The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago enters its second day on Tuesday, with other high-profile politicians scheduled to speak, including former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
On Monday, President Joe Biden, U.S. Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered fiery speeches at the DNC. Former Bulls player Steve Kerr, an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump, also addressed a roaring crowd, telling a roaring crowd, “After the results are counted this evening, we can, in the words of the great Steph Curry, say goodnight to Donald Trump.”
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According to organizers, several speeches were canceled to accommodate President Biden’s address, including a musical performance by James Taylor and speeches by Reps. Grace Meng and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. It is unknown whether the trio will be reinstated to the program.
There were also large protests on Monday, with several people arrested after demonstrators broke through a security fence at the United Center.
City officials said additional downtown streets near popular hotels on Chicago’s Gold Coast will be closed, and military helicopters are expected to continue flying overhead throughout the week.
According to the city of Chicago, no authorized protests are planned for Tuesday. However, unauthorized protests and demonstrations are still expected near Union Park and Park 578, The Associated Press reported.
Here’s what to expect on the second day of the convention, how to watch, and more.
Schedule, speakers for day 2 of the DNC
The highlight of the speaker list on Tuesday will be former President Barack Obama, who will give a speech at the party convention in his hometown of Chicago.
According to official information, former First Lady Michelle Obama will also give a speech at the party convention.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who is running as Harris’s running mate, is also expected to speak, as are Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and entertainment host Ana Navarro. A full schedule of speakers is expected to be released later Tuesday.
Doors to the United Center will open at 4 p.m. CT on Tuesday, with the main program beginning at 6 p.m. CT, according to the DNC website. Other events planned include a delegation breakfast, rallies and meetings on reproductive rights, social media on the campaign trail and more.
The theme of Tuesday’s edition of the convention is “A Bold Vision for America’s Future,” focusing on Harris and Walz’s platform and their vision for the path forward for the United States.
Who else will speak at the DNC?
Former President Bill Clinton is expected to speak Wednesday. Clinton will speak Wednesday alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has been selected as the vice presidential nominee. Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the party’s presidential nomination on Thursday.
How long does the DNC in Chicago last?
The 2024 DNC in Chicago begins on Monday, August 19th and runs through Thursday, August 22nd, with speeches expected on four consecutive nights.
Where will the conference take place?
The congress will take place at two locations.
The main venue for the convention, where speeches are given and voting takes place, is the United Center on the city’s West Side. The building is home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks and was also the site of the 1996 Democratic National Convention.
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During the week, caucus and council meetings will also be held at McCormick Place, the city’s largest convention center. The building is located near Lake Michigan, south of Soldier Field and the city’s museum campus.
When and how can you watch the DNC live?
All four plenary sessions of the Democratic National Convention will be streamed live on NBC Chicago’s website and mobile app, as well as in the player above.
The speeches will also be available on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel.
Viewers can also look forward to expanded coverage on Telemundo Chicago and the Telemundo Chicago app.
Streaming times for the remaining days (all times Central Time):
Tuesday: 6-10pm
Wednesday: 6-10pm
Thursday: 6pm-10pm
Safety and road closures
More than a dozen law enforcement agencies will provide security throughout the convention. Coordinators responsible for security during the week include the Chicago Police Department, the FBI and the Secret Service.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker confirmed to NBC Chicago that about 150 members of the state’s National Guard will be in Chicago for the DNC this week, but stressed that they are on standby.
Below is a complete list of closures and where to find them, according to the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications:
Road closures in the city centre and on the Gold Coast due to the DNC
- N. Wabash from E, Chestnut to E Delaware Place from Sunday, August 18 to Wednesday, August 21
- E. Huron Street from N. Michigan to N. Rush from Sunday, August 18 to Friday, August 23
- E. Chicago from N. Michigan Avenue to N. Rush Street from Sunday, August 18 to Friday, August 23
- E. Delaware Place from N. State to N. Rush on Tuesday, August 20.
- N. Rush from E. Delaware Place to E. Walton on Tuesday, August 20th.
- E Walton from N State to N Rush on Tuesday, August 20.
- N State from E Delaware to E Walton on Tuesday, August 20.
Restricted vehicle traffic: Jackson Boulevard from South Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
Start Thursday, August 15
- West Washington Boulevard from Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
- Damen Avenue from Jackson Boulevard to West Washington Boulevard
- West Warren Boulevard from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
- West Madison Street from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
- West Monroe Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
- West Adams Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
- South Honore Street from West Monroe Street to West Adams Street
- South Wood Street from West Washington Boulevard to West Jackson Boulevard
- South Seeley Avenue from West Madison Street to West Adams Street
Start Saturday, August 17
- Indiana Avenue from 18th to E. 24th Place
- Michigan Avenue from 21st to 25th Street
- Cermak Road from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
- 23rd Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
- Prairie Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
- Calumet Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Place from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
- MLK ride from Cermak Rd. to 25th Street
- E 21st Street closed from S. Michigan Avenue to S. Calumet Avenue.
- E 21st St is open west of S Michigan Avenue to and including S Wabash Avenue and E 21st.
Additionally, no trucks or vehicles larger than cars are allowed on I-55 between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and South State Street in either direction.
Can you get tickets to the DNC?
Every day, around 50,000 Democratic delegates, volunteers, supporters and more are expected to attend the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. However, many people are not allowed in – including the general public.
“Only accredited delegates, media and guests may attend the meeting in person,” the meeting’s website states. “We are organizing a meeting to reach all Americans and providing opportunities to participate.”
Earlier this year, anyone who wanted to work or volunteer at the DNC could apply to volunteer, but as of Monday, August 19 – the first day of the convention – applications are no longer possible, the website says.
“Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Democratic National Convention,” the website said. “Over 30,000 people have raised their hands to volunteer for this historic event. Due to this overwhelming support, we are no longer accepting interest forms. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm.”
