What to watch for on Monday, opening day of the DNC

CHICAGO — Monday marks the start of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

While President Joe Biden might be delivering Monday night's keynote address inside the United Center, flocks of pro-Gaza protesters are expected to steal many of the headlines.

At least six pro-Gaza groups are planning demonstrations ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris 's acceptance of the nomination on Thursday, with the largest group, Coalition to March on the DNC, holding protest parades toward the convention itself on both Monday and Thursday.

Organizers are busing in protesters from states all across the country and say they expect to have at least 20,000 people in attendance.

A number of pro-Israel groups are planning counterprotests throughout the week but have been reportedly stonewalled in securing protest permits from the city government.

A number of state delegations will also host their first breakfasts of the week, and the Democratic National Committee caucuses will similarly hold their first meetings of the convention. Both events give press access to lawmakers, party officials, and strategists for on-the-record and background interviews.

Biden's speech will highlight the opening theme of the week, "For the People," and will follow remarks from First Lady Jill Biden and former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

"While Donald Trump puts himself first, Democrats are fighting for the American people. President Biden has exemplified this through his leadership and legacy as a historic president who put the American people’s interest above his own," DNC officials said ahead of Biden's remarks. "The accomplishments and results President Biden delivered for people, with Vice President Harris by his side, will be on full display during the convention, as will Kamala Harris’s commitment to fighting on behalf of everyday Americans. At its core, the Harris-Walz ticket is a ticket for the people."

Here's a list of everything to watch for on Monday:

March on the DNC protests — around the United Center

State delegation breakfasts — multiple locations

DNC Black Caucus Meeting — McCormick Place

DNC Hispanic Caucus Meeting — McCormick Place

DNC AAPI Caucus Meeting — McCormick Place

DNC Native America Caucus Meeting — McCormick Place

DNC Ethnic Council Meeting — McCormick Place

South Asian Delegates Welcome Reception — Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts

The Collective PAC Welcome Reception — Swissotel Chicago

Young Dems DNC Welcome Party — Wilma's BBQ

U.S. Conference of Mayors Luncheon — Marriott Marquis

DNC LGBTQ+ Caucus Meeting — McCormick Place

DNC Labor Council Meeting — McCormick Place

DNC Small Business Council Meeting — McCormick Place

Official 2024 DNC Programming including remarks from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden — United Center

Benefit Concert for Maui Wildfire Victims — Harris Theatre

An Evening Celebrating Black Excellence, hosted by DNC Black Caucus — DuSable Museum of African American History

Tennessee Mayor's Reception Post-Gavel Party — Three Dots and a Dash

Post-Gavel Reception hosted by Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) — Chicago Athletic Association

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DNC LGBTQ Caucus Party hosted by Equality PAC and stars of RuPaul's Drag Race — BoysTown (North Halstead)