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 Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee.
“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:
MORNING
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
AFTERNOON
South Asian Delegates Welcome Reception — Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts
The Collective PAC Welcome Reception — Swissotel Chicago
Young Democrats DNC Welcome Party — Wilma’s Famous 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
NIGHT
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 Black History Museum and Education Center
Tennessee Mayor’s Reception Post-Gavel Party — Three Dots and a Dash
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Post-Gavel Reception hosted by Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) — Chicago Athletic Association
DNC LGBTQ Caucus Party hosted by Equality PAC and stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race — Boystown (Northalsted)
