Reporting and analysis of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
On Monday night, Mayor Brandon Johnson took to the biggest stage of his young political career, joining Chicago icons Ida B. Wells, Jane Addams and the Reverend Jesse Jackson as he welcomed delegates to the city to open the Democratic National Convention.
“Welcome to the greatest city in the world,” Johnson said in his opening remarks at the United Center, later adding a nod to his trademark adjective “freakin'” by calling Chicago the “greatest damn city.”
“Chicago – where Ida B. Wells and Jane Addams joined forces to create real, transformative change across the country. Chicago – where Rev. Jesse Jackson brought people of all backgrounds together to keep hope alive, and where a community organizer from the South Side – Barack Obama – entered the White House by reminding us, yes, we can,” Johnson said.
In his nearly four-minute speech, Johnson linked his own experiences with the names at the top of the Democratic ballot.
“As the son of a family that worked hard to make ends meet, I know Kamala Harris – the daughter of a hard-working mother who did the same – will always have our backs. As a former social studies teacher, I know Tim Walz will never shy away from standing up for our democracy and for those most in need,” Johnson said. “And as a black man raising a black girl on the West Side of Chicago, I know my daughter will see in the White House not only a reflection of herself, but also of our deepest American values.”
After his speech, Johnson told WBEZ that it was a “great feeling” to bring attention to “the most remarkable city in the world” on an international stage, especially given his roots as a political newcomer.
“It’s no secret where I started – no connections to political apparatuses, less money, middle school teacher, 10-year-old child,” he said. “This can only be achieved through organization and grassroots work, and that’s why I’m full of hope and encouragement that our democracy is doing better.”
Johnson declined to say whether he was nervous or how many times he had practiced his speech, but he said he had prepared “quietly” in prayer.
“I trust in my faith. It’s no secret that I love God,” he said. “I brought that with me into this speech.”
If Johnson had been given more stage time, he said, he would have liked to highlight the “migration journey” of many Chicagoans.
“Whether black, brown, white or Asian, they all come to this city because they know that this city is not just a symbol of hope, but actually an expression of the hopes and dreams of those who came before us,” he said.
Before his election to the National Congress, the mayor, during his first term in office, zigzagged through the city with a full program of official and political events.
At the start of the day, he welcomed the delegates from Michigan and praised Harris and Walz, saying they “understand the plight of the people who make this country what it is, and that is the working people.”
Johnson did not attend the Illinois delegation’s breakfast program – the main motivational event for local party bosses – but he is expected to address them on Wednesday morning.
The mayor then toured Dyett High School on the South Side and, along with other city officials from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, provided a public safety update to the DNC.
There he addressed comments he reportedly made in an interview with Mother Jones magazine in which he called the war in Gaza “genocide” as he prepared to play cheerleader for Democrats who have been criticized for their support of Israel. Johnson did not reiterate his characterization of the conflict on Monday.
“You can condemn terrorism and call for peace. That’s actually quite common in our tradition here in Chicago,” Johnson said. “People across America are demanding that – the immediate release of the hostages, an end to these acts of terror and an end to this war. And I will continue to hold that position because that is the moral position.”
On stage, Johnson turned the focus to Harris.
“What does it take to build the middle class and make it easier for families to not only make ends meet but to get ahead? It takes someone with the toughness to stand up for us. Let me tell you, Kamala has it,” he said. “Together, we will build a better, brighter future, and there’s no better place to start than here in Chicago.”
