The Democratic National Convention this week in Chicago will officially open on Monday, kicking off four days of party business, party networking, and, well, partying.
On Thursday night, I and about 4,000 over delegates from across the nation will participate in the ceremonial roll call affirming the remote nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris as our candidate for president. Making history by nominating the first Black woman of a major party is exciting.
Before then, however, the party will be making our case directly to the public of what we’ve accomplished while in office and will remind people of the stakes of this election – our freedoms, our future, our democracy.
“For the People” will be the theme of Monday’s presentations as we contrast our party’s priorities and guiding principles with those of the Republican Party. The convention will also lay out the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration – nearly 16 million new jobs, the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years, forcing Big Pharma to negotiate lower drug prices, gun safety legislation, bipartisan infrastructure investments, and more.
Sunday was consumed with welcoming receptions. The first, by Detroit Mayor Duggan, welcomed the Michigan delegation and featured a who’s who of Michigan politics – Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and more.
“Be Happy Warriors,” Big Gretch urged Michigan delegates, as she reminded us of the work that lies beyond the convention. It wasn’t the first time that “hard work” was mentioned, and it won’t be the last.
Later on Sunday, the Democratic National Convention welcomed all 4,000 delegates at a lively party at the Aon Grand Ballroom at the Navy Pier. Chicago put out the welcome mat for the delegates. As we got off the shuttle buses, rows of workers clapped and sang, “Welcome to Chicago, welcome to Chicago.” The reception offered some iconic Chicago foods – deep dish pizza and Chicago hot dogs, for example.
Chicago has done this before. It has hosted the Democratic National Convention 12 times, the last being in1996.
Since the national party hasn’t had its convention in person for eight years, we’re counting on this being the best one yet.
