The eyes of the political world turn to Chicago this week as tens of thousands of delegates, media, dignitaries and political influencers arrive for a historic Democratic National Convention featuring Vice President Kamala Harris’ celebratory and ceremonial acceptance of the party’s presidential nomination. An event that only a month ago saw Democratic organizers trying to build enthusiasm over the anticipated renomination of President Joe Biden has now developed its own energy with the president’s decision to drop from the race and back Harris, the first Black and Asian woman to receive a major party nomination. A convention that organizers had planned for more than a year to be a showcase of Biden accomplishments has been quickly rescripted to — starting Monday — define and boost Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov.
Tim Walz, and offer voters an aggressive alternative in the Nov. 5 general election to former President Donald Trump and his running mate, U.S.
Sen. JD Vance of Ohio. Biden is scheduled to deliver the opening night keynote address.
In doing so, he will in effect cede the presidential campaign stage to Harris while forcefully touting the new ticket and what’s at stake in the election. First Lady Jill Biden also is scheduled to speak on Monday and Harris, who is to fly into Chicago on Sunday night, is expected to be in attendance at the United Center. As is traditionally the case at political conventions, the Democratic event will feature daily .