DNC Buzz: Democrats deploy trash police and roll out ‘blue carpet’ for TikTokers

CHICAGO — The second day of the Democratic National Convention featured former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as the headliners and a ceremonial roll call vote with surprise celebrity appearances.

Democrats were especially mindful of the trash at the United Center with gloved volunteers policing waste baskets to ensure recycling was done properly. Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz got a taste of pro-Gaza protest action and social media influencers took over a “blue carpet.”

Here’s some of the buzz Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention, captured by the Washington Examiner.

Gwen Walz breaks out solo

Potential second lady Gwen Walz, the wife of Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN), has started campaigning in her own right, addressing the Michigan delegation’s breakfast at the Hilton Chicago.

Walz posed for photos with Michiganders and one Marylander – Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD).

She then appeared at the Democratic National Committee’s Rural Council meeting.

Tim Walz confronted by protesters

Tim Walz, who has been a surprise guest at convention delegation breakfasts and Democratic National Committee caucus and council meetings, was disrupted during his appearance at the women’s caucus gathering at McCormick Place by pro-Gaza protesters.

One Code Pink protester, Medea Benjamin, was seen being escorted out of the room.

Lil Jon electrifies crowd during state roll call 

Georgia rapper Lil Jon delighted the crowd when he appeared before the Peach State’s delegation cast its vote for Harris during the ceremonial roll call. The crowd cheered along as he performed his song “Turn Down for What.”

Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA) cheekily told the crowd “The south got something to say” in a callback to another Georgia rapper Andre 3000 of the Atlanta hip hop duo Outkast. 

Democrats police recycling and trash bins 

Democratic volunteers at the convention were watching as attendees inside the United Center deposited food and drink waste in the correct receptacles.

The center included a waste basket for regular trash and a recycling bin for plastic bottles. As a Washington Examiner reporter was throwing out unwanted food, a volunteer watched to make sure the food went into the corresponding container. 

A different Washington Examiner reporter attempted to throw out trash and was stopped by volunteers who took the trash and placed it in the proper bins. 

Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s dramatic entrance

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) walked out on prosthetic legs to address the Democratic National Convention.

She lost her right leg near the hip and her left leg below the knee from injuries sustained when the helicopter she was co-piloting was hit by Iraqi insurgents and usually uses a wheelchair.

“I went to war to protect America’s rights and freedoms. So I take it personally when a five-time draft dodging coward like Donald Trump tries to take away my rights and freedoms in return,” Duckworth said.

Wisconsin delegates turn into cheese heads

The Wisconsin delegation was given a wedge of home during their delegation breakfast Tuesday – bright yellow cheese hats.

The delegation was asked to put them on during their breakfast, and delegates were later seen donning their hats on the floor of the DNC as well.

It’s a theme that is bipartisan. Wisconsin Republican delegates supporting former President Donald Trump wore cheese heads at the Milwaukee convention, too.

DNC rolls out ‘blue carpet’ for social media influencers 

As part of its effort to appeal to TikTokers and social media influencers, the Democratic National Convention rolled out a blue carpet. 

Content creators rotated on the carpet and shared updates with their followers. Comedian Matt Friend served as a Blue Carpet Correspondent for Snapchat doing interviews this week.