Here is a space where we can discuss the upcoming convention.
The convention will commence on Monday, Aug. 19, and run through Thursday, Aug. 22. The theme of the convention is “For the People, For Our Future.” Stephanie Cutter, who orchestrated the phenomenal 2020 DNC, is heading up the effort this year.
According to USA Today, each television network will handle coverage slightly differently. Here’s a breakdown of the major networks and their coverage plans for the DNC:
- C-SPAN will carry the entire convention uninterrupted for all four days.
- CBS News’ primetime coverage of the convention will air Monday through Thursday from 8-11 p.m. ET and be anchored by “CBS Evening News” anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell.
- ABC News will air one hour of primetime coverage from 10-11 p.m. ET on Monday and Tuesday, and two hours on Wednesday and Thursday, from 9-11 p.m. ET. ABC News Live, the network’s streaming news channel, will stream primetime coverage from 7 p.m.-midnight all four days.
- Fox News will present a nightly hourlong special titled “Fox News Democracy 2024: The Democratic National Convention” each day Monday through Thursday at 10 p.m. ET, co-anchored by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.
- CNN will provide nearly 24/7 live on-air coverage of the DNC, including special live coverage each night from 8 p.m.-midnight ET with “CNN Democratic National Convention.”
- NewsNation will have special primetime coverage entitled “Decision Desk 2024: The Democratic National Convention,” which will air each day from 8 p.m.-midnight ET. It will be co-anchored by Chris Cuomo, Elizabeth Vargas and Leland Vittert.
- MSNBC will deliver full coverage and analysis, with coverage Monday-Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. ET, with the last segment starting at midnight ET.
- NBC NBC News’ special primetime coverage includes Lester Holt and Savannah Guthrie headlining more than seven hours of daily coverage on broadcast, streaming and via NBCNews.com and the NBC News app. Holt and Guthrie will anchor nightly news segments at 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 9-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.
- PBS PBS News Special: Democratic National Convention broadcasts from 8 –11 p.m. ET can be seen on television or by livestreaming at thirteen.org/live or via the PBS and THIRTEEN apps
But the convention will also stream in its entirety across over a dozen platforms, including, for the first time, vertical streams across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, according to the Democratic National Convention Committee. Primetime convention programming will take place from 6:30-11 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday and 7-11 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday through Thursday.
While the full schedule of speakers has yet to be announced, Walz is expected to speak Wednesday night, and Harris will close out the convention with the final speech Thursday. Here’s what we know so far:
Monday: “For the People”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (Axios)
First Lady Jill Biden
President Joe Biden
Tuesday: “A Bold Vision for America’s Future”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker
Former first lady Michelle Obama (USA Today)
Former President Barack Obama
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff
Also Tuesday, according to WaPo, Democrats will hold what they’re calling a “roll call celebration” for Harris and Walz to mark their nominations. The move will be ceremonial because the official roll call was held virtually earlier this month to ensure that they would appear on all state ballots. On Tuesday, members of all 57 delegations will deliver remarks and cast ceremonial votes for Harris and Walz as the party’s presidential and vice-presidential nominees.
Wednesday: “A Fight for Our Freedoms”
V.P. nominee Tim Walz delivers his acceptance speech, preceded by former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (per CNN).
Thursday: “For Our Future”
Vice President Harris accepts the convention’s nomination for president.
Date TBD:
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul
Rep. Lauren Underwood of Illinois
Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, “who has said he hopes to stay alive long enough to vote for Harris.” (Axios)
The draft of the party platform can be found here.
Will there be protests? Most likely. Politico has a piece on what we may expect.
Prediction: The convention will close with a massive rally at Soldier Field highlighted by Beyonce and Taylor Swift singing America The Beautiful duet.
