In an unprecedented turn of events, U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris will accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for president at a four-day convention beginning Monday in Chicago. Originally planned as the event where President Joe Biden would formally accept the party’s nomination, the convention now centers around Harris after Biden withdrew from the race under intense pressure from within the party.
President Biden, who was expected to close the convention with his acceptance speech, will instead deliver the opening remarks on Monday, officially passing the baton to Harris. The Vice-President secured the nomination on August 6 after winning a majority of votes during a virtual roll call. Biden is expected to highlight his administration’s achievements, make a strong case for Harris, and present former President Donald Trump as a threat to democracy. First Lady Jill Biden is also set to speak on the opening day, which will carry the theme “For the People.”
Also Read: Russian Navy Chief Begins Four-Day Visit To India To Enhance Bilateral Naval Ties
The Democratic convention will feature a series of prominent speakers over its four days. On Tuesday, former President Bill Clinton and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will address the delegates, under the theme “A Bold Vision for America’s Future.” Clinton was among the first to endorse Harris after Biden’s withdrawal, showing his strong support for the Vice-President. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was the Democratic nominee for President in 2016, is also scheduled to speak.
Wednesday will see speeches from former President Barack Obama and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who will accept the nomination for Vice-President. The theme for the day is “A Fight for Our Freedoms.” Former First Lady Michelle Obama will also be addressing the convention.
For Our Future
The convention will culminate on Thursday with Harris’s highly anticipated acceptance speech, under the theme “For Our Future.” This moment is set to be the highlight of the convention, solidifying Harris’s position as the Democratic Party’s standard-bearer heading into the general election.
Meanwhile, on the Republican side, former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, accepted their party’s nominations in July at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. That convention took place just days after Trump survived an assassination attempt at an election rally in Pennsylvania, during which he was injured but appeared at the convention with a bandage on his right ear.
As the Democrats gather in Chicago, the stage is set for a historic and closely watched race to the White House.
