The Democratic National Convention took place in Chicago from August 19-22, 2024, culminating with Vice President Kamala Harris accepting the party’s nomination. This event followed President Joe Biden’s exit from the race, rallying delegates with the hope of uniting against former President Donald Trump. The atmosphere inside the United Center was vibrant, bolstered by celebrity endorsements and Democratic star power, resembling a celebratory dance party. However, outside, protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict occurred, revealing divisions among pro-Palestinian Democrats regarding Harris’s stance.
Notably, this convention embraced social media by granting access to 200 influencers who produced content live from a specially constructed stage. Throughout the convention, various scenes highlighted the excitement for Harris, including speeches from key figures and performances by artists like Pink. Additionally, there were moments of political significance, with notable attendees and fashion statements from delegates.
the convention showcased a mix of enthusiasm and underlying tensions, positioning Harris as a central figure for the party moving forward.
The Democratic National Convention in photos
CHICAGO — The four-day Democratic National Convention ended with Vice President Kamala Harris accepting the party’s nomination just 32 days after a politically weakened President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
The swift uniting around Harris and the prospect of a better chance to block former President Donald Trump from returning to the White House invigorated delegates inside the United Center in Chicago. Assisted by Democratic star power and celebrity endorsements, the celebratory mood inside the convention was often like a dance party. Outside, however, protests over the Israel-Hamas war persisted, and pro-Palestinian Democrats said Harris has yet to quash their concerns that developed under Biden.
Unique to this convention, 200 social media influencers earned credentials to the DNC to develop pro-Harris content for TikTok and other platforms. The DNC constructed a state-of-the-art stage for them on the convention floor and rolled out the blue carpet for their live dispatches.
Below are scenes from the DNC in Chicago from Aug. 19-22 captured by Washington Examiner photographer Graeme Jennings.
Social media influencers with prime DNC access
Social media influencers work the blue carpet area at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
Pro-Gaza protesters descend on the DNC
Protesters march on the first day of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. Multiple planned protests took place during the convention. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)A protester is arrested and carried away by police on the first day of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. Anti-Israel protesters tried to break through the perimeter near the convention. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
Delegate fashion choices
Wisconsin delegates wear cheese hats at the United Center on Aug. 20, 2024 in Chicago. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
Michael Cohen attends the DNC
Michael Cohen, former attorney for former President Donald Trump, attends the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Aug. 20, 2024. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
Excitement for Harris after Biden says his farewell
An attendee at the Democratic National Convention holds up a picture of Presidential nominee Kamala Harris on the second day of the convention. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
Oprah Winfrey’s surprise appearance
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey speaks onstage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
Wes Moore lays the groundwork for his political future
Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) departs after speaking onstage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
Tim Walz and his family take the spotlight
Democratic vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) and wife Gwen Walz wave to the crowd after his remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz and son Gus Walz and Hope Walz look at Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) during his speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
Pink performs while rumored guest Beyonce doesn’t show up
Musician PINK, her daughter Willow Sage Hart, and guitarist Justin Derrico perform during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
Gretchen ‘Big Gretch’ Whitmer addresses the DNC
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) gestures to the crowd onstage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
Scenes from the United Center floor
Delegates and attendees wave flags on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
Harris accepts the Democratic Party nomination
Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris arrives onstage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Balloon drop closes out the DNC
Attendees celebrate with balloons after Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
