Thousands of Democratic delegates have arrived in Chicago for what they expect to be a “joyful” four-night national convention crowning Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee, in contrast with the mood weeks ago that many described as a “death march” to the November election.

Delegates from across the country told the Washington Examiner they feel much more optimistic about the trip to Chicago than they did just a few weeks ago, describing a roller coaster of emotions from President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate in late June until his decision to drop out at the end of July.