The 2024 Democratic National Convention is all set to kick off on Monday in Chicago. Yet, it seems like an uphill battle for the Democrats as they scramble to convince voters nationwide. Their struggle is exacerbated by a series of unfortunate events that has afflicted the party recently. Top of the list is President Joe Biden’s embarrassing display during a debate with ex-President Donald Trump on June 27.
In a shock move, Biden has decided not to stand for reelection, instead endorsing his Vice President, Kamala Harris. This move can only be seen as a desperate attempt to rescue a sinking ship. It appears that Biden’s numerous gaffes and failings have finally caught up with him, forcing him to step aside and gamble on Harris.
Harris, along with her vice-presidential nominee, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, is expected to seize the spotlight at this week’s convention. However, their appearance may not be enough to bolster the Democrats’ sagging fortunes. With her lackluster track record, Harris is not the most compelling candidate to take the stage.
The convention will see other Democratic stalwarts striving to galvanize some excitement for the party. Notably, Obama, the past president, is listed to perform Tuesday evening. However, even his charismatic presence might not cleanse the stain left by the current administration. No doubt he will attempt masking the party’s failures under a sheen of well-crafted words.
On Wednesday night, another blast from the past, former President Bill Clinton, is slated to speak before Walz delivers his speech. It seems the Democrats are pining for days of former glory, relying on older figures to evoke some semblance of credibility. Yet this reminiscing might further spotlight their current inadequacy.
Thursday night will witness Harris vying to accept the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Her acceptance, however, lies paradoxically as both a point of hope for the desperate Democrats and a reminder of the party’s dwindling credibility, given her unconvincing track record.
The convention kicks off with President Biden and first lady Jill Biden headlining the first evening’s proceedings, an event which Harris is expected to grace following her bus tour through Pennsylvania. Ironically, these once prominent figures now seem to carry a symbol of decline within their party.
Illinois Governor, JB Pritzker is also scheduled to proffer a welcome address on Tuesday. This speech comes ahead of more underwhelming rhetoric by second gentleman Doug Emhoff and ex-President Barack Obama. It remains to be seen if these speeches can distract from the conspicuous failings of the party.
Additionally, former first lady Michelle Obama is also due to speak sometime during the week. She will underscore the necessity of civic engagement and franchise in her speech, according to the DNC. This message, while important, may sound hypocritical coming from a party that has seemingly lost touch with the electorate.
The DNC will occupy the United Center in Chicago from August 19-22 where it hopes to combat its failing public image. However, with a disjointed message and a barrage of criticisms headed its way, it remains to be seen whether these attempts can bear fruit.
The convention will be broadcast live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago. On Monday, it’s expected to air between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central). The event continues for the other days from 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central).
Expected to draw a massive audience, this vital moment in political history offers the Democrats a chance to save face amid their disturbing string of defeats. However, their tarnished image and questionable strategies have left voters skeptical about the coming promises.
The convention represents the messy political gambit that the Democratic party has become, pushing negative perceptions higher. It epitomizes the challenges they must confront in lieu of their failing agenda under Biden and Harris. As the convention kicks-off, one thing seems certain – the Democrats have a long and difficult road ahead.