The Making of the President 2024: The Democratic Party's National Convention
The Democratic Party held their convention to formally nominate their candidates for President and Vice-President in Chicago from August 19 to 22. The formal vote to nominate Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as the Democratic Party's ticket had already taken place virtually during the first week of August, and so the convention was ceremonial as delegates reported their votes to nominate the two candidates. The convention took place at the United Center in Chicago. Harris became the first Black woman and first South Asian woman to be the presidential nominee of a major political party in the United States, and the first Democratic presidential nominee from a western state.
Earlier in the year, on March 12, incumbent President Joe Biden had become the presumptive nominee when he won sufficient votes to capture the party's presidential nomination in the presidential primaries and caucuses. However following his poor performance in a debate against Donald Trump on June 27th, pressure mounted for Biden to withdraw his candidacy. He finally did so on July 21st and endorsed Harris to run in his place. Harris received the support of enough convention delegates to make her the new presumptive nominee the next day, and Harris was the only candidate with enough delegate support to be on the ballot.
Because the Democratic Party held the White House, its convention was scheduled to follow the 2024 Republican National Convention. After Biden's performance at the June debate, some House Democrats circulated a letter on July 16 proposing that the "virtual roll call" vote be cancelled, and on July 17, the DNC decided that the virtual roll call vote should be no earlier than August 1 after concerns from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. After Biden withdrew from the race on July 21 and gave Harris his endorsement, Harris said she did not want a virtual roll call and preferred a process that follows regular order. On July 22, the DNC laid out a plan affirming a virtual nomination vote in the first week of August and on July 24, the Democratic National Convention's Rules Committee passed the draft rules for the early virtual nomination vote by a vote of 157 to 3.
Biden dropping out freed the DNC delegates bound to him from their pledge to vote for his nomination. A couple of hours after Biden's announcement, Harris announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination. The Biden campaign officially changed its name to Harris for President and officially registered Harris as its presidential candidate. The next day, Harris secured tentative support from well beyond the majority of convention delegates needed to win the upcoming vote and become the party's nominee for president.
The virtual nomination took place from August 1 to August 5. The delegates voted online, through a secure email system, or over the phone. By August 2, Harris earned a majority of delegate votes and became the official presidential nominee when voting closed on August 5.
The first night of the convention was emceed by actor and director Tony Goldwin. It featured musical performances by Mickey Guyton and Jason Isbell. President Joe Biden delivered Monday's closing address. Other speakers included Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Hillary Clinton (the party's 2016 presidential nominee), first lady Jill Biden and Joe Biden's daughter Ashley Biden. Kamala Harris made a brief surprise appearance on-stage to pay tribute to Biden and welcome the attendees. The party platform, drafted by delegates in the Platform Committee, was adopted by the full body of delegates by voice vote.
On the second night, the emcee was television commentator and political strategist Ana Navarro. Musical performers were Patti LaBelle and Common. Former first lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama spoke, with Barack Obama giving the closing address. That nigh second gentleman Doug Emhoff also spoke. That night delegates ceremonially reported voting results for the presidential nomination hosted by Secretary of the DNC, Jason Rae. Each state's delegation was accompanied by their choice of background music during the roll call of the states, largely consisting of songs from artists from each respective state. Harris and Walz held a separate rally at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee that was attended by 15,000 spectators. A portion of Harris' remarks after the roll call were telecast to the United Center.
The third night was emceed by actress Mindy Kaling and it featured musical performances by Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Sheila E and Maren Morris. Vice presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz delivered his acceptance speech. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttagieg and former President Bill Clinton also spoke.
The final night was emceed by actress Kerry Washington. Featured speakers included Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Presidential nominee Kamala Harris delivered her acceptance speech.
In the hours prior to the DNC's fourth night, rumors widely circulated online claiming that an unknown "surprise guest" was slated to make an unannounced appearance. This led to rampant speculation on social media who this surprise guest would be, with speculation that it might be singer Beyonce or Taylor Swift or Republican Senator Mitt Romney. Ultimately there was no "surprise guest."