Democrats convene for convention: What to watch for on Day 1

CHICAGO — Democrats are gathered in Chicago for their national convention, during which they will formally nominate Vice President Harris as their presidential candidate.

President Biden will ceremonially pass the torch on Monday with an address to the convention, while first lady Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the party’s presidential nominee in 2016, are among the other speakers.

Here’s what to watch for on the first day of the convention in Chicago.

Biden

Biden’s speech is the big event of the evening, a bittersweet moment for a president who thought he’d be accepting the nomination himself.

The president on Sunday said he feels “good, real good” about his speech in Chicago.

He’s expected to talk about the economy, his work to end the COVID-19 pandemic and defending democracy in the U.S. and internationally.

He’ll also likely give an enthusiastic endorsement of the Democratic ticket of Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, while criticizing former President Trump, the GOP nominee and Biden’s long rival.

Harris’s first appearance

Harris will make her first appearance at the convention on Monday after her rapid ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket.

Since becoming the presumed Democratic nominee, Harris has taken the lead against Trump in polls of some swing states. She is polling 3 points ahead of Trump nationally in a CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday.

Harris will be joined by second gentleman Doug Emhoff, and both will attend Biden’s keynote address. The vice president and Emhoff landed Sunday evening in Chicago, and several Illinois members of Congress greeted her, including Sen. Dick Durbin (D) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D).

Protests

Protesters angry with the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of Israel’s war in Gaza have gathered in Chicago to make their voices heard.

Divisions in the Democratic Party over Gaza were a big political problem for Biden, who saw thousands of voters cast ballots for “uncommitted” in various state primaries.

Going into Chicago, Democrats have raised concerns about the protests overshadowing the events within the United Center. Political watchers will be monitoring whether Biden is heckled during his own remarks at the convention.

The president’s speech also comes amid negotiations over a cease-fire deal in Gaza this week. Biden said Sunday that the talks are “still underway,” adding, “we’re not giving up, still possible.”

Intro to delegates

Monday night will be the first introduction to the delegations who have gathered in Chicago.

Thirty percent of the delegates are Black, 17 percent are LGBTQ, 17 are Hispanic, and 21 percent are under 36 years old, according to demographic information released by the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

Former President Carter, 99, is serving as the oldest delegate and the youngest delegate, Isaac Winkler, is from Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) home state of Minnesota and will turn 18 just three days before the election. For nearly 700 delegates, this will be the first convention they attend.

Prime placement on the convention floor was given to California, Harris’s home state, as well as the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania. Additionally, Delaware, Biden’s home state, and Minnesota received prime placement.

Theme

Monday night’s theme is “for the people,” and the Democrats will focus on convincing voters that they are fighting for them over Trump.

“While Donald Trump puts himself first, Democrats are fighting for the American people,” the DNC said in a statement, adding that Biden will use the theme in his remarks.

The convention will have themes every night, including “a bold vision for America’s future” on Tuesday and “a fight for our freedoms” on Wednesday. On Thursday, the theme is “for our future.”