Protests begin as Dems prepare for Night 1 | National News

The Democratic National Convention is set to commence in Chicago on Monday, with an estimated 50,000 attendees expected to gather in the city. Among them are thousands of anti-war activists planning to protest near the United Center.

President Joe Biden will be the key speaker on the opening night, followed later in the week by Vice President Kamala Harris, who will officially accept the party’s nomination.

For the latest updates on Election 2024, follow the AP’s coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024.

Here’s a summary of the day’s events:

Protesters gather in Union Park ahead of a planned march

Protesters convened in Union Park for speeches and a planned march on Monday afternoon.

Amid chants of “free free Palestine” and “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” protest leaders criticized politicians from both major parties and presented their demands.

Organizer Kobi Guillory criticized leading Democrats for serving corporate interests and not addressing key issues impacting communities.

Andrew Josefchak emphasized the need for the movement to grow and build upon momentum from past protests.

Various protesters expressed their determination to not support any political candidate associated with genocide.

At a Trump campaign event in Pennsylvania

Supporters gathered at a factory plant in York, Pennsylvania, to hear former President Donald Trump speak.

The event highlighted the importance of job creation, with a focus on local manufacturing.

Trump’s visit to Pennsylvania marks his second campaign stop in the state in less than two days.

Rep. Frost: Harris’ run for president has re-energized young people

Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress, praised Vice President Kamala Harris for energizing young voters with her campaign.

Frost, a vocal supporter of President Joe Biden, has shifted his focus to backing Harris after Biden withdrew from the race.

Frost highlighted Harris’ authenticity and online presence as factors that resonate with young voters.

The stage is set but no one’s shown up

A speakers’ stage in Chicago remained empty as anti-war activists gathered for a march nearby.

Various progressive groups had signed up for speaking slots at the stage, with plans for conservative groups to speak on other days.

Sen. Schumer regaled boisterous gathering of union members with the tale of his political origin

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer shared a personal story with union members, recalling his journey from working at a law firm to winning a seat in the New York Assembly.

Schumer praised labor unions for their support and pledged to always stand by them.

Israel supporters at park as pro-Palestinian rally took place to ‘make our presence felt’

Pro-Israel supporters attended a pro-Palestinian rally to showcase their presence.

The counter-protesters carried Israeli flags and remained peaceful throughout the event.

Organizer Josh Weiner noted the group’s intention to make their presence known, despite not receiving permits from the city.

Biden’s daughter Ashley will introduce him before his DNC speech Monday night

First lady Jill Biden is set to speak before President Joe Biden delivers his speech at the Democratic National Convention.

The event will mark a milestone for Biden as he prepares to address the nation.

The stage lineup includes Democratic Party figures and union leaders scheduled to deliver speeches.

Green Party candidate Jill Stein: Don’t vote for Harris until she supports swift ceasefire in Gaza

Green Party candidate Jill Stein called on Democrats to withhold their support from Vice President Kamala Harris until she backs a swift ceasefire in Gaza.

Stein emphasized the importance of opposing genocide and supporting immediate peace efforts in the region.

DNC’s party platform still names Biden as the candidate for president

The DNC’s official party platform mistakenly lists President Joe Biden as the candidate for reelection, despite his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.

The platform acknowledges Biden’s administration’s accomplishments and Harris’ role as vice president but lacks detailed information on her candidacy.

Citing the Israel-Hamas war, the Abandon Biden movement shifts its focus to Harris

Activists from the Abandon Biden movement are now targeting Vice President Kamala Harris for her handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The group is calling for Harris to support a ceasefire in Gaza and push for changes in U.S. foreign policy.

Chicago leaders say they’re committed to keeping protests peaceful during the DNC

Chicago officials assured the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and security during the Democratic National Convention.

Police Superintendent Larry Snelling commended the peaceful protests held the previous night and pledged to prevent violence or intimidation.

Protesters aim to raise awareness on various issues, with a focus on advocating for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Walz responds to GOP criticism of how Harris laughs

Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz defended his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, against GOP criticism of her laughter.

Walz praised Harris’s joyous demeanor and emphasized her ability to resonate with voters.

Harris campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez addresses the Hispanic Caucus

Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign manager emphasized the importance of Latino voters in the upcoming election.

Julie Chavez Rodriguez highlighted the campaign’s efforts to engage Hispanic voters through multilingual messaging.

Meanwhile, the battle for control of the House sends GOP Speaker Mike Johnson on western state campaign swing

House Speaker Mike Johnson is campaigning in western states to secure Republican seats ahead of the election.

Johnson aims to maintain the Republican majority in the House and has been actively fundraising and rallying with GOP candidates.

What channel is carrying the convention?

The DNC will be livestreamed on multiple platforms, including the convention website, YouTube, and more.

Network and cable news outlets will also provide special coverage during prime-time portions of the convention.

Additional media outlets will stream live updates from the convention floor, accessible only to delegates, officials, volunteers, and credentialed media.

More details on Monday’s DNC speakers

Day one of the Democratic National Convention will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, including party leaders and elected officials.

The program will focus on President Joe Biden’s achievements and his vision for the future.

Chicago mayor urges Harris to embrace agenda that would ‘push for economic stability and growth for working people’

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson calls on Vice President Kamala Harris to prioritize economic stability and growth for working-class Americans.

Johnson commends Harris for her work and emphasizes the importance of her agenda.

He highlights the vice president’s commitment to the interests of working people and her track record of supporting labor rights.

DNC opens convention transformed by Harris’ ascendance but facing lingering questions

The DNC kicks off with a focus on celebrating Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic candidacy.

While Harris has energized the party, questions remain about the depth of her support and the breadth of her coalition.

Protesters plan large marches and rallies as DNC kicks off

Activists are preparing to protest in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention to highlight various social issues.

The demonstrations will address climate change, reproductive rights, and the Israel-Hamas conflict, among other topics.