The decision by President Joe Biden not to seek re-election in 2024 has thrown the spotlight on Vice President Kamala Harris, who now must work hard to consolidate her support ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago. The party is buzzing with activity and anticipation less than a month to the day.
What does DNC stand for?
It is a presidential nominating convention of the US Democratic Party at which delegates will vote for their candidates for president and vice-president in the United States presidential election, 2024.
A new leader from Democrats
Delegates from across the country will convene at this event to formalize their nomination. Despite recent shake-ups, Minyon Moore, chair of DNC, emphasized that its mission remains unchanged. “He has led with moral clarity and a steadfast commitment to bipartisanship, and his goodness transcends politics,” Moore said of Biden’s presidency.
Convention details
There are two main venues for this year’s DNC – the United Center and McCormick Place. Official proceedings, primetime programming as well as speeches will be held at United Center; while daytime party business, meetings and briefings will be hosted by McCormick Place. Local businesses too have been involved as they host various events related to DNC acting as a backdrop of color during such political movement. To also ensure smooth running of this occasion there are several security measures put in place including road closures nearby.
Delegates and participation
All fifty states plus territories like District Columbia shall have delegates attending the convention. These delegates represent democratic voters who take part in choosing nominees within their party system. Therefore when selecting Presidential nominee they make vital decisions on how parties should run.
Who can attend?
Thousands of volunteer opportunities exist that provide access into any or all parts of the Convention hall. Delegates are chosen through a state-party managed process; it consists different levels: district-level; pledged PLEO; and at-large. These delegates were chosen in the early months of the year with district-level delegates being the first group elected during the primary election.
Biden’s Delegates and the path forward
The support of Harris by Biden is not legally binding as he is prohibited by party rules from directly electing his successor. Out of 3,900 delegates that contested for nomination, Biden commands a handsome majority. “They are also bound on the first ballot no matter what, and that’s almost all 4,000 of the delegates are Biden delegates – they are pledged on the first ballot.” “The only way that works is if their candidate or president himself frees those delegates up,” Giangreco explained.
Delegates can now vote for any candidate. To get officially nominated, Harris needs signatures of at least 300 such delegates. First vote should have majority supporting one candidate. In case there is no majority, there will be a second round voting involving super-delegates who aren’t bound to anyone yet.
Vice President Nominee
With the frontrunner position for the democratic nomination, there is a question of whom Harris might choose as her running mate. Delegates are also expected to vote on a vice-presidential nominee. Prominent individuals who may be considered include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, California governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois governor JB Pritzker, Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The DNC’s forthcoming convention in Chicago could be a watershed moment for the Democratic Party as it moves into a post-Biden era. With Harris in focus and nearly 4,000 delegates’ support at stake, there is a likelihood of seismic shifts in the political landscape. The event will not only determine the presidential nominee of the party but also set the pace for an impending campaign period.
