What’s Going Down & Where Is It Being Held?
According to the BBC, this year’s convention will be held at the United Center Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The outlet adds the event will mainly “focus on speeches from prominent Democrats.”
Furthermore, those speeches will reportedly highlight “a broad range of issues, including plans to lower inflation, mitigate climate change, and tackle gun violence.” Newsweek notes that issues such as abortion and the Israel-Gaza conflict will also be addressed.
The outlet also notes that the DNC will be sure to contrast the Democratic Party’s position on these issues with Project 2025. As The Shade Room previously reported, the initiative was authored by the Heritage Foundation. Furthermore, according to the BBC, it is an “ultra-conservative blueprint for what a second Trump administration could look like.”
Trump has reportedly attempted to distance himself from the project, per The Shade Room.
Which Politicians Will Be In Attendance?
According to the outlet, “dozens of prominent Democrats and celebrities” will be in the building at the DNC. Furthermore, President Biden will reportedly headline the event on day one.
CNN notes that the 81-year-old will likely take the stage before his “biggest audience” ahead of the November election.
Additionally, the outlet reports that Biden will likely speak about the “progress the US made in the last three and a half years” amid emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“President Biden will make a forceful case to continue our progress and beat back attempts to erase it by electing Vice President Harris and Governor Walz. He’ll do so by reflecting on how much we’ve overcome and the stakes of the moment: from an economy that was flat on its back to the strongest in the world, overcoming a once-in-a-century pandemic, and defending democracy at home and abroad,” White House communications director Ben LaBolt has reportedly shared.
According to the BBC, First Lady Jill Biden will also take the stage tonight. Meanwhile, CNN adds that Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who recently went viral in May, may also take the podium tonight.
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Furthermore, BBC notes that former President Barack Obama “is expected to deliver remarks” on Tuesday, August 20. Obama may also be joined by his wife, Michelle Obama.
CBS News reports that “sources familiar with the planning have confirmed” the couple’s appearance.
On Wednesday, former president Bill Clinton will reportedly take the stage alongside former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
BBC adds that Harris’ VP pick, Tim Walz, is also expected to “give the prime-time speech that night after his nomination.”
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the outlet notes that Harris will take the stage herself. During the event, the presidential-elect will “formally accept the presidential nomination and give her speech.”
Additional politicians to expect at the DNC reportedly include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
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Will Any Celebrities Be At The Event?
According to the outlet, 50,000 people are expected to attend this year’s DNC. In addition, the BBC notes that “rumors” are currently swirling about whether Beyoncé and Taylor Swift will attend the event.
As The Shade Room previously reported, Beyoncé approved her hit single ‘Freedom’ to be used as the official song of Harris’ political campaign.
Meanwhile, USA Today notes that Swift may appear due to her consistency in supporting Democratic nominees. At this time, however, neither star has publicly confirmed if they will be popping out.
The outlet adds that Trump has pledged to “conduct a series of anti-Harris events” in various states “every day” this week amid the national and global event.
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TSR Updates: Here's What Went Down On Night 1
According to NPR, Reverend Jesse Jackson made a surprise appearance at the DNC during night one. Furthermore, the 82-year-old was accompanied by Reverend Al Sharpton.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 19: Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson appear onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic party supporters are in Chicago for the convention, concluding with current Vice President Kamala Harris accepting her party’s presidential nomination. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Although he did not speak to the crowd, his presence was undeniably felt and he received a standing ovation.
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In continued surprises, actor Tony Goldwyn took the stage at the DNC. In addition to being a political activist, Goldwyn is known for his role on ‘Scandal’ as President Fitz.
Check out his endorsement of Kamala Harris below.
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Former Secretary of State and former 2016 presidential nominee Hillary Clinton also made her way to the podium. Clinton reportedly referred to Harris as having the “character, experience, and vision to lead us forward.”
Additionally, Clinton also referred to President Biden as a “true patriot.”
“There is always a choice. Do we push forward or pull back? Come together as ‘We The People’ or split into us versus them?” she reportedly asked the crowd at one point in her speech. “That’s the choice we face in this election.”
Furthermore, Clinton also shared a few words about former president Trump.
Despite her powerful speech, Clinton has now gone viral for something else that was put on full display at the DNC.
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According to the outlet, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also took to the DNC stage and shared a few words for the middle class.
“There is nothing wrong with working for a living. Imagine having leaders who understand that,” she reportedly stated.
Check out a portion of her speech below.
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AOC wasn’t the only Congress member to take to the stage. Rep. Jasmine Crockett also took the podium and shed tears while sharing an impressionable encounter she once shared with Harris during her early days in the position.
Check it out below.
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According to the outlet, President Biden also took the stage at the DNC on night one.
“I’ve got five months left in my presidency. I’ve got a lot to do. I intend to get it done,” he reportedly declared before adding. “It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your President. I love the job, but I love my country more.”
Check out key moments from the president’s speech below.
According to NPR, Harris made a surprise appearance at the DNC on night one. After President Biden’s speech, they reportedly shared an embrace and a few words.
TOPSHOT – US President Joe Biden and US Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris hug on stage after his farewell convention speech on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the party’s nomination for president at the DNC which runs from August 19-22 in Chicago. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
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Here's What Went Down On Night 2
According to USA Today, Patti Labelle took the stage on night two of the DNC. The singer reportedly “helped usher in” the event by giving a performance of ”You Are My Friend’ in memory of “late members of the party.”
Check out her performance below.
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According to NPR, rapper Lil Jon spiced up the event by assisting the state of Georgia in casting their delegation vote for Harris. Jon led a lively performance of his hit single, ‘Turn Down For What.’
Meanwhile, another state that cast their vote during roll call at the event was California. Watch below as politicians from the state vibed out to one specific song during their moment.
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One of the most anticipated moments of the DNC was Michelle and Barack Obama’s taking the stage. Viewers finally got their wish on night two of the event, and Michelle kicked things off by letting the crowd know that “hope is coming back,” per NPR.
The former first lady spoke briefly about her own grief and diminishing hope after losing her mother earlier this year.
According to TMZ, Michelle wasted no time jabbing at Trump’s previous comment about “Black jobs.”
Barack took the podium after his wife and let it be known why he believes having Trump back in office for a second time would be “the worst.”
Furthermore, the former president also took his own jab at Trump by noting the Republican nominee’s “crazy conspiracy theories” and “weird obsession with crowd sizes.”
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Here's What Went Down On Night 3
According to NPR, former President Bill Clinton took to the stage on night three of the DNC.
“In 2024, we have a clear choice: ‘We The People’ versus ‘Me, Myself, and I,'” he reportedly told the crowd before later adding. “Even on the bad days, you can still make something good happen… Kamala Harris is the only candidate in this race with the vision, the experience, the temperament, the will, and yes — the sheer joy — to do that on good and bad days. To be our voice.”
Check out key moments from Clinton’s speech below.
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Furthermore, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also took the stage on night three and fired the crowd up by comparing Trump to an annoying ex-boyfriend.
Watch his viral comments below.
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But perhaps the performance of the night was given by singer Stevie Wonder, who reportedly told the crowd to “choose courage over complacency,” per NPR.
“It is time to get up and go vote. Even though our hearts have been beaten and broken, beyond prayer I know the importance of action. And now is the time to understand where we are and what it will take to win,” he said. “We need to choose joy over anger. Are you ready? Because you know we need Kamala Harris, yes we do. And we need a great man, as we do have, as a future vice president.”
Watch a clip of Wonder’s speech below.
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Furthermore, Oprah Winfrey rounded out the night and reportedly brought the audience to their feet with her speech, per NPR.
“We’re now so fired up, we can’t wait to leave here and do something, and what we’re gonna do is elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States,” she said.
Additionally, Winfrey even took the time to throw in a few words directed at Trump’s VP pick, J.D. Vance.
During her time at the event, Winfrey linked up with some celebs:
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Here's What Went Down On Night 4
According to NPR, Al Sharpton riled up the crowd on night four with a speech that referenced the Central Park Five.
“On one side of this race is Donald Trump, a fellow New Yorker I’ve known for 40 years. Only once — once — in that time did he take a position on racial issues,” he reportedly told the crowd. “He spent a small fortune on full-page ads calling for the execution of five innocent young teenagers.”
Amid his speech, Sharpton brought out the Central Park Five.
Watch their speech below.
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Additionally, Stephen Curry even made a virtual appearance at the DNC, detailing his endorsement of Harris.
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As the event continued, Kerry Washington was unveiled as the celebrity host of the evening. Furthermore, she was joined on stage by fellow ‘Scandal’ actor Tony Goldwyn, and the continued to rile up the crowd with a chant.
Afterward, Washington was joined by Harris’ great nieces and the trio taught the crowd how to properly pronounce Harris’ first name.
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During the event, D.L. Hughley even made an appearance and took the stage to apologize for “assumptions he’s made about her record,” per USA Today.
Check out snippets of his speech and reactions below.
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Then, Harris eventually took the stage for a much-awaited moment amid the DNC. According to NPR, the vice president officially accepted the Democrat party’s nomination of her for president.
“On behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nomination to be president of the United States of America,” she stated. “And with this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past.”
Check out a portion of her speech below.
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Furthermore, Trump didn’t waste any time in sharing his thoughts in reaction to Harris’ speech.
