What to watch for Sunday on the eve of the Democratic National Convention – Washington Examiner

Christian DatocAugust 18, 2024

On the eve of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) set‍ to commence⁣ on Monday, key ‌welcome events are scheduled for Sunday. While there will be no speeches, the media filing ‌center opens at 7 a.m. ‌Central for‍ press activities. The DNC’s Delegate Welcome Party will take ⁤place Sunday evening at Navy Pier. Protest groups, including those⁤ advocating for Gaza and ⁤Israel, are expected to rally throughout the‌ week, starting with ‍a protest ⁢organized ⁣by the Coalition for Reproductive Justice and LGBTQ+ Liberation at 5 p.m. local time.

The DNC events will⁤ be primarily hosted at the United Center, where Vice ‍President Kamala Harris will accept her⁢ nomination on Thursday night, followed by President Joe Biden’s opening ⁣speech on Monday. Additional smaller events will⁤ take place‌ at McCormick Place and other venues in Chicago. A security perimeter will be established around McCormick Place starting Saturday evening, ‍along with associated traffic restrictions. Chicago has previously hosted the DNC numerous times, indicating the city’s familiarity with such⁤ significant political events. Key activities to ⁣note on Sunday include the opening of⁤ the media pavilion and press file at the United Center, as well as various dinners and services throughout the day, underscoring⁤ the diverse activities leading up to the formal convention.

What to watch for Sunday on the eve of the Democratic National Convention

The 2024 Democratic National Convention begins Monday, but DNC attendees and press are getting the ball rolling Sunday with a host of welcome events.

Though there won’t be any speeches on Sunday, the media filing center, where outlets write, conduct interviews, and broadcast live from, will open at 7 a.m. Central. The Democratic National Committee will host its Delegate Welcome Party on Sunday evening at the Navy Pier.

Furthermore, several protest groups, including pro-Gaza and pro-Israel activists, are expected to rally around the convention throughout the week. The first protest, “Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws,” organized by the Coalition for Reproductive Justice and LGBTQ+ Liberation, is scheduled to begin Sunday at 5 p.m. local time.

Official DNC events are being held at two venues: The United Center will serve as the core focus of the week, with the majority of programming and speeches held at the home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. There, Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver her nomination acceptance speech Thursday night. President Joe Biden will also deliver an opening speech at the United Center on Monday night.

Several smaller profile events will also take place at McCormick Place, just east of Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood, and other venues across the city.

The DNC security perimeter around McCormick Place goes into effect on Saturday at 7 p.m. local time with traffic restrictions.

Chicago has hosted the DNC 12 times and the Republican National Convention an additional 14 times, so the city is used to the fanfare, and traffic, associated with nominating presidential candidates.

Here’s a list of what to watch for on Sunday:

Morning

Media Pavilion and Press File opens — United Center

Afternoon

Muslim Delegates Dinner, hosted by American Muslim Democratic Caucus, Muslim Delegates and Allies, and Muslims for Democracy and Fairness — Palestinian American Community Center

DNC Black Caucus Worship Service — Apostolic Faith Church

Italian American Democratic Leadership Council honors Italian American Convention Delegates — St. Regis Hotel Chicago

Taste of Asia Reception, hosted by Philippine American Chamber of Commerce — Bridge 410

Gospel Musical for Democratic National Convention, hosted by Black Legislative Leaders Network — New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church