The Coalition to March on the DNC has been clear about its plans to protest the Biden administration's Gaza policies during the DNC, and organizers say a new nominee doesn't change that.
Why it matters: The coalition, comprising several advocacy organizations including U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) and Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR), is united around the goal of a ceasefire in Gaza.
- The coalition says it blames the Democratic Party's policies, not just President Biden's, for the prolonged war.
Driving the news: After Biden stepped down as the Democratic nominee and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday, protest leaders released a statement saying: "On August 19th we will march on the DNC for Gaza regardless of who gets nominated for the presidency."
State of play: The group expects up to 100,000 people, from about 200 organizations nationwide, to march on the first and last days of the DNC, Aug. 19 and 22.
What they're saying: "We'll still be marching for Palestine, because there's still a genocide happening in Palestine," CAARPR's Faayani Aboma Mijana tells Axios.
- "The blame falls on the Democratic Party leadership as a whole, which Joe Biden and Kamala Harris represent as individuals, but ultimately they uphold the larger Democratic Party leadership order."
Catch up fast: The coalition and the city continue to spar over the planned protest route . The Chicago Department of Transportation initially denied the group's request to march near the United Center, offering an alternative miles away.
- The city agreed this month to allow the group to march within sight and sound of the United Center, but Aboma Mijana says the coalition is now pushing for a larger route to accommodate additional protesters.
What's next: This week, the U.S. Secret Service is expected to release the security perimeter for the DNC, which will affect local residents and businesses — but will not affect the Coalition's desired route, Aboma Mijana says.
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