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Joe and Jill Biden, Hillary Clinton to Headline Democratic Convention’s Opening Night
Welcome to our coverage of the opening night of the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago. Initially anticipated to focus on Joe Biden and his bid for re-election, the narrative shifted dramatically when the President chose to step aside, permitting his vice president, Kamala Harris, to take the helm as the party’s nominee for the upcoming election. As Biden approaches the culmination of both his presidential term and a lengthy political career spanning over five decades, he remains a significant figure within party ranks, set to deliver the keynote address later tonight.
Prior to Biden’s appearance, likely around 10 PM CT, the evening will feature remarks from First Lady Jill Biden and prominent figures across the Democratic spectrum, including Hillary Clinton, the party’s first female presidential nominee, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a leading voice for progressives in Congress.
The convention commenced at 5:15 PM CT, coinciding with protests happening close to the venue regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Tonight’s agenda includes:
Theme of the Evening: “For the People” is the guiding theme, emphasizing the Democrats’ commitment to advocating for the American populace, as articulated by the convention’s organizing committee.
Anticipated Appearances: Vice President Harris is slated to be present, alongside her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. However, neither is expected to speak this evening; Harris will address the audience during the convention’s final gathering on Thursday, while Walz is set to take the stage on Wednesday.
Ceremonial Nominations: Both Harris and Walz have officially been nominated, but a ceremonial nomination process for Walz will still be conducted this evening.
Diverse Speakers: The roster of speakers will include a variety of voices from Congress and state leadership, featuring notable figures such as veteran South Carolina representative and Biden ally James Clyburn, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Texas congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, known for her progressive stance.
Labor Representation: The speech lineup will prominently feature members of organized labor, with joint remarks from six labor organizations and a speech by United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain.
Updated at 01:11 CEST
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Jesse Jackson Takes the Stage
Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson made a brief appearance, wheeled onstage following a video commemorating his 1984 presidential campaign’s influence on Barack Obama’s historic election as the first Black president approximately 24 years later. Although Jackson did not deliver remarks, he acknowledged the crowd before being assisted off the stage by a group, which included Al Sharpton.
Jackson, who announced his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2017, stepped down from leading the Rainbow Push Coalition last year, an organization rooted in Chicago.
Derrick Johnson from the NAACP delivered remarks critical of Donald Trump, humorously alluding to racial stereotypes as he introduced himself. Johnson, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), remarked humorously, “I’m here to do my Black job,” eliciting laughter from the crowd.
Updated at 01:13 CEST
Jaime Harrison Opens First Night of Democratic Convention
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison officially commenced the convention, highlighting the belief that “hope and hard work can take you anywhere.” Harrison emphasized that this vision of America represents the essence of what Democrats stand for and strive to uphold.
Updated at 01:08 CEST
Protests Against Israel-Gaza War Result in Arrests
Reporting from Chicago, The Guardian’s George Chidi detailed a confrontation that occurred between police and demonstrators protesting U.S. support for Israel amid the Gaza bombardment. Reports indicate that at least two individuals were apprehended during these protests.
As tensions rose, a standoff developed near a fenced-in area adjacent to a park and the United Center, with protesters attempting to dismantle segments of the fence. Police formed a line to usher the demonstrators back, creating symmetry between the two groups as the situation gradually transitioned into a more subdued gathering.
Outside the venue, a significant number of activists voiced their opposition to the United States’ role in the ongoing conflict, calling for changes concerning U.S. military aid to Israel. Notably, Hatem Abudayyeh of the Coalition to March on the DNC remarked, “We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end U.S. aid to Israel and stand with Palestine.”
Updated at 00:49 CEST
Source
www.theguardian.com