Chicago has a long history with the Democratic Party, hosting its 12th Democratic convention this week. This year’s convention will nominate Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz as the ticket. Bill Daley, a veteran of Democratic politics, emphasizes that Harris needs to lay out a vision and show who she is as a person to win in November. The city previously hosted the 1968 Democratic convention during the Vietnam War, where Mayor Richard J. Daley was put in the spotlight for the violent clashes between police and protesters.
Protests are planned for the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of Israel’s war with Hamas, but Bill Daley does not expect them to be out of hand like in the 1960s. President Biden will be a key speaker at the convention, with Harris set to accept her nomination on Thursday. Former President Donald Trump will provide a tough opponent, as the dynamics have shifted, making Harris the new generation candidate. The hope is that this convention will have echoes of the 2008 gathering when Barack Obama made history by becoming the first Black American president.
For Harris, there will be a balancing act as a relatively new figure to many Americans but with the power of being the incumbent vice president. Bill Daley acknowledges that vice presidents are not typically well-known to the American people, but the excitement for Harris as potentially the first woman president is palpable. Despite the giddiness among Democrats about Harris and favorable poll numbers, Daley warns that the Electoral College poses challenges for Democrats and a brutal campaign lies ahead. He cautions that a lot can change in the political landscape in just 90 days, emphasizing the need for caution and strategic planning to secure victory in November.
The convention this week will be a crucial moment for the Democratic Party as they rally behind Harris and Walz as the presidential and vice-presidential nominees. The excitement surrounding Harris, especially as the potential first woman president, will be tested by the realities of a challenging campaign. Bill Daley’s experiences from previous Democratic conventions, including the tumultuous gathering in 1968, provide valuable insights into the need for a clear vision and persona to connect with voters. As the convention unfolds in Chicago, it will be a pivotal moment for Democrats to showcase their unity and plans for the future, ultimately aiming to secure victory in the upcoming presidential election.
