Democratic National Convention 2024 schedule: What to expect

Line-up of speakers includes former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton for Kamala Harris-Tim Walz ticket

Sign outside the United Centre for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Bloomberg

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The Democratic National Convention is in full swing in Chicago as the party prepares to mark the formal nomination of US Vice President Kamala Harris as presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as vice presidential candidate for the 2024 election.

The political gathering caps off a whirlwind month for Democrats who quickly coalesced around the new ticket after President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid in July.

While there is likely to be a festive atmosphere inside the convention hall, protests are expected outside, as months of frustration over support for Israel amid the Gaza war threatens to boil over.

The National takes a look at what to expect at the DNC this week:

What is a convention?

The two major US political parties hold a convention each presidential election cycle to officially nominate their candidates and adopt a party platform.

Democrats officially nominated Ms Harris last month in a virtual vote of delegates due to concerns about ballot access in states with early deadlines, Reuters reported.

At the Republican National Convention last month in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Donald Trump was officially nominated and introduced his choice for vice president, JD Vance, a US senator from Ohio.

When and where is the Democratic Convention?

The convention will run from August 19-22 in Chicago's United Centre arena.

Official programming generally takes place during the day, while main stage events including speeches will run from about 5pm to 10pm local time.

How can you watch the DNC?

The prime time events will be broadcast on all major networks and cable news channels, as well as streaming services including Hulu, Paramount Plus, Peacock and Max.

Bloomberg reported that the convention will also be streamed on the DNC’s website, as well as on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, a first in the gathering's history, according to the organisation.

Who are the speakers? What is the schedule?

Mr Biden will kick off the convention on Monday night with a keynote speech that will serve as a goodbye of sorts for a politician who weeks ago was expected to once again accept the nomination as his party's presidential candidate.

He is expected to “hand off” his leadership in the party and the White House bid to Ms Harris, who will be present.

Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is also expected to speak on Monday.

On Tuesday, former president Barack Obama and Doug Emhoff, husband of Ms Harris, are scheduled to address the DNC. Former first lady Michelle Obama, a popular public figure in the Democratic Party, may also speak.

Vice presidential nominee Mr Walz will give his acceptance speech on Wednesday after former president Bill Clinton and former speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi speak.

On Thursday, Ms Harris will accept the convention's nomination for president in a speech to cap the DNC.

What are the themes for each day?

Monday will focus on the Biden administration's policy accomplishments; Tuesday will contrast Mr Trump's and Ms Harris's visions for America and Wednesday will address the importance of protecting individual freedoms.

Thursday's programme, with the highlight being Ms Harris's acceptance speech, is titled For Our Future.

Will there be protests?

Thousands of anti-war protesters plan to demonstrate during the convention in the streets of Chicago, demanding that the US end aid to Israel amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The March on the DNC, a coalition of more than 200 organisations from all over the country, plans to hold two demonstrations during the event. Those protests are expected to take place on Monday and Thursday.

What about Trump?

Mr Trump and Mr Vance will spend the week touring battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arizona and Georgia, Reuters reported.

The Republicans have announced their own themes, similar to the ones they laid out during their convention last month. Monday's events will focus on the economy; Tuesday's on crime and public safety; Wednesday's on national security, and Thursday's on immigration.