The title of the four-day convention is "For the People, For Our Future," with Democrats hoping to use the festivities to introduce Harris and running-mate Gov. Tim Walz to the nation after Harris quickly secured the nomination following President Joe Biden's exit from the race last month.
"The story here is simple and it’s one that will resonate with Americans across the country: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for the American people and America’s future. Donald Trump is only fighting for himself," said Minyon Moore, the convention's chair.
The United Center undergoes preparation ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on August 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. The United Center will host the DNC, which is officially scheduled to kick off on Monday, August 19 and run through Thursday, August 22. Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images
The convention kicks off Monday with the theme "For the People." Biden will be the keynote speaker on a night that will pay tribute to the outgoing president, who dropped out of the race amid pressure from fellow Democrats worried about his chances to beat Republican nominee Donald Trump.
First Lady Jill Biden will address the convention as well Monday night. Harris, who is taking part in a campaign bus tour through western Pennsylvania on Sunday, is expected to arrive at the United Center on Monday to watch the Bidens' addresses.
Democrats will look to portray Trump as someone who "puts himself first" and Biden as a president who "put the American people’s interest above his own."
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who lost to Trump in the 2016 election, will also address the convention Monday. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, host of the convention, will speak Monday night as well.
Tuesday, Aug. 20
Tuesday's theme is "A Bold Vision for America’s Future," with former President Barack Obama set to address the convention.
Democrats say they will paint "two very different visions of America" − taking aim in particular at Project 2025, the conservative Heritage Foundation's agenda blueprint that Trump has sought to distance itself from.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will also speak Tuesday night.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
Wednesday's convention theme is "A Fight for our Freedoms," with Walz and former President Bill Clinton both giving addresses.
Among those freedoms: reproductive rights.
Democrats are expected to use the convention to focus on their support for expanding abortion access following the 2022 Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which Democrats have blamed on Trump.
Look for Democrats to remind Americans repeatedly that Trump's three Supreme Court justice appointments were instrumental in turning the court to a 6-3 conservative majority that overturned a constitutional right to an abortion.
Minnesota Governor and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz arrives gestures during a campaign rally at the Thomas and Mack Center, University of Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 10, 2024. RONDA CHURCHILL, AFP via Getty Images
Thursday, Aug. 22
The convention will conclude Thursday night with the theme "For our Future." Harris, who was already nominated by the party through a virtual roll-call, will formally accept the nomination and deliver her address.
Democrats will argue that a second Trump presidency would be "even more dangerous than the first one" and cast the election as a "fight for the future."
The DNC confirmed other convention speakers include Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both of New York. The party did not say on which night each will speak.
How to watch
The DNC will air the convention live on its website , from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.
C-SPAN , PBS and other news stations will livestream the convention and most will broadcast the major speeches live.
Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison.
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