Editor’s Note: NBC Chicago offers a live feed of the evening and primetime speeches every day Monday through Thursday in the player above and on the 24/7 streaming channel NBC 5 Chicago News..
After another night of energetic and fiery speeches from well-known politicians, the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago enters its third day on Wednesday.
After receiving the blessing of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday, the focus on the penultimate day of the DNC turns to Kamala Harris’s vice presidential nominee, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The former teacher and football coach is expected to accept the Democratic nomination on Wednesday as the party argues that Americans’ basic freedoms will be at risk if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also expected to speak at the convention on Wednesday, while dozens of roads remain closed near the United Center, McCormick Place and in Gold Coast.
MORE: Traffic, congestion and road closures around the DNC in Chicago – unless you’re a VIP
According to the city of Chicago, no authorized protests are planned for Wednesday, but unauthorized protests and demonstrations may occur. Tuesday night, more than a dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested during an unauthorized protest near the Ogilvy Transportation Center.
Who spoke at the DNC yesterday?
In addition to the Obamas’ major speeches, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and Trump’s former press secretary Stephanie Grisham also spoke on Tuesday.
“Behind closed doors, Trump refers to his supporters as ‘basement dwellers,'” Grisham said. “He has no compassion, no morals and no loyalty to the truth.”
Here’s what to expect on the third day of the convention, how to watch, and more.
Schedule, speakers for day 3 of the DNC
After a turbulent few weeks in which Harris’ running mate rose from little-known Midwestern governor to the top of the Democratic ticket, Tim Walz is expected to be in the spotlight himself on Wednesday when Democrats officially nominate the 60-year-old as their vice presidential candidate.
Before Harris chose him as her running mate for the Democratic presidential nomination, Walz was little known outside of Minnesota. But when the vice president interviewed him, they hit it off. She was impressed by his record as governor and congressman – and by the buzz he was making on television.
Former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will also deliver remarks on Wednesday. The full schedule and list of speakers are expected to be announced later in the meeting.
MORE: Here’s each state’s ‘walk-up song’ for the DNC ceremonial roll call
Doors to the United Center will open at 4 p.m. CT on Wednesday, with the main program beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT, according to the DNC website. Other events planned include a delegation breakfast, rallies, meetings and more.
The theme for Wednesday is “A Fight for Our Freedoms,” and the evening will focus on maintaining rights that Democrats say were abolished under the Republican administration, including reproductive rights and others.
Who else will speak at the DNC?
More speakers are expected to be announced each day. Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the party’s presidential nomination on Thursday.
When does the DNC end?
The 2024 DNC in Chicago begins on Monday, August 19th and runs through Thursday, August 22nd, with speeches expected on four consecutive nights.
Where is the DNC?
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.
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):
Wednesday: 5:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Thursday: 5:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
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.”
