The first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) featured speeches from prominent lawmakers and leaders of the Democratic Party. President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed the audience, while protesters gathered outside to demonstrate against the Biden-Harris administration’s military support for Israel during the Israel-Hamas war. Here are five key takeaways from day one of the DNC.
Firstly, Biden passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris after withdrawing his candidacy and endorsing her. In his emotional speech, Biden acknowledged the challenges faced by the country, including a pandemic, joblessness, racial justice issues, and threats to democracy. He expressed confidence in Harris as a respected leader who will shape America’s future.
Clinton also took to the stage and emphasized that they were writing a new chapter in America’s story. Reflecting on her 2016 presidential race against Donald Trump, she acknowledged progress is not guaranteed but must be fought for. Clinton praised Harris’ character, experience, and vision as qualities that will lead America forward.
Democrats are feeling energized after trailing Trump in polls leading up to Biden’s candidacy announcement. With Harris now leading Trump in national polling averages by 2.6 percent according to FiveThirtyEight, Democrats hope this momentum will continue through their convention and into November’s election.
Protests unfolded outside Chicago’s United Center during day one of the convention. Demonstrators included Arab and Muslim activists along with left-wing groups like Code Pink and Democratic Socialists of America. Tensions arose before marches began due to clashes between protesters shielding their faces and a street preacher condemning Islam.
Lastly, on Sunday evening before the convention began, Democrats released their 2024 party platform which outlines their goals moving forward under President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership. The platform reflects some differences between Biden’s policies endorsed in it compared to recent positions taken by Harris on issues such as tax credits for low-income families or creating a federal ban on price gouging groceries.
Day one of DNC showcased speeches from influential figures within the Democratic Party while protests highlighted concerns over certain policies supported by the administration regarding Israel-Hamas conflict support.