The Democratic National Convention, set to kick off on Monday (August 19), will make history by nominating Vice President Kamala Harris for president, just one month after President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign. The convention, taking place at the United Center in Chicago, will provide Harris with her biggest platform yet to present her case to voters.
Harris rapidly unified the party and locked up the nomination, despite not competing in any primaries at the top of the ticket. Her campaign has since surged into a statistical tie or narrow leads in national and battleground surveys against Donald Trump. The convention will seek to continue this momentum, with a focus on Harris’ upbeat persona and her core message of “freedom and opportunity.”
The convention will also provide Harris with an opportunity to articulate her vision for her presidency. While she has begun to roll out economic proposals focusing on lowering costs of rent, housing, groceries, child care, and prescription drugs, many are looking forward to more detailed policy plans.
The convention will feature speeches from high-profile party members, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, 2016 nominee Hillary Clinton, and former first lady Michelle Obama. Biden is expected to speak on the convention’s opening night in what could be a passing-of-the-torch moment. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will accept his nomination on Wednesday, and Harris will headline the final night of the convention.
The convention is expected to balance the task of firing up the base with appealing to independents and persuadable voters who often decide elections. For Harris, the convention is a key opportunity to solidify the support of Democratic-leaning constituencies and win over undecided voters.
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