2024 Democratic National Convention#The abbreviated campaign

Amid the downsizing of the 2020 Democratic National Convention held in various parts of the United States, including its main host city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in a virtual format impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was discussion among some notable individuals in Milwaukee about the city pushing to receive the 2024 convention as consolation.{{cite web |last1=Calvi|first1=Jason |title=In light of DNC changes, some ponder Milwaukee hosting 2024 convention|url=https://www.fox6now.com/news/in-light-of-dnc-changes-some-ponder-milwaukee-hosting-2024-convention |website=WITI |access-date=August 9, 2020 |date=August 6, 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Jannene |first1=Jeramey |title=Will Milwaukee Get DNC in 2024?|url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2020/05/25/will-milwaukee-get-dnc-in-2024/ |website=Urban Milwaukee |access-date=August 9, 2020 |language=en |date=May 25, 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Jacobo |first1=Victor |title=With 2020 DNC nearly gone, calls grow for a bid to host in 2024|url=https://www.cbs58.com/news/with-2020-dnc-nearly-gone-calls-grow-for-a-bid-to-host-in-2024 |website=WDJT-TV |access-date=August 9, 2020 |language=en |date=August 6, 2020}} Speculation existed that, due to the circumstances surrounding the downsizing of the 2020 convention, Milwaukee would be a front-runner to host the convention if it pursued it.{{cite web |last1=Schmidt |first1=Mitchell |title=Democrats adapt to the downsized Milwaukee Democratic National Convention|url=https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/democrats-adapt-to-the-downsized-milwaukee-democratic-national-convention/article_ae53ee46-682d-5840-9a61-bec509f3809d.html |website=madison.com |publisher=Wisconsin State Journal |access-date=August 15, 2020 |language=en |date=August 15, 2020|url-access=subscription}} Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett was open to the city hosting either a Democratic or Republican convention in 2024.{{cite web |last1=Calvi |first1=Jason |title=Could Milwaukee host 2024 DNC? 1-on-1 with committee chair|url=https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukee-democratic-convention-2024-jaime-harrison |website=WITI |access-date=April 25, 2021 |date=April 23, 2021}}

In the summer of 2021, Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison sent letters to over twenty cities inviting them to bid to host the convention.{{cite web |last1=Mucha |first1=Sarah |title=First look: DNC kicks off host city competition for 2024 convention|url=https://www.axios.com/dnc-host-city-search-96c094d1-337a-4c2d-8141-d2010132a372.html |website=Axios |access-date=October 13, 2021 |date=July 30, 2021}}

Officials in Columbus, Ohio, had, since at least 2019, discussed trying to seek either the Democratic or Republican convention in 2024.{{cite web |last1=Colombo |first1=Hayleigh |title=Should Columbus bid to host the DNC or RNC in 2024? Tourism leaders say it's a question of ROI|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/11/13/should-columbus-bid-to-host-the-dnc-or-rnc.html |website=Columbus Business First |access-date=August 9, 2020 |date=November 13, 2019}}

After being one of approximately twenty cities that Harrison invited to bid, Barrett wrote Harrison a letter indicating the city's interest in hosting the party's 2024 convention.{{cite web |last1=Hess |first1=Corrinne |title=Milwaukee To DNC: We're Ready To Host In 2024|url=https://www.wpr.org/milwaukee-dnc-were-ready-host-2024 |website=Wisconsin Public Radio |access-date=October 13, 2021 |language=en |date=September 28, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Vetterkind |first1=Riley |title=Milwaukee one of 20 cities invited to consider hosting 2024 Democratic National Convention|url=https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/milwaukee-one-of-20-cities-invited-to-consider-hosting-2024-democratic-national-convention/article_a8e22aa7-34d2-5cbe-932a-23a5b81e1e76.html |website=Madison.com |publisher=Wisconsin State Journal |access-date=October 13, 2021 |language=en |date=August 2, 2021}} Milwaukee was also bidding to host the 2024 Republican National Convention.{{cite web |last1=Petre |first1=Linda |title=Search for 2024 convention sites ramps up in both parties|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/589116-search-for-2024-convention-sites-ramps-up-in-both-parties |website=The Hill |access-date=February 23, 2022 |language=en |date=January 11, 2022}}

Nashville, Tennessee, took action to pursue either party's Convention.

Top Democrats from Illinois, including Governor J. B. Pritzker, Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot, laid the groundwork to host the convention in Chicago.{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Pritzker, Lightfoot, Duckworth working on pitch for 2024 Democratic National Convention to be held in Chicago|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2022/3/30/23003656/chicago-democrats-pitch-2024-democratic-national-convention-pritzker-lightfoot-duckworth-dnc-1996 |access-date=March 31, 2022 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}} Chicago has hosted the most major-party presidential nominating conventions of any city (14 Republican, 11 Democratic). The 1968 Democratic National Convention was mired in violence between anti-war demonstrators and the Chicago Police Department. The most recent convention (1996 Democratic National Convention) saw the renomination of Bill Clinton and Al Gore.{{Cite web |title=Political Conventions|url=http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/986.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |website=Encyclopedia of Chicago}} On May 3, 2022, Chicago launched a website to promote the city as a potential host for the convention.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Unveils Bid to Host 2024 Democratic National Convention |url=https://news.wttw.com/2022/05/03/chicago-unveils-bid-host-2024-democratic-national-convention|access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=WTTW News |language=en}} Facilities in Chicago mentioned as potential primary venues include the United Center, Wintrust Arena, and Navy Pier.{{cite web |title=Where Could the 2024 Democratic National Convention Be Held If It Came to Chicago? Lightfoot Weighs in|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/where-could-2024-democratic-national-convention-be-held-in-chicago-citys-mayor-weighs-in/2796287/ |website=NBC Chicago |access-date=May 21, 2022 |date=March 31, 2022}}

In May 2022, Atlanta and New York City also announced bids for the convention.{{cite web |last1=Amy |first1=Jeff |date=May 14, 2022 |title=Atlanta will bid for 2024 Democratic nominating convention|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/atlanta-bid-2024-democratic-nominating-convention-84719241 |access-date=May 30, 2022 |website=ABC News |language=en |agency=The Associated Press}}{{cite web |last1=Durkin |first1=Erin |last2=Gronewold |first2=Anna |last3=Garcia |first3=Deanna |title=New York City throws in for DNC|url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/new-york-playbook/2022/05/27/new-york-city-throws-in-for-dnc-00035661 |website=Politico |access-date=May 30, 2022 |language=en |date=May 27, 2022}} New York City had not previously been expected to bid.

File:2024 Democratic National Convention - United Center Interior.jpg

Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and New York City submitted bids by the May 28, 2022, deadline.{{Cite web |last=Sweet |first=Lynn |date=May 28, 2022 |title=New York jumps in race to host 2024 Democratic National Convention: Big competition for Chicago|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2022/5/27/23145136/new-york-host-2024-democratic-national-convention-chicago-politics-election |access-date=May 30, 2022 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}} In January 2023, Democratic National Committee officials confirmed that the finalist cities would be Atlanta, Chicago, and New York City, with Houston no longer being considered.{{Cite news |last1=Glueck |first1=Katie |last2=King |first2=Maya |date=January 27, 2023 |title='Does This City Fit Who We Are as a Party?' Mayors Jockey for 2024 D.N.C. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/27/us/politics/dnc-convention-cities-2024-biden.html |access-date=January 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}

Early into Chicago's bid, in addition to proposing United Center as the primary venue and McCormick Place as a possible venue for secondary convention business, Museum Campus, Navy Pier, and Wintrust Arena were also additionally floated as facilities that could additionally be used for secondary convention business.{{cite web |last1=Sweet |first1=Lynn |last2=Sfondeles |first2=Tina |title=Exclusive details on Chicago's bid for 2024 Democratic convention: Bid due May 27|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/5/3/23054453/exclusive-details-on-chicagos-bid-for-2024-democratic-convention |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=July 19, 2022 |language=en |date=May 3, 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Sweet |first1=Lynn |title=Democratic 2024 convention site team visits Chicago next week; Republicans poised to pick Milwaukee|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2022/7/18/23269094/democratic-2024-convention-site-team-to-visit-chicago-republicans-poised-to-pick-milwaukee |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=January 30, 2023 |language=en |date=July 19, 2022}} The Chicago bid was chiefly championed by Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Bid supporters touted the city's large airports, cultural attractions, and the central location of the convention venues and the hotels where delegates and other visitors would stay. They argued that Chicago's location in the Midwest would be wise given the high importance for the Democrats of the nearby swing states of Wisconsin and Michigan. Democratic Party leaders in other Midwestern states threw their support behind Chicago's bid.{{cite web |last1=Sforza |first1=Lauren |title=Midwest Democrats push for 2024 convention in Chicago |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3913033-midwest-democrats-push-for-2024-convention-in-chicago/ |website=The Hill |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=March 22, 2023}} They also touted that the city's hotels generally employ union laborers. Governor Pritzker, a billionaire who had contributed large sums to the organization fundraising for Chicago's effort, made a pledge to the Democratic Party that the party itself would not incur any financial losses from the organization of the convention.{{cite web |last1=Kapos |first1=Shia |title=Pritzker, allies to DNC: We'll cover the bill — if Chicago gets the '24 convention|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/13/pritzker-allies-cover-bills-chicago-dem-convention-00086881 |website=Politico |access-date=April 11, 2023 |language=en |date=March 13, 2023}} The remaining mayoral candidates in the 2023 Chicago mayoral election runoff, Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas, vowed to support the city's effort to host the convention.{{cite web |last1=Sweet |first1=Lynn |title=Chicago mayor rivals Paul Vallas, Brandon Johnson pledge support for city's 2024 Democratic convention bid|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2023/3/2/23622814/chicago-mayor-rivals-paul-vallas-brandon-johnson-pledge-support-for-citys-democratic-convention-bid |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=April 11, 2023 |language=en |date=March 3, 2023}} The victory of the progressive Johnson over the more conservative Vallas in the city's runoff election was speculated to have helped Chicago's prospects.{{cite web |last1=Burnett |first1=Will Weissert and Sara |title=Dem, GOP convention picks show Midwest's political influence|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2023/04/12/election-2024-midwest-chicago-milwaukee-party-conventions/70108347007/ |website=The Detroit News |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=April 12, 2023}}

Supporters of Atlanta's bid argued that a convention in their city could aid the Democrats in making political inroads in the South,{{cite web |title=A Midwest Rivalry: Chicago to host 2024 DNC in political competition of Milwaukee's 2024 RNC|url=https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/featured/midwest-rivalry-chicago-host-2024-dnc-political-competition-milwaukees-2024-rnc/ |website=Milwaukee Independent |agency=The Associated Press |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=April 12, 2023}} touting the city's history in civil rights activism and its state's recent ascendence in 2020 to become a key swing state in presidential and U.S. Senate elections. These points were countered by New York and Chicago backers, who criticized the city's lack of unionized hotels and the state's "Right to Work" law as discordant with the party's alliance with organized laborers.

On April 11, 2023, it was announced that Chicago had been selected as the convention's location, with the United Center to serve as the primary venue and McCormick Place to be a secondary facility used for various early-day convention activities.{{cite web |last1=Sweet |first1=Lynn |title=Chicago to host 2024 Democratic National Convention|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2023/4/11/23676941/chicago-2024-democratic-convention |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=April 11, 2023 |language=en |date=April 11, 2023}} Chicago and the previously selected Republican National Convention host city, Milwaukee, are approximately 90 miles apart on the coast of Lake Michigan. Not since 1972, when both conventions last shared a host city, have the major party convention sites been so closely located.{{cite web |last1=Wise |first1=David |title=Chicago selected to host 2024 Democratic National Convention|url=https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/chicago-selected-to-host-2024-democratic-national-convention |website=WisPolitics |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=April 11, 2023}} Illinois is regarded to be a solidly Democratic state.{{cite web |title=Dems select Chicago for 2024 convention|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-report-democrats-select-chicago-to-host-2024-convention |website=PBS NewsHour |access-date=April 15, 2023 |language=en-us |date=April 11, 2023}} No party has opted to hold their convention in a non-swing state since the 2004 election, though Chicago is within a few hours' drive of the swing states of Wisconsin and Michigan.{{cite web |last1=Petre |first1=Linda |title=Search for 2024 convention sites ramps up in both parties|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/589116-search-for-2024-convention-sites-ramps-up-in-both-parties |website=The Hill |access-date=February 23, 2022 |date=January 11, 2022}}

File:McCormick Place exterior.jpg convention center, to be utilized for secondary convention business]]

The convention was held on August 19–22, 2024. The United Center, previously the location of the 1996 Democratic National Convention, was the convention's primary location. McCormick Place hosted secondary business of the convention. The convention was attended by between 5,000 and 7,000 delegates and alternate delegates. Approximately thirty hotels in the city provided lodging to convention delegates. The convention was expected to bring an overall 50,000 visitors to Chicago.

There were three funding sources for the convention. With the Pennsylvania Democratic Party donating over 24 million to the convention, the bid committee pledged that the host committee would raise $84.697 million.{{cite web | url=https://ballotpedia.org/Democratic_National_Committee | title=Democratic National Committee }} Through 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee Inc., money was raised in accordance with the Federal Election Commission's regulations. Additionally, $50 million were received in federal funds for security costs, as has been the case for all major party conventions since 2004. Congress was urged to increase this to $75 million. The Democratic National Committee also requested the bidding cities agree to open a $30 million line of credit, which Chicago agreed to do.{{cite web |last1=Sweet |first1=Lynn |title=Inside Chicago's 2024 Democratic convention bid: $30 million line of credit deal was key|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2023/5/26/23739016/chicago-2024-democratic-convention-line-credit-deal |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=June 26, 2023 |language=en |date=May 26, 2023}}

On August 8, 2023, convention leadership was announced. Minyon Moore was named the chair of the convention.{{cite web |last1=Korecki |first1=Natasha |title=DNC names leadership posts for 2024 presidential convention in Chicago|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meetthepressblog/dnc-names-leadership-posts-2024-presidential-convention-chicago-rcna98670 |website=NBC News |access-date=August 20, 2023 |language=en |date=August 8, 2023}} Alex Hornbrook was named executive director, and Louisa Terrell was named a senior advisor. In his role as senior advisor to the Biden Victory Fund, Roger Lau was assigned an expanded role to provide advice to the convention leadership.{{cite web |last1=Kapos |first1=Shia |title=Democrats name Minyon Moore convention chair|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/08/minyon-moore-democratic-national-convention-chair-00110222 |website=Politico |access-date=August 20, 2023 |language=en |date=August 8, 2023}}

$50{{nbsp}}million in federal funding was provided for security spending. As a major party presidential nominating convention, the 2024 Democratic National Convention was designated a National Special Security Event. It was the second such event held in Chicago to receive this designation, with the first having been the 2012 NATO Summit. By June 2023, the United States Secret Service had begun collaborating on preparations for the convention with the Chicago Police Department and other police departments that will be involved in convention security.{{cite web |last1=Tressel |first1=Christine |title=US Secret Service training Chicago police in advance of 2024 Democratic National Convention|url=https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-dnc-2024-democratic-national-convention-secret-service/13360329/ |website=ABC7 Chicago |publisher=WLS-TV |access-date=June 26, 2023 |date=June 8, 2023}}

Protests and demonstrations related to the U.S. government's support for Israel in their invasion of Gaza emerged while the convention was being held. In preparation for the event, party leaders demonstrated confidence in Chicago Police and federal officials to manage protestors, using such methods as drawing set parameters for demonstrations to take place, as well as initiating mass arrests in cases of these regulations being violated. As of April 2024, organizers expected as many as 30,000 protestors in Chicago during the convention.{{cite news |title=Democrats descend on Chicago as specter of '68 convention looms |first=Shia |last=Kapos |work=Politico |date=April 15, 2024 |access-date=April 23, 2024|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/04/15/democrats-chicago-convention-unrest-00152164}} Commentators have drawn comparisons between the 2024 convention and the 1968 convention, also held in Chicago, in which protests opposed to the Vietnam War turned violent when the city utilized extreme levels of police brutality to suppress the protestors.{{cite news |title=How the Israel-Gaza Protests Could Hurt the Democratic Party |first=Jeremy W. |last=Peters |work=The New York Times |issn=1553-8095 |date=April 21, 2024 |access-date=April 23, 2024|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/21/us/israel-gaza-democrats.html}}{{cite magazine |title=Biden's Gaza Policy Could Create a Replay of Chicago '68 |first=Harold |last=Meyerson |magazine=The American Prospect |date=April 15, 2024 |access-date=April 23, 2024|url=https://prospect.org/politics/2024-04-15-bidens-gaza-policy-chicago-68-convention/}}

In May 2024, Politico reported that party leaders were considering limiting in-person gatherings at United Center to primetime sessions only to reduce the possibility of disruption, which would include holding official business to McCormick Place (and the possibility of the formal certification taking place before the convention due to conflicts with deadline requirements in Ohio), and retaining elements of 2020's convention (including a focus on prerecorded segments such as the virtual roll call).{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Jonathan |author-link=Jonathan Martin (journalist) |date=May 10, 2024 |title=The DNC Is Preparing for the Worst in Chicago — Without the Help of the City's Mayor|url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/05/10/rookie-mayor-chicago-dnc-00157208 |access-date=May 10, 2024 |website=Politico}}

In light of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump on July{{nbsp}}13, the Secret Service secured the United Center and the immediate area surrounding it, and the Chicago Police Department secured everything outside the inner perimeter, with both agencies securing rooftops of all buildings that may have had a line of sight to the United Center.{{cite news |last1=Gallardo |first1=Michelle |title=Secret Service, Chicago police responsible for securing rooftops around United Center during DNC|url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/dnc-2024-secret-service-chicago-police-department-responsible/15061754/ |access-date=July 26, 2024 |work=ABC 7 |date=July 15, 2024}}

On August{{nbsp}}12, the first round of parking restrictions took effect for the DNC in Chicago.{{cite web |last1=Piekos |first1=Christian |last2=Kawash |first2=Maher|date=August 14, 2024 |title=More parking restrictions in place around United Center ahead of Chicago DNC |url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-dnc-2024-more-parking-restrictions-place-around-united-center-residents-prepare-democratic-convention/15184851/ |publisher=ABC 7 Chicago News |access-date=August 15, 2024}} Some residents such as people at a senior living apartment complex near major Democratic National Convention sites in Chicago were confused and frustrated with new no-parking zone restrictions outside the Chicago DNC perimeter.{{cite web |last1=Sisk |first1=Courtney|date=August 13, 2024 |title=Senior residents near United Center 'blindsided' by DNC parking restrictions |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/dnc-chicago-2024/senior-residents-near-united-center-blindsided-by-dnc-parking-restrictions/3521518/ |publisher=NBC Chicago |access-date=August 15, 2024}} They said that no-parking signs had started appearing on their streets, even though they were outside the convention's car-free zones. These residents found it an unwelcome surprise to lose their street parking, which they claimed interfered with their day-to-day lives.{{cite web |last1=Machi |first1=Sara|date=August 14, 2024|title=Neighbors say no parking zones outside Chicago DNC perimeter are an unpleasant surprise |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/no-parking-zones-outside-chicago-dnc-perimeter/ |publisher=CBS News Chicago |access-date=August 15, 2024}}

Organizations such as Samidoun,{{Cite web|url=https://samidoun.net/2024/08/20-august-chicago-shut-down-the-dnc-for-gaza/|title=20 August, Chicago: Shut down the DNC for Gaza!|date=August 13, 2024}} Code Pink,{{Cite web|url=https://www.codepink.org/dnc2024|title=DISRUPT THE DNC: Chicago Action|website=CODEPINK – Women for Peace|date=August 19, 2024 }} the ANSWER Coalition{{Cite web|url=https://www.answercoalition.org/shut_it_down_for_palestine_shakes_the_country_next_step_black_friday|title=Shut It Down for Palestine shakes the country – next step: Black Friday|website=ANSWER Coalition}} and several others{{Cite web|url=https://www.shutitdown4palestine.org/about|title=About|website=Shut It Down for Palestine – July 24}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wbez.org/government-politics/dnc-2024/2024/08/16/one-chicago-protest-group-issues-a-call-to-make-it-great-like-68-and-shut-down-the-dnc|title=One Chicago protest group issues a call to "make it great like '68" and "shut down the DNC"|date=August 16, 2024|website=WBEZ}} demonstrated at the convention.

By tradition,{{cite web |date=August 3, 2000 |title=Whose Convention Goes First?|url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2000/08/whose-convention-goes-first.html |access-date=April 11, 2020 |website=Slate Magazine |language=en}} because the Democratic Party held the White House, its convention was scheduled for after the 2024 Republican National Convention, starting on August 19. In April, Ohio officials warned the Biden campaign that they would not delay Ohio's August 7, deadline to get on the ballot, as Ohio had done in 2012 and 2020. On May 28, the Democratic National Committee proposed an early online nomination vote, but its Rules and Bylaws Committee needed to vote on amending the call to the convention, and the full Democratic National Committee needed to vote on adopting the amendment.{{cite news |last1=Murray |first1=Isabella |title=DNC to virtually nominate Biden and Harris to bypass Ohio ballot issues|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/dnc-virtually-nominate-biden-ahead-convention-amid-ballot/story?id=110617732 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |work=ABC News |date=May 28, 2024}} On June 2, Ohio passed a law delaying its deadline, but because the law was set to take effect at the end of August, the DNC said it would continue with a virtual roll call vote in order to avoid litigation from Republicans.{{cite news|last1=John|first1=Arit|last2=Cohen|first2=Ethan|date=July 11, 2024|title=Democrats face uncertainty around roll call timing amid questions about Biden's political standing |publisher=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/10/politics/democrats-virtual-roll-call-biden/index.html|access-date=July 11, 2024}} On June 4, the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to amend the call to let the Democratic National Convention Committee to advance the convention's dates and to allow the convention's committees to adopt the permanent rules and permanent list of delegates early for the virtual nomination vote.{{cite web |title=DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting – June 4, 2024 | website=YouTube | date=June 4, 2024|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgU940BH3Ro |access-date=July 25, 2024}} On June 20, the full Democratic National Committee voted 360 to 2 to approve the amendment for an official online nomination vote before Ohio's deadline.{{cite news |last1=Sweet |first1=Lynn |title=Democratic Convention in Chicago will have a prime-time roll call even with Biden already nominated|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2024-democratic-national-convention/2024/06/21/dnc-chicago-prime-time-roll-call-biden |access-date=July 22, 2024 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=June 21, 2024}} On July 15, the DNC sent an email asking delegates to indicate on a drop-down menu on who they will vote for: Joe Biden, Jason Palmer (who won American Samoa), Rep. Dean Phillips, or "uncommitted." Answers to that questionnaire reportedly essentially gave the DNC a whip count on how firm – or soft – support for Biden was among actual delegates.{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Hans |last2=Thompson |first2=Alex |title=DNC's mad dash to finalize virtual voting plan for Biden nomination |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/07/18/dnc-biden-presidential-nomination-virtual-vote |publisher=Axios |access-date=25 February 2025 |date=18 July 2024}}

After Biden's performance at the June presidential debate caused concern among Democrats, some House Democrats circulated a letter on July 16 proposing that the "virtual roll call" vote be cancelled,{{cite news|last1=Gangitano|first1=Alex|last2=Schnell|first2=Mychael|date=July 17, 2024|title=House Democrats warn DNC against moving ahead with virtual roll call to nominate Biden |work=The Hill|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4775375-house-democrats-dnc-virtual-roll-call-nominate-biden/|access-date=July 17, 2024}} fearing it would occur the next week.{{cite web |title=Democrats to hold off on early virtual nomination of President Biden amid party outcry|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/17/democrats-to-hold-off-on-early-nomination-of-biden-until-next-month/74439220007/ |publisher=USA Today |access-date=July 18, 2024|date=July 17, 2024|last1=Garrison |first1=Joey |last2=Chambers |first2=Francesca|last3=Schulte |first3=Laura}} On July 17, the DNC decided that the virtual roll call vote should be no earlier than August 1 after concerns from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.{{cite web | last=Navarro | first=Aaron | title=DNC letter says virtual roll call to nominate Biden will happen in August | website=CBS News | date=July 17, 2024|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/democratic-national-committee-letter-joe-biden-virtual-roll-call/ | access-date=July 17, 2024}} On July 19, the Democratic National Convention's Rules Committee met to deliberate on the virtual nomination vote but went into recess without adopting any rules.{{cite news |last1=Kilgore |first1=Ed |title=Is Kamala Harris the Nominee? How the DNC Will Work.|url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/kamala-harris-dnc-democratic-convention-rules.html |access-date=July 23, 2024 |work=New York Magazine|date=July 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724000809/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/kamala-harris-dnc-democratic-convention-rules.html |archive-date=July 24, 2024}} After Biden withdrew from the nomination on July 21 and gave Harris his endorsement, Harris said she did not want a virtual roll call and preferred a process that follows regular order.{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Seung Min |title=Kamala Harris is now in a bright spotlight as she fights to secure the Democratic presidential nod|url=https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-joe-biden-2024-presidential-campaign-aad5c42336bd1e4db58aa0868b4586b5 |access-date=July 22, 2024 |work=Associated Press |date=July 21, 2024}} On July 22, the DNC laid out a draft plan{{cite news|last1=Schneider|first1=Elena|date=July 22, 2024|title=DNC poised to move forward with virtual roll call after Biden dropout|publisher=Politico|url=https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/07/22/kamala-harris-campaign-biden-drop-out/dnc-rollcall-harris-00170506|access-date=July 22, 2024}} affirming a virtual nomination vote in the first week of August.{{cite news|last1=Gangitano|first1=Alex|date=July 22, 2024|title=DNC plans to have nominee by Aug. 7, use virtual roll call ahead of convention |work=The Hill|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4787132-dnc-nominee-august-7-convention/|access-date=July 22, 2024}} On July 24, the Democratic National Convention's Rules Committee passed the draft rules for the early virtual nomination vote by a vote of 157 to 3.{{cite news |last1=Weissert |first1=Will |title=Democrats poised to virtually nominate Harris — and her running mate — by Aug. 7|url=https://apnews.com/article/harris-democratic-convention-nominee-virtual-voting-78991bcc443e06c000d1d800e0d94cc5 |access-date=July 24, 2024 |work=Associated Press |date=July 24, 2024}}

In addition to traditional journalists, the Democratic National Committee recruited content creators, with large followings on YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms and provided them with access to media space at the convention.{{Cite web |last=Klein |first=Betsy |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Influencers get prime DNC access as part of Harris' campaign strategy|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/22/politics/content-creators-influencers-dnc-harris/index.html |access-date=August 26, 2024 |website=CNN |language=en}}

The Democratic National Committee also invited hundreds of celebrities to the event to show support of Harris. These celebrity appearances led many people to believe that the campaign was paying for endorsements from huge artist, which was denied by the Harris campaign which stated "It is not true" on their media pages.Zinsner, H. (2024) Posts make unfounded claim about Beyoncé’s endorsement of Harris, FactCheck.org. Available at: https://www.factcheck.org/2024/10/posts-make-unfounded-claim-about-beyonces-endorsement-of-harris/ (Accessed: 02 December 2024). Some artists, such as Beyonce, spoke on the usage of their music in the convention, saying they gave the party the right to use their music for free as a token of support.{{cite web | url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/22/entertainment/beyonce-freedom-harris-campaign/index.html | title=Beyoncé gives Kamala Harris permission to use her song 'Freedom' for her presidential campaign | website=CNN | date=July 23, 2024 }}

On July{{nbsp}}21, presumptive nominee President Joe Biden announced that he would not seek reelection. That same day, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.{{Cite web |last1=Schrader |first1=Adam |last2=Moran |first2=Mark |date=July 21, 2024 |title=Biden drops out of presidential race, endorses Harris|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/07/21/biden-endorses-harris-president-2024/1071721586809 |access-date=July 21, 2024 |website=United Press International |language=en}} Biden dropping out freed the DNC delegates bound to him from their pledge to vote for his nomination.{{cite news |last1=Yoon |first1=Robert|title=Who will win delegates' support to be the Democratic nominee? AP's survey tracks who they're backing|url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-harris-democratic-delegate-survey-10624977f1832da747c74d6408cc33c6 |access-date=August 1, 2024 |work=Associated Press |date=July 23, 2024}} A couple of hours after Biden's announcement, Harris announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination.{{cite news |work=New York Times|title=Kamala Harris Says She's Running in Biden's Place|access-date=July 21, 2024|date=July 21, 2024|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/21/us/politics/kamala-harris-president-biden.html}} The Biden campaign officially changed its name to Harris for President and officially registered Harris as its presidential candidate.{{cite news |last1=John |first1=Arit |title=Harris will seek Democratic nomination and could be the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major party ticket|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/21/politics/kamala-harris-biden-endorsement-democratic-nominee/index.html |access-date=August 1, 2024 |work=CNN |date=July 21, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Soo Rin |title=Trump campaign wants FEC to block Harris from accessing Biden's campaign money|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-campaign-fec-block-harris-accessing-bidens-campaign/story?id=112226408 |access-date=August 1, 2024 |work=ABC News |date=July 24, 2024}} Key progressive voices swiftly rallied behind Harris, with Reps. Cori Bush,{{cite news |last1=Trudo |first1=Hanna |title=Cori Bush becomes first Squad member to back Harris|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4784786-progressive-rep-cori-bush-backs-harris/ |access-date=August 1, 2024 |work=The Hill |date=July 21, 2024}} Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Ayanna Pressley,{{cite news |last1=Moser |first1=Riley |title=Rep. Ilhan Omar, other members of "The Squad" endorse Kamala Harris for president|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/rep-ilhan-omar-other-members-of-the-squad-endorse-kamala-harris-for-president/ |access-date=August 1, 2024 |work=CBS News |date=July 21, 2024}} and Indivisible endorsing her.{{cite news |last1=Bekiempis |first1=Victoria |title=Indivisible, one of the largest progressive US organizations, praised Joe Biden for his decision and said the group would back Kamala Harris.|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/jul/21/biden-drops-out-presidential-election?page=with%3Ablock-669d8a938f083fc6a547b0f6 |access-date=August 1, 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=July 21, 2024}} The only member of the progressive group of Democrats known as "The Squad" that has declined to endorse Harris is U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib.{{cite web |last1=Ward |first1=Myah |title=Rashida Tlaib declines to endorse Harris |url=https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/11/01/2024-elections-live-coverage-updates-analysis/rashida-tlaib-kamala-harris-skips-endorsement-00186901 |publisher=Politico |access-date=2 November 2024 |date=1 November 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Reinhart |first1=Max |title=Tlaib declines to endorse Harris at UAW rally in Detroit |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/01/rashida-tlaib-declines-to-endorse-kamala-harris-at-uaw-rally-in-detroit/75969687007/ |publisher=The Detroit News |access-date=2 November 2024 |date=1 November 2024}}

The next day, Harris secured tentative support from well beyond the majority of convention delegates needed to win the upcoming vote and become the party's nominee for president.{{cite news |last1=Bose |first1=Nandita |last2=Hunnicutt |first2=Trevor |title=Harris secures delegates needed to become Democratic nominee for president|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/backed-by-biden-harris-scrambles-lock-up-white-house-bid-2024-07-22/ |access-date=July 25, 2024 |work=Reuters |date=July 22, 2024}} By July 23, leaders of the party, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,{{cite news |last1=Parkinson |first1=John |title=Pelosi endorses Harris with 'immense pride,' praises Biden's 'wisdom'|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pelosi-endorses-harris-immense-pride-praises-bidens-wisdom/story?id=112169836 |access-date=July 25, 2024 |work=ABC News |date=July 22, 2024}} House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer{{cite news |last1=Thorp V |first1=Frank |last2=Nobles |first2=Ryan|last3=Santaliz |first3=Kate |title=Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries endorse Harris for president|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/democratic-leaders-chuck-schumer-hakeem-jeffries-endorse-harris-presid-rcna163249 |access-date=July 25, 2024 |work=NBC News |date=July 23, 2024}} coalesced around Harris's candidacy, including those mentioned as the other most viable prospects such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer{{cite news |last1=Bolton |first1=Alexander |title=Whitmer endorses Harris: 'I am fired up'|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4785795-gretchen-whitmer-endorses-kamala-harris/ |access-date=July 25, 2024 |work=The Hill |date=July 22, 2024}} and California Governor Gavin Newsom.{{cite news |last1=Falconer |first1=Rebecca |title=California Gov. Gavin Newsom endorses "fearless" Kamala Harris|url=https://www.axios.com/2024/07/22/gavin-newsom-kamala-harris-endorse-california |access-date=July 25, 2024 |work=Axios |date=July 21, 2024}} Harris received the endorsement of all of the incumbent Democratic members of the United States House of Representatives from her home state of California except for US Representative Josh Harder from California's 9th congressional district.{{cite web |last1=Diaz |first1=Danielle |last2=Adragna |first2=Anthony |title=The Democrats who aren't on Team Harris |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/inside-congress/2024/08/14/the-democrats-who-arent-on-team-harris-00174081 |publisher=Politico |access-date=September 11, 2024 |date=August 14, 2024}} The vast majority of the incumbent Democratic members in the United States House of Representatives quickly endorsed Harris, with notable exceptions being the three co-chairs of the Blue Dog Coalition caucus of centrist and moderate members from the Democratic Party in the United States House of Representatives{{cite web |last1=Gamio |first1=Lazaro |last2=Keefe |first2=John |last3=Kim |first3=June |last4=McFadden |first4=Alyce |last5=Park |first5=Andrew |last6=Yourish |first6=Karen |title=Many Elected Democrats Quickly Endorsed Kamala Harris. See Who Did. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/07/22/us/politics/kamala-harris-democrats-endorsement-list.html |work=New York Times |access-date=September 14, 2024 |date=July 24, 2024}} US Representative Jared Golden,{{cite web |last1=Solender |first1=Andrew |title=Scoop: House Democrat "absolutely not" committed to voting for Harris |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/07/25/jared-golden-kamala-harris-trump-election |publisher=Axios |access-date=September 12, 2024 |date=July 25, 2024}} US Representative Mary Peltola,{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Yereth |title=Alaska's Democratic U.S. House member withholds support for Kamala Harris |url=https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/07/23/alaskas-democratic-u-s-house-member-withholds-support-for-kamala-harris/ |publisher=Alaskan Beacon |access-date=September 12, 2024 |date=July 23, 2024}} and US Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.{{cite web |last1=Brynelson |first1=Troy |title=Ahead of Washington primaries, CD-3 candidates keep distance from Democratic leaders |url=https://www.opb.org/article/2024/08/02/marie-gluesenkamp-perez-joe-kent-southwest-washington-3rd-congressional-district/ |publisher=Oregan Public Broadcasting |access-date=September 12, 2024 |date=August 2, 2024}} Also, Harris received the endorsement of 46 of the 47 incumbent Democratic members in the United States Senate. Jon Tester of Montana was the only incumbent Senator in the Democratic Party not to endorse Harris for President.{{cite web |last1=Sunnucks |first1=Mike |title=Tester not endorsing Kamala Harris in presidential race |url=https://www.kulr8.com/news/state/tester-not-endorsing-kamala-harris-in-presidential-race/article_630f6297-4e8c-530a-b1cc-e5a9ca90ce3c.html |publisher=Belgrade News & KULR-TV |access-date=18 September 2024 |date=28 August 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Taheri |first1=Mandy |title=Democratic Senator Refuses to Endorse Kamala Harris: 'Two Reasons' |url=https://www.newsweek.com/jon-tester-montana-kamala-harris-endorsement-election-2024-1943312 |publisher=Newsweek |access-date=September 12, 2024 |date=August 27, 2024}}

Marianne Williamson initially called for an open convention,{{cite news |title=Democratic candidate Marianne Williamson calls for open convention: 'We will win' |first=Jackson |last=Walker |work=WHAM-TV |date=July 21, 2024 |access-date=July 31, 2024|url=https://13wham.com/news/nation-world/democratic-candidate-marianne-williamson-calls-for-open-convention-we-will-win-democratic-national-convention-dnc-joe-biden-kamala-harris-2024-election-politics}} but eventually declined to file for nomination before the deadline.{{Cite news |date=July 29, 2024|title=Marianne Williamson Ends Longshot 2024 Presidential Bid|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/marianne-williamson-ends-longshot-2024-220408251.html |access-date=July 30, 2024|publisher=Yahoo! |work=Bloomberg News |language=en|last1=Lowenkron|first1=Hadriana}} On the day of Biden's withdrawal, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, who left the Democratic Party in May 2024, was reported to be considering a presidential run against Harris at the convention,{{cite news |title=Manchin considering rejoining Democratic Party to challenge Harris |first=Al |last=Weaver |work=The Hill |date=July 21, 2024 |access-date=July 21, 2024|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4785076-manchin-considers-harris-challenge/}} though by the following day, he had ruled it out.{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/07/22/kamala-harris-campaign-biden-drop-out/joe-manchin-run-for-president-00170269|title=Manchin ends his brief flirtation with presidential bid|date=July 22, 2024|access-date=July 22, 2024|work=Politico}}

Also, on the day that Biden withdrew from the race, U.S. Congressman Dean Phillips proposed a straw poll of delegates ahead of the Democratic National Convention to determine the party's top four presidential contenders, who would then take part in four town halls outlining their platforms.{{cite web |last1=Zdechlik |first1=Mark |date=July 22, 2024 |title=Rep. Phillips backs Harris for president but wants other contenders heard|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/07/22/rep-dean-phillips-backs-harris-for-president-wants-other-contenders-heard |publisher=MPR News |access-date=August 12, 2024}} After the town halls, Phillips proposed the delegates would vote to choose the nominee.{{cite web |last1=Albertson-Grove |first1=Josie|date=July 22, 2024 |title=With Biden out, Dean Phillips still wants more presidential competition for Democrats|url=https://www.startribune.com/with-biden-out-dean-phillips-still-wants-more-presidential-competition-for-democrats/600382952 |publisher=Star Tribune |access-date=August 12, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Stech Ferek |first1=Katy |date=July 27, 2024 |title=Early Biden Critic Dean Phillips Still Has Questions|url=https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/early-biden-critic-dean-phillips-still-has-questions-4e0d73c1 |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=August 12, 2024}} On July 24, Jason Palmer released his delegates and encouraged them to vote for Harris at the convention.

Candidates were to be formally nominated beginning July 25{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/dnc-chicago-2024/timeline-when-democrats-will-pick-presidential-vice-presidential-nominees/3499869/|title=Timeline: How a virtual roll call will identify Democratic Party's presidential nominee|date=July 24, 2024|access-date=July 28, 2024|work=WMAQ-TV}} and ending at 6pm EDT on July 27.{{Cite web |last1=Vakil |first1=Caroline |last2=Gangitano |first2=Alex|date=August 30, 2024 |title=Harris is sole candidate to qualify for DNC roll call starting Thursday|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4801996-kamala-harris-dnc-roll-call/ |access-date=August 1, 2024 |website=The Hill}} Candidates needed to accrue the support of at least 300 delegates each, with no more than 50 from any one state delegation, by 6pm EDT on July 30. Delegates could vote for any candidate, but votes for candidates who are not Democrats would be counted as "present".{{cite web |title=CALL For the 2024 Democratic National Convention|url=https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2024-Call-for-Convention.pdf |publisher=Democratic Party of the United States |access-date=July 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718211327/https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2024-Call-for-Convention.pdf |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |page=17 |date=September 10, 2022 |quote=Eligible delegates may vote for the candidate of their choice whether or not the name of such candidate was placed in nomination. Any vote cast other than a vote for a presidential candidate meeting the requirements of Article VI of the Call and Rule 13.K. of the 2024 Delegate Selection Rules shall be considered a vote for "Present."}} Formal requests to nominate Harris and several others (including Ralph Hoffman, Gibran Nicholas, and Robby Wells) were made before the July 27 deadline, but only Harris passed the threshold of at least 300 delegates,{{cite news |last1=Seitz-Wald |first1=Alex|title=Harris officially has no opponents for the Democratic nomination after key deadline passes|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/harris-officially-no-challengers-democratic-nomination-rcna164267 |access-date=July 30, 2024 |work=NBC News |date=July 30, 2024}} gaining the support of 3,923 delegates. There was also an option to abstain from voting, which was chosen by Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola, Maine Congressman Jared Golden, and Montana Senator Jon Tester.{{cite web |last1=Mueller |first1=Julia|date=August 9, 2024|title=Tester keeps Harris at arm's length amid tight Senate race |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4821264-tester-keeps-harris-at-arms-length-amid-tight-senate-race/ |work=The Hill |access-date=August 15, 2024}} In total, 79 delegates did not cast votes in the DNC virtual roll call.

The virtual nomination took place from August 1 to August 5. The delegates voted online, through a secure email system, or over the phone.{{cite news |last1=Oppenheim |first1=Oren |last2=Murray |first2=Isabella |title=DNC virtual roll call kicks off, teeing up Harris' nomination|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/dnc-virtual-roll-call-kicks-off-teeing-harris/story?id=112439873 |access-date=August 1, 2024 |work=ABC News |date=August 1, 2024}} On August 4, twenty-nine Uncommitted delegates from eight states took part in a virtual roll call where they voted for Palestinian victims over Harris.{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Chris|date=August 7, 2024 |title=In Roll Call Vote, Uncommitted Delegates Choose Palestinian Victims Over Harris |url=https://truthout.org/articles/in-roll-call-vote-uncommitted-delegates-choose-palestinian-victims-over-harris/ |publisher=Truthout |access-date=August 14, 2024}} On August 2, Harris earned a majority of delegate votes{{Cite web |last1=Quinn |first1=Melissa|last2=Killion|first2=Nikole|last3=Navarro|first3=Aaron|last4=Gómez|first4=Fin|date=August 3, 2024 |title=Kamala Harris passes threshold needed to become Democratic presidential nominee in DNC roll call vote|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kamala-harris-dnc-vote-democratic-nominee-threshold-delegates/|access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=CBS News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802185706/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kamala-harris-dnc-vote-democratic-nominee-threshold-delegates/ |archive-date=August 2, 2024}} and became the official presidential nominee when voting closed on August 5.{{Cite web|last=Kim|first=Seung Min|title=Kamala Harris is now Democratic presidential nominee, will face off against Donald Trump this fall|url=https://apnews.com/article/harris-democratic-presidential-nomination-eb43b6b346cc644b2d195315cb2bfb20|website=Associated Press|date=August 5, 2024|access-date=August 5, 2024}}

The "Pledged delegates by candidate following primaries" table below reflects the delegate count after the 2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries, while the "Final virtual roll call results" table reflects the totals following the virtual roll call that nominated Kamala Harris. Superdelegates were allowed to vote during the signature collection and on the first ballot of the virtual roll call for the presidential nomination,{{Cite web |last=Navarro |first=Aaron |date=August 2, 2024 |title=The DNC's virtual roll call to nominate Kamala Harris started Aug. 1. Here's how the vote works.|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dnc-virtual-roll-call-2024-how-it-works/ |access-date=August 14, 2024 |website=CBS News |language=en}} as Harris gained enough signatures to win a majority of delegates.{{cite web |last1=Yoon |first1=Robert |title=DNC says Harris has a delegate majority. This is how its virtual roll call process works |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-08-02/the-virtual-roll-call-to-nominate-kamala-harris-is-underway-this-is-how-it-will-work |publisher=Los Angeles Times & The Associated Press |access-date=21 October 2024 |date=2 August 2024}} The Democratic National Committee had imposed reforms on superdelegates back in August 2018, barring superdelegates from voting on the first ballot at the Democratic National Convention unless a candidate has secured a majority of the convention's delegates using only pledged delegates, whose votes were earned during the primary process. This rule allowed superdelegates to vote only in a contested convention on the second ballot or vote on the first ballot only in the event of an overwhelming victory for the candidate with the support of pledged delegates that were attained for them in the primaries.{{cite web |last1=Levy |first1=Adam |title=DNC changes superdelegate rules in presidential nomination process |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/08/25/politics/democrats-superdelegates-voting-changes/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=21 October 2024 |date=25 August 2018}}

{{Main|2024 Democratic Party vice presidential candidate selection}}

Some speculated candidates included Governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Tim Walz of Minnesota, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg of Michigan.{{efn|name="Buttigieg Residency"|Buttigieg served as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana from 2012 to 2020 and was a resident of the state during his 2020 presidential campaign. He changed his residency to Michigan in 2022 and voted there in that year’s midterm elections.{{cite news |title=Pete Buttigieg now calls Michigan home, plans to vote in midterms |first=Todd |last=Spangler |work=Detroit Free Press |date=July 8, 2022 |access-date=July 21, 2024|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/07/08/pete-buttigieg-michigan-resident-politico-reports/10015102002/ |archive-date=July 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710074857/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/07/08/pete-buttigieg-michigan-resident-politico-reports/10015102002/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |title=Ex-Mayor Pete Leaves South Bend for Michigan |first=Ed |last=Kilgore |magazine=The New Yorker |date=July 8, 2022 |access-date=July 21, 2024|url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2022/07/pete-buttigieg-is-leaving-south-bend-for-michigan.html |archive-date=June 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628134034/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2022/07/pete-buttigieg-is-leaving-south-bend-for-michigan.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title= Buttigieg: 'I don't know if I'll run for office again or not' |first=Filip |last=Timotija |work=The Hill |date=March 19, 2024 |access-date=July 21, 2024|url=https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/4543123-buttigieg-i-dont-know-if-ill-run-for-office-again-or-not/}}}}{{Cite news |last1=Otterbein |first1=Holly |last2=Daniels |first2=Eugene |date=July 30, 2024 |title=Harris to hold first rally with running mate Tuesday in Philadelphia |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/30/harris-first-rally-running-mate-tuesday-philadelphia-00171999 |access-date=July 30, 2024 |work=Politico}} Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan declined consideration for the nomination, while Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina withdrew his name from consideration during vetting.{{Cite web |last=Hubbard |first=Kaia |date=July 29, 2024 |title=Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she's "not a part of the vetting" for Harris' VP pick|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gretchen-whitmer-vice-presidential-pick-vetting/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |website=CBS News|language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last1=Goldmacher |first1=Shane |last2=Epstein |first2=Reid J. |date=July 29, 2024 |title=Roy Cooper Withdraws From Harris's Vice-Presidential Field|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/29/us/politics/roy-cooper-kamala-harris-vp.html |access-date=July 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Harris chose Walz as her running mate on August 6{{Cite web|last1=Parnes|first1=Amie|last2=Samuels |first2=Brett|last3=Conradis|first3=Brandon |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Harris picks Walz for vice president|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4789021-kamala-harris-vp-tim-walz-minnesota/|access-date=August 6, 2024 |website=The Hill |language=en}} and the ticket was certified as nominated on the same night.{{Cite web|last1=Nazzaro|first1=Miranda |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Harris, Walz officially certified as Democratic nominees for president, vice president|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4814861-harris-walz-democratic-nomination/|access-date=August 6, 2024 |website=The Hill |language=en}}

On July 9, the convention's Platform Committee held a hearing in which there was a call for an end to U.S. military aid to the government of Israel.{{cite news |last1=Samuels |first1=Ben |title=Asset or Liability? Israel Remains Flash Point as Democrats Draw Up Election Platform|url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2024-07-10/ty-article-magazine/.premium/asset-or-liability-israel-remains-flash-point-as-democrats-draw-up-election-platform/00000190-9c0f-d328-a9d1-9dff2dd00000 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |work=Haaretz |date=July 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710151826/https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2024-07-10/ty-article-magazine/.premium/asset-or-liability-israel-remains-flash-point-as-democrats-draw-up-election-platform/00000190-9c0f-d328-a9d1-9dff2dd00000 |archive-date=July 10, 2024}} On July 11, the committee held a meeting to draft the party platform. Although it removed mentions of "Black Lives Matter", it included police reform and the studying of reparations. It removed a mention of Medicare for All but called for ending medical debt.{{cite news |last1=Kashinsky |first1=Lisa |last2=Schneider |first2=Elena |title=Democratic Party platform makes one thing clear: We're not Trump|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/13/democratic-party-draft-platform-2024-00167967 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |work=Politico |date=July 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715182258/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/13/democratic-party-draft-platform-2024-00167967 |archive-date=July 15, 2024}} On July 16, the Platform Committee submitted the draft platform for the approval of the full convention.{{cite news |last1=Samuels |first1=Ben |title=What the Draft Democratic 2024 Platform Says on Israel, Gaza, Antisemitism and Iran|url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2024-07-18/ty-article/.premium/what-the-draft-democratic-2024-platform-says-on-israel-gaza-antisemitism-and-iran/00000190-c182-de8b-adfc-d9a2982f0000 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |work=Haaretz |date=July 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718151206/https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2024-07-18/ty-article/.premium/what-the-draft-democratic-2024-platform-says-on-israel-gaza-antisemitism-and-iran/00000190-c182-de8b-adfc-d9a2982f0000 |archive-date=July 18, 2024}}

The platform was drafted before Biden withdrew and largely refers to Biden's presidency, though it also mentions Harris. There was little disagreement about the platform, unlike in 2016 or 2020 when many provisions were negotiated, instead focusing on the Biden–Harris administration's record and goals.

The draft did not include a call to end military aid to Israel, instead calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. It also called for raising a billionaire income tax, lowering childcare costs for low-income families, codifying Roe v. Wade in the wake of the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn it, advancing voting rights, banning assault weapons, and expanding Social Security and Medicare.

The 2024 platform does not call for declaring a national climate emergency or banning fracking. It does support electric vehicles and investing in clean energy.

The 2024 platform opposes defunding the police, and is the first time since the 2004 platform to not mention the death penalty.{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/democrats-scrub-death-penalty-campaign-platform_n_66c67a0de4b0b9c7b360296b#|title=Democrats Scrubbed An Issue From Their Party Platform — And It's Going Under The Radar|date=August 22, 2024|website=HuffPost}} It does call for rescheduling cannabis at the federal level and permitting states to legalize it. It supports immigration reform and securing the border.

File:Marine One and Air Force One, 19 August 2024.jpg, carrying Joe and Jill Biden, in Chicago prior to the opening night of the convention on August 19]]

There were two official venues for the convention:

The McCormick Place convention center (with lighter security) hosted dozens of exhibitions, meetings and receptions, mostly during the daytime, and the United Center (with heavy security) hosted the official business sessions and the main speakers.

Additionally, on August 20—prior to the start time of the convention's primetime speeches—Harris and Walz appeared and spoke at a related campaign rally inside of the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.{{cite web|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/20/takeaways-from-kamala-harris-raucous-milwaukee-rally/74816224007/|title=Takeaways from Kamala Harris Milwaukee rally: High energy crowd in last month's RNC venue|work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=August 21, 2024|accessdate=August 22, 2024|last1=Spicuzza|first1=Mary|last2=Dirr|first2=Alison|last3=Torres|first3=Ricardo|last4=Schulte|first4=Laura}} The Fiserv Forum is approximately {{convert|80|mi|km}} from the United Center, and had weeks earlier been the main venue of the Republican National Convention.{{cite web |last1=Roche |first1=Mariana La |title=Kamala Harris Confirms Milwaukee rally at Fiserv Forum With Tim Walz |url=https://www.wisn.com/article/kamala-harris-confirms-milwaukee-rally-at-fiserv-forum-with-tim-walz/61900352 |website=WISN |access-date=August 19, 2024 |language=en |date=August 18, 2024}}

Similarly to the Democratic Party's 2020 convention, each evening's program featured a celebrity host.{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Ted |title=Democratic National Convention To Again Feature Celebrity Hosts |url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/democratic-national-convention-celebrity-hosts-1236043296/ |website=Deadline |access-date=August 19, 2024 |date=August 19, 2024}}

Below are the speakers and events at the United Center:{{Cite web |last=Yilek |first=Caitlin |date=August 20, 2024 |title=The 2024 Democratic National Convention is underway. Here's what to know.|work=CBS News|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2024-democratic-national-convention-what-to-know/|language=en-US|access-date=August 20, 2024}}

File:Tony Goldwyn 2024 Democratic National Convention.jpg emceed Night 1 of the 2024 Democratic National Convention]]

The first night was emceed by actor and director Tony Goldwyn and included musical performances by Mickey Guyton and Jason Isbell. It included tributes to president Joe Biden, who delivered Monday's closing address.{{cite web|title=President Joe Biden to be keynote speaker on first night of DNC in Chicago, sources tell CNN|url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-dnc-2024-president-joe-biden-keynote-speaker-night-democratic-national-convention-sources-cnn/15124688/ |website=ABC 7 Chicago |language=en |date=July 30, 2024}} Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton,{{Cite web |last1=Navarro |first1=Aaron |last2=O'Keefe |first2=Ed |last3=Yilek |first3=Caitlin |date=August 13, 2024 |title=DNC speakers include Biden, Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dnc-speakers-biden-obama-bill-hillary-clinton/ |access-date=August 16, 2024 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}} and first lady Jill Biden and daughter Ashley spoke.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=John |date=August 16, 2024 |title=Jill Biden to headline opening night of DNC |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/16/jill-biden-dnc-opening-night-00175025 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |website=Politico}} Harris made a brief surprise appearance on-stage to pay tribute to Biden and welcome the attendees.{{Cite web |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Harris makes surprise early appearance, thanks Biden for his service |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/live-blog/dnc-2024-live-updates-rcna165226/rcrd52581?canonicalCard=true |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en}} The party platform, drafted by delegates in the Platform Committee, was adopted by the full body of delegates by voice vote.{{cite news |last1=Swenson |first1=Ali |last2=Weissert |first2=Will |title=Democrats approve a platform that mentions Biden's 'second term' despite his making way for Harris |url=https://apnews.com/article/democratic-platform-harris-biden-dnc-e255d5f2939b5d35adf68ab734d5af98 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=Associated Press |date=August 19, 2024}}

Main programming began at 5:30{{nbsp}}PM Central. Listed below are select speakers in order of appearance.{{cite web|url=https://www.c-span.org/democratic-national-convention-2024/|title=Democratic National Convention 2024 Coverage|website=C-SPAN|access-date=August 15, 2024}}

File:Kamala Harris and Tim Walz IMG 5238.jpg in Milwaukee, Wisconsin held on the second night of the convention]]

The second night was emceed by television commentator and political strategist Ana Navarro (a Republican Harris supporter), and included performances by Patti LaBelle and Common.{{cite web |last1=Wagmeister |first1=Elizabeth |title=Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling and more will serve as DNC hosts |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/18/entertainment/kerry-washington-mindy-kaling-dnc-hosts/index.html |website=CNN |language=en |date=August 18, 2024}}{{Failed verification|date=August 2024}} Former first lady Michelle Obama and former president Barack Obama, who gave the closing addresses,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/21/us/politics/obamas-convention.html |title=I Am the Only Person Stupid Enough to Speak After Michelle Obama |author=Peter Baker|work=The New York Times|date=August 21, 2024}} and second gentleman Doug Emhoff were among those that spoke.{{cite news |last1=Tausche |first1=Kayla |last2=Zeleny |first2=Jeff |title=Biden to open first night of Democratic convention, sources say|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/30/politics/biden-democratic-national-convention-opening-night/index.html |access-date=August 1, 2024 |work=CNN |date=July 30, 2024}}{{Failed verification|date=August 2024}}{{Cite web |date=August 16, 2024 |title=Election 2024: Biden and Harris talk drug prices; Trump continues personal attacks at press conference |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/live-blog/harris-trump-presidential-election-live-updates-rcna165966#rcrd52245 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en}}{{Failed verification|date=August 2024}} Jason Carter, grandson of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, also gave a speech on this night and honored his grandfather. Another presidential grandson, John F. Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg, spoke as well.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-08-20/j-f-k-jimmy-carter-grandsons-dnc-kamala-harris|title=J.F.K. and Jimmy Carter's grandsons say Harris carries on the former presidents' legacies|first=Seema|last=Morris|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 20, 2024|accessdate=August 20, 2024}}

Described as a "celebratory roll call" or ceremonial roll call, delegates ceremonially reported voting results for the presidential nomination hosted by Secretary of the DNC, Jason Rae. Led by DJ Cassidy, each state's delegation was accompanied by their choice of background music during the roll call of the states, largely consisting of songs from artists from each respective state.{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/08/21/g-s1-18188/democratic-national-convention-roll-call-music-state |title=The DNC roll call featured a musical salute to each state. Here's what your state chose |author=Mandler, C |date=August 21, 2024 |access-date=August 21, 2024|work=NPR}}{{Cite news |last=NBC Chicago Staff |date=August 21, 2024 |title=DNC roll call playlist: Full list of each state's 'walk-up' songs from night 2 of DNC |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/dnc-chicago-2024/dnc-roll-call-playlist-each-states-song-dnc-chicago/3527827/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821143640/https://www.nbcchicago.com/dnc-chicago-2024/dnc-roll-call-playlist-each-states-song-dnc-chicago/3527827/ |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=WMAQ-TV}} The atmosphere of the roll call was likened by many outlets to a dance party, and seen as more exciting than conventional roll calls seen at most previous conventions.Multiple source:

• {{cite web |last1=Boak |first1=Josh |title=Democrats turn their roll call into a dance party with celebrities, state-specific songs and Lil Jon |url=https://apnews.com/article/dnc-roll-call-lil-jon-dj-cassidy-35c00f31ebddf664cbfaa4b4b9eb370d |website=AP News |access-date=August 23, 2024 |language=en |date=August 21, 2024}}
• {{cite web |title= How DJ Cassidy Turned the DNC Roll Call into a Party |website=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/08/23/1196983172/here-now-anytime-08-23-2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024}}
• {{cite web |last1=Svetkey |first1=Benjamin |title=The DJ Behind the Dems' Roll Call Dance Party |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/dj-dnc-roll-call-dance-party-1235980930/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=August 23, 2024 |date=August 21, 2024}}
• {{cite web |last1=Chidi |first1=George |title=Democratic national convention: a roll call party and Michelle Obama's tribute |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global/article/2024/aug/21/democratic-national-convention-roll-call-michelle-obama |website=The Guardian |access-date=August 23, 2024 |date=August 21, 2024}}

Meanwhile, Harris and Walz held a separate rally at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee that was attended by 15,000 spectators. A portion of Harris' remarks there were telecast to the United Center following the conclusion of the roll call.{{cite web |last1=Roth |first1=Samantha-Jo |last2=Lim |first2=Naomi |last3=Schultz |first3=Marisa |title=DNC Roll Call Turns Into Live Concert and Dance Party to Nominate Kamala Harris |url=https://gazette.com/news/wex/dnc-roll-call-turns-into-live-concert-and-dance-party-to-nominate-kamala-harris/article_5665d5d9-f889-537c-bed6-2cab0363181a.html |website=Colorado Springs Gazette |access-date=August 22, 2024 |language=en |date=August 20, 2024}}

{{notelist-ua}}

The third night was emceed by actress Mindy Kaling, featuring performances by Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Sheila E{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/21/dnc-night-3-walz-clinton-oprah-takeaways|title=Walz, Bill Clinton and surprise Oprah: Democratic convention day three key takeaways|work=The Guardian|date=August 21, 2024|accessdate=August 22, 2024|last1=Levin|first1=Sam}}

and Maren Morris.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/maren-morris-stevie-wonder-john-legend-night-3-dnc-2024-1235758447/|title=Maren Morris, Stevie Wonder, John Legend & More Take the Stage at Night 3 of DNC 2024|magazine=Billboard|date=August 21, 2024|accessdate=August 22, 2024|last1=Aniftos|first1=Rania}} Vice presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz delivered his acceptance speech.{{Cite news |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Tim Walz formally accepts nomination to be Democrats' VP candidate|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/tim-walz-formally-accepts-nomination-to-be-democrats-vp-candidate/ |publisher=The Times of Israel|work=Agence France-Presse}} Pete Buttigieg also spoke.{{Cite news|last1=Lizza|first1=Ryan|last2=Bade|first2=Rachel|last3=Daniels |first3=Eugene |date=August 14, 2024 |title=Playbook: Where Biden's head is at |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2024/08/14/where-bidens-head-is-at-00173952 |work=Politico}}

It was confirmed that Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi was scheduled to speak. The evening was headlined by Walz and Clinton.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/democratic-national-convention-walz-clinton-harris-4f299bd2684c0284dd100f7f0731172f|title=Tim Walz and Bill Clinton headline the Democrats' third day with a focus on 'fight for freedoms'|first1=Steve|last1=Jonathan J.|last2=Cooper|first3=Zeke|last3=Miller|publisher=Associated Press|date=August 21, 2024|accessdate=August 21, 2024}}

File:Kamala Harris on stage at the Democratic National Convention Thursday Aug. 22, 2024 in Chicago (53942175136).jpg

The final night was emceed by actress Kerry Washington. Presidential nominee Vice President Harris delivered her acceptance speech. During the fourth night, Vice President Kamala Harris briefly opened up about her past, covering what led her to her career choice. Kamala Harris also spoke about why she does not allow Donald Trump to get under her skin, stating “My mother was a brilliant, five foot tall, brown woman with an accent, and as the eldest child, I saw how the world would sometimes treat her...yet, she never lost her cool”. She focused on inspiration towards the younger female crowd, hoping to inspire a new generation of women in politics.

The secondary venue for the convention was at the McCormick Place convention center, and here there were a number of panel discussions and rallies.

The first-ever panel on Palestinian rights was hosted by the convention on Monday, August 19.{{Cite news |last=Leingang |first=Rachel |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Pediatric doctor describes tragedies in Gaza at first Palestinian human rights panel at DNC |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/19/dnc-panel-palestine-gaza |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Speakers included Keith Ellison, Uncommitted co-founder Layla Elabed, former Michigan Congressman Andy Levin, Jim Zogby, Democratic Party organizer Hala Hijazi and pediatric surgeon Tanya Haj-Hassan.{{Cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Luke |date=August 20, 2024 |title=Palestinian Human Rights Panel Debuts at the DNC |url=https://prospect.org/politics/2024-08-20-dnc-palestinian-human-rights-panel-debuts/ |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=The American Prospect |language=en-us}}

File:Voice of America - Pro-Palestine protestors at DNC 2024.webm

Chicago is home to the nation's largest Palestinian ethnic enclave, also known as "Little Palestine,"{{Cite web |last=Wade |first=Stephanie |date=December 11, 2023 |title=Why so many Palestinians call the Chicago area home; Cook County has largest population in US |url=https://abc7chicago.com/palestinians-little-palestine-chicago-bridgeview/14168398/ |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en}} and Chicago is the largest US city to pass a cease-fire resolution about the Gaza war.{{Cite web |last=Loria |first=Michael |title=DNC comes to 'Little Palestine' as Gaza deaths top 40,000 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/08/18/dnc-little-palestine-chicago-protest/74805536007/ |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} One anonymous protester described the choice to bring the convention there as a "slap in the face."{{Cite web |last=Harb |first=Ali |title=Democratic Convention protesters to Harris: Israel arms embargo or no vote |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/19/democratic-convention-protesters-to-harris-israel-arms-embargo-or-no-vote |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} In an interview with Mother Jones published prior to the convention, the Mayor of Chicago Brandon Johnson described Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as genocidal.{{cite web |last1=Nazaryan |first1=Alexander |title=Chicago and the Battle for the Soul of the Democratic Party |url=https://newlinesmag.com/reportage/chicago-and-the-battle-for-the-soul-of-the-democratic-party/ |website=New Lines Magazine |date=August 20, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024}}

The first of seven permitted protests took place on Sunday. Hundreds marched along Michigan Avenue to Grant Park.{{Cite web |last=Sisk |first=Courtney |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Here's where protests are scheduled and when during DNC in Chicago |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/dnc-chicago-2024/protest-schedule-for-dnc-what-to-expect-and-where-in-chicago/3525035/ |access-date=August 21, 2024 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}

The protests, organized around a coalition of 200 groups called "March On the DNC", represented causes including reproductive freedom, racial justice and opposition to the US role in the Israeli war against Gaza via an arms embargo, rallied in Union Park before proceeding to march.{{Cite web |last1=Chavez |first1=Julio-cesar |last2=Flowers |first2=Bianca |last3=Shalal |first3=Andrea |date=August 19, 2024 |title=DNC's pro-Palestinian protests draw thousands in Chicago |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/pro-palestinian-protests-loom-ahead-first-day-democratic-convention-2024-08-19/ |website=Reuters}} The Poor People's Army rallied in Humboldt Park.

The crowd remained largely peaceful and was observed to be "significantly smaller than predicted".{{Cite web |last1=Hughes |first1=Trevor|last2=Loria|first2=Michael|last3=Fowlkes|first3=Tamia|last4=Lee|first4=Medora|last5=Carson|first5=Sophie|last6=Collins|first6=Terry |title=Protesters hit Chicago streets over Gaza at Democratic National Convention |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/19/protests-chicago-dnc-convention/74820242007/ |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} Organizers planned for over 30 thousand people, but it appeared "only a few thousand showed up at Union Park".{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Dan Gooding Live News |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Organizers expected 30K DNC protesters. On first day, far fewer showed up |url=https://www.newsweek.com/dnc-2024-protest-chicago-rally-march-1941536 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=Newsweek |language=en}} Organizers claimed a turnout of 15,000 but according to the BBC, the actual turnout appeared to be lower.{{cite news |last=Wending |first=Mike |date=August 20, 2024 |title=DNC: Group breaches fence as thousands join Gaza war protests |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvge9k0r1llo |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=BBC News}} Reuters estimated the turnout to be "several thousand".{{cite news |title=DNC's pro-Palestinian protests draw thousands in Chicago |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/pro-palestinian-protests-loom-ahead-first-day-democratic-convention-2024-08-19/ |access-date=August 20, 2024}} A security gate was toppled.{{Cite web |last1=Skene |first1=Lea |last2=Cappelletti |first2=Joey |last3=Tareen |first3=Sophia |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Some protesters tear down security fence as thousands march outside Democratic National Convention |url=https://apnews.com/article/protest-democratic-convention-chicago-war-87d32321eb5714e2005fe8410b928513 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819075401/https://apnews.com/article/protest-democratic-convention-chicago-war-87d32321eb5714e2005fe8410b928513 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=en}} Later, some protestors who returned to Union Park began setting up a tent encampment, but were peacefully dispersed by police.{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2024 |title=Despite breach of security perimeter, protesters mostly peaceful as DNC kicks off |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2024-democratic-national-convention/2024/08/19/dnc-protest-march-on-the-dnc-union-park-monday |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}

On the convention floor on Monday, during Joe Biden's speech, delegates from Connecticut, Michigan and Florida unfurled a banner that said "STOP ARMING ISRAEL" and were escorted out of the building.{{Cite AV media |url=https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-joe-biden-michigan-democratic-national-convention-chicago-1070a93c8c874e158a782bfb09fbf53b |title=Michigan delegate escorted out of President Joe Biden's DNC speech over Israel-Hamas war protest |last=Gurbuz |first=Serkan |last2=Antlfinger |first2=Carrie |type=Television production |language=en |access-date=August 20, 2024 |via=apnews.com}}{{Cite web |last=Catanese |first=David |date=August 20, 2024 |title='Stop Arming Israel': How a Florida woman disrupted Biden's DNC speech |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article291226080.html |website=Miami Herald}}{{Cite web |title="Stop Arming Israel": Protesters Unfurl Banner During Biden Speech at DNC |url=https://www.democracynow.org/2024/8/20/dnc_biden_speech_palestine_protest |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=Democracy Now! |language=en}} The Council on American–Islamic Relations condemned DNC audience members who assaulted a Muslim woman and other delegates who were holding a banner that read "stop arming Israel".{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=Ismail |date=August 20, 2024 |title=CAIR Condemns DNC Member for Assaulting Muslim Delegate Holding 'Stop Arming Israel' Sign, Calls for Criminal Charges |url=https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-dnc-member-for-assaulting-muslim-delegate-holding-stop-arming-israel-sign-calls-for-criminal-charges/ |website=cair.com}}{{Cite web |title=Jewish delegate unfurls 'Stop Arming Israel' banner at DNC |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/video/news/jewish-delegate-unfurls-stop-arming-israel-banner-at-dnc/vi-AA1p6O1s |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=MSN}} Thirteen protesters were arrested on the first day.{{Cite web |last1=Skene |first1=Lea |last2=Cappelletti |first2=Joey |last3=Tareen |first3=Sophia |date=August 20, 2024 |title=13 protesters arrested during first day of Democratic National Convention in Chicago |url=https://apnews.com/article/democratic-convention-chicago-protests-war-gaza-f064683535bbbe93231d31ecc2dbafc7 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=en}}

Joe Biden said the protesters "out on the street have a point" during his speech. Chants included "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free", "End the occupation now!" and "The whole world is watching!": a symbolic nod to the anti-Vietnam protests that occurred when the DNC was in Chicago in 1968.

On the second day of protest, an additional layer of fencing was replaced overnight.{{Cite web |last=Lum |first=Joanie |date=August 20, 2024 |title=Chicago DNC protest: Additional fencing installed on Day Two following breach, police announce more arrests |url=https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-dnc-protest-fencing-installed-following-breach |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=FOX 32 Chicago |language=en-US}} A group called "Behind Enemy Lines" planned a protest at the Israeli Consulate in Chicago. Flyers for the event said "Make it great like '68! Shut down the DNC for Gaza."{{Cite web |last1=Terry |first1=Jermont |last2=Harrington |first2=Adam |date=August 20, 2024 |title=Chicago Police, Metra prepare for protest outside Israeli Consulate on Day 2 of DNC |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/protest-israeli-consulate-dnc/ |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=CBS Chicago |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Heuer |first=Mike |date=August 20, 2024 |title=Protesters vow to 'shut down the DNC for Gaza' Tuesday night - UPI.com |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/08/20/DNC-Chicago-protests-Tuesday/5481724197416/ |access-date=August 21, 2024 |website=UPI |language=en}} Police blocked the group from marching minutes into the protest and arrested dozens of protesters dressed in black bloc who attempted to break through the line. More arrests occurred at the end of the night. Some protesters claimed they were arrested as they were trying to leave but Police Superintendent Larry Snelling denied that they had used the federally prohibited kettling tactic.{{Cite web |last1=Tareen |first1=Sophia |last2=Cappelletti |first2=Joey |last3=Skene |first3=Lea |last4=Offenhartz |first4=Jake |date=August 20, 2024 |title=Pro-Palestinian protesters clash with police near Chicago's Israeli consulate on second night of DNC |url=https://apnews.com/article/democratic-convention-chicago-protests-war-gaza-f064683535bbbe93231d31ecc2dbafc7 |access-date=August 21, 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=en}} An organizer for CODEPINK unfurled a banner on the convention floor that said "Free Free Palestine."{{Cite web |last=Goodman |first=Amy |author-link=Amy Goodman |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Kamala Harris Accepts Democratic Nom; Obamas, Bernie Sanders Take to the DNC Stage on Night Two |url=https://www.democracynow.org/2024/8/21/headlines/israeli_strikes_in_lebanon_kill_at_least_6_as_cross_border_fighting_adds_to_growing_tensions/load_more |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=Democracy Now}}{{Cite web |last=Garriga |first=Melissa |date=August 20, 2024 |title=CODEPINK Brings Free Palestine Inside the DNC |url=https://www.codepink.org/freepalestinedncdisrupt |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=CODEPINK - Women for Peace |language=en}}

During the ceremonial roll call of delegates on the convention floor to decide the Democratic party nominee for president, dozens of delegates voted "Present" as a protest vote. Some of these delegates publicly expressed they voted this way to express frustration with the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the war in Gaza.{{cite web |last1=Karnopp |first1=Hope |title=Wisconsin cast 94 votes for Harris, and one 'present' at DNC. What does that mean? |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/22/why-one-wisconsin-delegate-voted-present-during-the-dnc-roll-call/74904124007/ |publisher=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |access-date=August 24, 2024 |date=August 22, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Chris |title=Uncommitted Delegates Say They "Have a Duty to Serve" Their Constituents |url=https://truthout.org/articles/uncommitted-delegates-say-they-have-a-duty-to-serve-their-constituents/ |publisher=Truthout |access-date=August 24, 2024 |date=August 20, 2024}} The delegates who voted "Present" had their votes voiced out loud by the state delegations during the roll call. Although notably, the Kentucky Democratic Party was the only state delegation that did not announce their ‘present’ votes in the roll call.{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Chris |title=Rejuvenated Democratic Party Turned DNC's Delegate Roll Call Into a Dance Party |url=https://truthout.org/articles/rejuvenated-democratic-party-turned-dncs-delegate-roll-call-into-a-dance-party/ |publisher=Truthout |access-date=August 24, 2024 |date=August 21, 2024}}

A breakfast for delegates at a nearby hotel was disrupted when unknown individuals put maggots in food.{{Cite web |last1=Hillery |first1=Jewell |last2=Oluwole |first2=Chaundanine |last3=Martin |first3=Tyra |last4=Bradley |first4=Ben |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Police and FBI investigate maggot incident at DNC breakfast in Chicago |url=https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-investigates/fbi-investigates-maggot-attack-at-dnc-breakfast/ |website=wgntv.com}} Organizers from CODEPINK disrupted a luncheon for women senators at a nearby restaurant.{{Cite web |last1=Kaufmann |first1=Justin |last2=Eng |first2=Monica |last3=Shepherd |first3=Carrie |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Small protests are disrupting DNC events |url=https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/08/21/protests-disrupting-dnc-events }} A pro-Israel protest occurred at Union Park while a thousand pro-Palestinian protesters marched past it.{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Protests outside DNC begin calmly after violent clashes the previous night led to 56 arrests |url=https://whyy.org/articles/dnc-protests-israel-gaza/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=whyy.org |publisher=Associated Press |language=en-US}}

An ExxonMobil-sponsored panel hosted by Punchbowl News on climate change at a downtown Chicago hotel featuring US Representative Lizzie Fletcher from Texas and an Exxon executive was disrupted when activists gained access and shouted loudly about Exxon's history of deceit and climate obstruction.{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Greens fume over fossil fuel presence at DNC |url=https://www.eenews.net/articles/greens-fume-over-fossil-fuel-presence-at-dnc/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=eenews.net |publisher=Environment & Energy Publishing |language=en-US}}

When the Uncommitted National Movement was informed that the DNC wouldn't allow a Palestinian speaker, Uncommitted delegates staged a sit-in outside the convention.{{Cite web |last=Sarisohn |first=Hannah |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Uncommitted DNC delegates stage sit-in, in protest of refusal of permission to address Gaza |url=https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-815807 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}} The activists again called for an arms embargo on Israel, and emphasized the suffering of children in Gaza. A Michigan delegate said his strategy was to initially work within the Democratic hierarchy from the inside, and that it was frustrating the Harris campaign had denied their requests.{{cite web |title='Uncommitted' leaders begin sit-in after Democrats deny their request for speaking slot at convention |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/22/politics/uncommitted-speaking-slot-democratic-convention/index.html |website=CNN |date=August 22, 2024 |publisher=CNN |access-date=August 22, 2024}} The group was joined inside the security perimeter by healthcare workers, members of the Chicago Teachers Union, Muslim Women for Harris, and US Representatives Summer Lee, Ilhan Omar and Cori Bush.{{Cite web |last1=Lebrun |first1=Sylvan |last2=Freishtat |first2=Sarah |last3=Sheridan |first3=Jake |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Uncommitted delegates, 'Squad' members sit-in at DNC to demand a Palestinian American get a speaking slot |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/08/21/members-of-the-squad-demand-palestinian-american-get-a-speaking-slot-at-dnc/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Leingang |first=Rachel |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Uncommitted holds sit-in outside Democratic convention after Palestinians denied a speaker |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/22/democratic-national-convention-uncommitted-delegates-protest-palestine |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined via FaceTime.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Jackson |date=August 22, 2024 |title='Squad' members join uncommitted delegate sit-in outside DNC |url=https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/squad-members-join-uncommitted-delegate-sit-in-outside-dnc-ilhan-omar-aoc-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-rashida-tlaib-summer-lee-cori-bush-israel-palestine-gaza-war-fighting-bombing-kamala-harris-democratic-national-convention |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=The National Desk |language=en}} Among the names submitted as potential speakers were Illinois state Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid and Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman.{{Cite news |last1=Scherer |first1=Michael |last2=Caldwell |first2=Leigh Ann |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Pro-Palestinian delegates will not get speaking slot at convention |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/21/palestinians-gaza-speaker-dnc/ |newspaper=Washington Post}}

About 40 Uncommitted delegate sit-in spent the night on the sidewalk outside the United Center and remained there in the morning.{{Cite web |last=Wade |first=Stephanie |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Uncommitted DNC delegates staging sit-protest in outside United Center |url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-dnc-2024-uncommitted-delegates-staging-sit-protest-outside-democratic-national-convention-united-center/15217099/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en}} Palestinian-Americans were not allowed to speak but the parents of an American-Israeli hostage were. As a result, Muslim Women for Harris-Walz announced it would disband and Uncommitted delegates were seen through Union Center locked arm in arm, wearing Keffiyehs and chanting "Ceasefire now."{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=April |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Democrats refused to give Palestinian Americans DNC speaking slot |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/08/22/dnc-palestinian-american-speech-denied |website=Axios}} More protesters blocked roads as attendees left the convention for the night. Some chanted “We’re young, we’re strong, we’ll rally all night long.”{{Cite web |last1=OFFENHARTZ |first1=JAKE |last2=TAREEN |first2=SOPHIA |last3=SKENE |first3=LEA |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Pro-Palestinian demonstrators voice opposition to war in Gaza as delegates leave DNC |url=https://apnews.com/article/democratic-convention-chicago-protests-israel-hamas-war-2b304b0c418639f61a421d30a8802cb5 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=en}} Footage emerged of some delegates covering their ears while being confronted by protesters.{{Cite magazine|url=https://newrepublic.com/article/185264/dnc-palestinian-speaker-gaza-ceasefire|title=The Black Mark on the Democrats' Big Party|magazine=The New Republic|date=August 23, 2024}}

In addition to the notable speakers and performers mentioned above, notable attendees at the convention include Uzo Aduba, Anthony Anderson, Jacinda Ardern,{{Cite web |last=MacManus |first=Joel |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Eight key quotes from Jacinda Ardern at the Democratic National Convention |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/21-08-2024/eight-key-quotes-from-jacinda-ardern-at-the-democratic-national-convention |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=The Spinoff}} Sean Astin, Yvette Nicole Brown, Don Cheadle,{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Sinead |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Don Cheadle has awkward reaction after Obama says the 'sequel is usually worse' |url=https://www.indy100.com/celebrities/don-cheadle-obama-dnc-speech-sequels |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=Indy100 |language=en}} Misha Collins, Stephen Colbert, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Mark Hamill, Patti LaBelle, Spike Lee, Eva Longoria, Mandy Patinkin,{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2024 |title=DNC 2024: Actor Mandy Patinkin at convention |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/dnc-2024-actor-mandy-patinkin-231600743.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=Yahoo News |publisher=Fox 6 Milwaukee |language=en-US}} Jason Palmer,{{cite web |last1=Staff |first1=Scripps News |title=American Samoa's Democratic caucus winner talks support for Harris, Biden's legacy |url=https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/path-to-the-white-house/american-samoas-democratic-caucus-winner-talks-support-for-harris-bidens-legacy |publisher=Scripps News |access-date=September 11, 2024 |date=August 21, 2024}} Busy Philipps,

Dean Phillips,{{cite web |last1=Johansen |first1=Ben |title=Dean Phillips feels vindicated in Chicago |url=https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/08/19/dnc-live-updates-coverage/dean-phillips-biden-drop-out-00174655 |publisher=Politico |access-date=13 January 2025 |date=19 August 2024}} Wendell Pierce, Octavia Spencer, James Taylor, and Kerry Washington.{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2024 |title="I Beg You, Please Don't Go To The Orange Side": 28 Celebs At The DNC And What They Said |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/14-celebrities-2024-democratic-national-171002894.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |publisher=Buzzfeed |language=en-US}} Political commentator Hasan Piker broadcast his attendance on his Twitch live stream.{{cite news |title=Oprah or Hasan Piker? DNC tests the value of celebrities vs. influencers |work=CBC News |date=August 22, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/dnc-celebrity-1.7301605}} Conservative internet personality Charlie Kirk and far right activist Jack Posobiec also attended the event, sharing videos of their interactions with other attendees online; Kirk's confrontations with Piker and Parker Short, president of the Georgia Young Democrats, both went viral on the first day of the convention.{{cite magazine |title=Pro-Trump Activists' Attempt to Infiltrate DNC Goes Hilariously Awry |first=Edith |last=Olmsted |magazine=The New Republic |date=August 20, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |url=https://newrepublic.com/post/185036/donald-trump-activists-dnc-kamala-harris-awry}} Comedic musician and influencer duo A Twink and a Redhead attended, and are cited to have started the viral movement “Twinks for Kamala” on CNN.{{Cite web |last=Hudson |first=David |title='Twinks for Kamala' goes viral after this duo's appearance at the DNC |url=https://www.intomore.com/the-internet/obsessed/twinks-for-kamala-goes-viral-after-this-duos-appearance-at-dnc/ |access-date=September 12, 2024 |website=INTO |language=en}}

In the hours and days leading to the DNC's fourth night, rumors widely circulated online claiming that an unknown "surprise guest" was slated to make an unannounced appearance. This led to rampant speculation on social media, with the singers Beyoncé and Taylor Swift being the most popular guesses.{{Cite news |last=Crowley |first=Kinsey |date=August 22, 2024 |title=A special guest at the DNC? These wrong answers (only) were far more entertaining |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/22/dnc-special-guest-reports/74912115007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823033314/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/22/dnc-special-guest-reports/74912115007/ |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |newspaper=USA Today}}{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Jason P. |date=August 23, 2024 |title=Beyoncé Haunted the DNC From Home |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/was-beyonc-at-the-dnc-surprise-guest-rumors-explained.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823193113/https://www.vulture.com/article/was-beyonc-at-the-dnc-surprise-guest-rumors-explained.html |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=Vulture |publisher=New York}}{{Cite web |last=Abad-Santos |first=Alex |date=August 23, 2024 |title=Why did anyone think Beyonce was going to play the DNC? |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/368466/dnc-beyonce-taylor-swift-rumors-reports |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823060049/https://www.vox.com/culture/368466/dnc-beyonce-taylor-swift-rumors-reports |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=Vox}} On Thursday afternoon, the tabloid TMZ and the newspaper The Hill both reported that Beyoncé would perform, adding fuel to the rumors.{{Cite web |last=Kafka |first=Peter |date=August 23, 2024 |title=Why did people think Beyoncé would play at the DNC? Because TMZ said so. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/beyonce-dnc-tmz-media-gossip-kamala-harris-2024-8 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823193403/https://www.businessinsider.com/beyonce-dnc-tmz-media-gossip-kamala-harris-2024-8 |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=Business Insider}}{{Cite news |last1=Maloy |first1=Ashley Fetters |last2=Scribner |first2=Herb |date=August 23, 2024 |title=Beyoncé at the DNC? It wasn't to Bey. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2024/08/23/beyonce-dnc-special-guest-kamala-harris/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823132258/https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2024/08/23/beyonce-dnc-special-guest-kamala-harris/ |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite news |author= |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Beyonce's representative denies she will perform at Democratic convention, report says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/singer-beyonce-perform-dnc-thursday-tmz-reports-2024-08-23/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823194041/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/singer-beyonce-perform-dnc-thursday-tmz-reports-2024-08-23/ |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |publisher=Reuters}} Republican senator Mitt Romney, another popular guess, denied on social media that he was the "surprise guest",{{Cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |last2=Johnson |first2=Ted |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Mitt Romney Says He's Not Tonight's DNC "Surprise Guest"; Steph Curry Shows Up, Is Beyoncé Coming Too? |url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/beyonce-mitt-romney-dnc-surprise-guest-runors-1236048366/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823033322/https://deadline.com/2024/08/beyonce-mitt-romney-dnc-surprise-guest-runors-1236048366/ |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} while Deadline Hollywood reported that Swift was unlikely to appear.{{Cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |last2=Johnson |first2=Ted |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Taylor Swift: Rumors About A DNC Appearance? Shake It Off, It's Not Happening |url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/taylor-swift-dnc-latest-1236044164/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819225849/https://deadline.com/2024/08/taylor-swift-dnc-latest-1236044164/ |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} As Beyoncé gradually became the frontrunner, Rolling Stone reported that Chicago officials had begun making preparations for her unconfirmed arrival.{{Cite magazine |last1=Suebsaeng |first1=Asawin |last2=Mier |first2=Tomás |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Chicago Officials Are Prepping for Beyoncé's Arrival — Even Though She Hasn't Confirmed She's Coming |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/dnc-beyonce-prepping-arrival-has-not-confirmed-1235085940/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822212945/https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/dnc-beyonce-prepping-arrival-has-not-confirmed-1235085940/ |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Hours after TMZ{{'s}} initial report, a representative for Beyoncé told The Hollywood Reporter that the singer would not attend the convention, saying she "was never scheduled to be there".{{Cite magazine |last=Fekadu |first=Mesfin |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Rep: Beyoncé Is Not Performing at DNC; "Was Never Scheduled" to Attend (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/beyonce-not-attending-2024-dnc-1235982694/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823021035/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/beyonce-not-attending-2024-dnc-1235982694/ |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Mikael |date=August 22, 2024 |title=As the DNC's (wrongly) rumored 'special guest', Beyoncé, and pop fandom, stole the show |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-08-22/beyonce-pink-the-chicks-dnc-democratic-national-convention-kamala-harris |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823081513/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-08-22/beyonce-pink-the-chicks-dnc-democratic-national-convention-kamala-harris |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |issn=0458-3035}} Beyoncé ultimately did not make an appearance, nor did any "surprise guest", though her music was heard over the loudspeakers following Harris' speech.{{Cite news |last=Bauder |first=David |date=August 23, 2024 |title=Kamala Harris with Beyoncé? Yes, but the star singer was only heard through loudspeakers |url=https://apnews.com/article/harris-beyonce-democrats-convention-election-6a6a0d8d1142b9410d1bb6e7d813dd66 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823200249/https://apnews.com/article/harris-beyonce-democrats-convention-election-6a6a0d8d1142b9410d1bb6e7d813dd66 |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |publisher=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last1=Andrews |first1=Travis M. |last2=Edwards |first2=Jonathan |last3=Chery |first3=Samantha |date=August 23, 2024 |title=How a rumor about Beyonce at the DNC fooled the world |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2024/08/23/beyonce-rumor-dnc/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824012715/https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2024/08/23/beyonce-rumor-dnc/ |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |access-date=September 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286}} Her non-appearance remained a topic of conversation on social media after the event,{{Cite magazine |last1=Madarang |first1=Charisma |last2=Mier |first2=Tomás |date=August 23, 2024 |title=It Couldn't Bey: Internet Devastated by False Beyoncé DNC Rumors |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/beyonce-dnc-rumors-false-1235086500/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823200518/https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/beyonce-dnc-rumors-false-1235086500/ |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}{{Cite web |last=Kaloi |first=Stephanie |date=August 22, 2024 |title=TMZ Roasted for False Beyoncé DNC Report: 'A Total Failure of American Intelligence' |url=https://www.thewrap.com/tmz-roasted-after-beyonce-doesnt-appear-at-dnc/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823200644/https://www.thewrap.com/tmz-roasted-after-beyonce-doesnt-appear-at-dnc/ |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=TheWrap}} with some commentators opining that it ultimately benefited Harris because it allowed her to retain the spotlight.{{Cite news |last=Tillet |first=Salamishah |date=August 23, 2024 |title=Beyoncé Rumors Briefly Took Center Stage. Kamala Harris Grabbed It Back. |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/columns/dnc-beyonce-taylor-democratic-convention-music-picks-1236116399/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823173803/https://variety.com/2024/music/columns/dnc-beyonce-taylor-democratic-convention-music-picks-1236116399/ |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=September 2, 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite magazine |last=William |first=Chris |date=August 23, 2024 |title=Dear Beyoncé and Taylor: Thanks for Staying Home. The DNC Benefited From Treating Musicians as Opening Acts, Not Headliners |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/columns/dnc-beyonce-taylor-democratic-convention-music-picks-1236116399/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823173803/https://variety.com/2024/music/columns/dnc-beyonce-taylor-democratic-convention-music-picks-1236116399/ |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=September 2, 2024 |magazine=Variety}}

• 2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries
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{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://demconvention.com/ Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801082600/https://demconvention.com/|date=August 1, 2024}}
• [https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/DNC-Charter-Bylaws-03.12.2022.pdf The Charter & the Bylaws of the Democratic Party of the United States]
• [https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Call-for-Convention-as-amended-06.20.2024.docx-3.pdf Call for the 2024 Democratic National Convention (as amended)]
• [https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Permanent-Convention-Rules-as-approved.docx.pdf Permanent Procedural Rules of the 2024 Democratic National Convention]
• [https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2024-Delegate-Selection-Rules.pdf Delegate Selection Rules For the 2024 Democratic National Convention]
• [https://mcusercontent.com/b575b9e5364b5673b6f9df3f1/files/f1af0ff7-2a47-f925-5b20-5726412e2302/2024_Convention_Committee_Reports_Booklet.pdf Reports of the Credentials, Rules, and Platform Committees to the 2024 Democratic National Convention] {{Webarchive|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240819042020/https://mcusercontent.com/b575b9e5364b5673b6f9df3f1/files/f1af0ff7-2a47-f925-5b20-5726412e2302/2024_Convention_Committee_Reports_Booklet.pdf|date=August 19, 2024}}

• [https://www.c-span.org/democratic-national-convention-2024/day-1/ 2024 Democratic National Convention, Day 1] {{emdash}} via C-SPAN
• [https://www.c-span.org/democratic-national-convention-2024/day-2/ 2024 Democratic National Convention, Day 2] {{emdash}} via C-SPAN
• [https://www.c-span.org/democratic-national-convention-2024/day-3/ 2024 Democratic National Convention, Day 3] {{emdash}} via C-SPAN
• [https://www.c-span.org/democratic-national-convention-2024/day-4/ 2024 Democratic National Convention, Day 4] {{emdash}} via C-SPAN

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