Democratic convention transforms for a fresh headliner
DNC organizers are working urgently to ensure the vice president's endorsement is incorporated.
TroibNews 
CHICAGO — The Democratic National Convention underwent a significant shift last month when the party decided to place Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket. This change necessitated adjustments from hundreds of officials, production crews, and event planners as they recalibrated their strategies for the convention.
Behind the scenes, convention staff, campaign officials, and outside observers—who requested anonymity to discuss evolving plans—shared that the focus has shifted toward Harris, while still recognizing the accomplishments of President Joe Biden’s administration over the past four years. New speakers closely associated with Harris, including her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, have been slated for prominent speaking opportunities. Additionally, previously scheduled speakers are revising their remarks to align with the updated focus of the convention, aides report.
This marks a significant departure from just a month prior, when the Democratic convention was set to defend Biden’s record, address tensions over his decision to remain in the race, and persuade voters who perceive him as too old for the role to support him.
Harris’s emergence as a fresh representative of the party means that the energy and content of the convention will need to adapt accordingly.
As one senior convention official explained to PMG, organizers are tasked with "a delicate balance of introducing her to the world and making sure that this convention is infused with her beliefs, her thoughts, the future and where she believes this country is going, while not disregarding some of the accomplishments that they have made over the last three and a half years."
Convention planners have publicly downplayed the significance of this pivot, emphasizing that large events are typically planned well in advance and that preparations continue until the opening gavel. Some have likened the situation to a plane that, while having different pilots, is still the same aircraft.
“The Biden-Harris elements have always been a part of that and still are. There’s some more pages to write and fill in this story to further tell the story of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” remarked Matt Hill, the senior director of communications for the convention. “But that doesn’t mean the Biden chapters are completely going away. We can’t erase that. That’d be erasing their history.”
This shift serves as a stark reminder for some Democrats that it wasn't the policies that fell out of favor, but rather Biden himself.
Despite the pivot, not all references to Biden will be eliminated—every delegate will still receive a bag of coffee beans as a nod to a cup of “Joe.” The opening day will also pay tribute to the outgoing president, culminating in his closing speech for that day. Harris has requested to ensure she can observe Biden from within the arena, as confirmed by two aides speaking with PMG.
“They obviously have to do a big thank you for Biden, too,” stated Bill Daley, who managed Vice President Al Gore’s presidential campaign in 2000, during Clinton’s presidency. He noted that the early homage to Biden allows the convention to look ahead for the remainder of the week, emphasizing, “They don’t want to be running away from it. But it can’t dominate the four days.”
As Daley reflected on the complexities of honoring Clinton while shifting focus to Gore, he acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation.
In preparation, Harris and her team have been making visits to the Democratic National Committee and Howard University to create videos for the convention. Harris is also crafting her convention speech while balancing debate preparations and acclimating to her new running mate. The musical selections may also see a shift toward more contemporary tracks, in contrast to the Fleetwood Mac-era songs associated with Biden.
While Biden was widely recognized, this convention presents an opportunity to reintroduce Harris to voters who may not have followed her vice presidency closely. For her supporters and aides who have witnessed her journey, there is excitement about sharing the full story of someone who has often been in the background.
“Voters have gotten a chance to see some of the warts, thanks to the press, but they haven’t had a chance to see people validate her before a world audience,” said the senior convention official.
Conventions also serve to establish a contrasting narrative. Last month, Republicans showcased unity amidst perceived divisions among Democrats regarding Biden. Now, Democrats are tasked with positioning themselves against former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance. It remains uncertain how explicitly Democrats will draw this contrast, whether through direct mentions or more subtle implications. Nevertheless, it is evident that Harris represents a distinct contrast to both her predecessor and her opponent, particularly regarding age.
“There is a different opportunity, I think a stronger opportunity — all due love to Joe Biden — to make the contrast between the past and the future, especially given what we’ve seen from Trump lately,” noted a veteran Democratic operative close to Harris.
The atmosphere is also charged with excitement. For weeks, large crowds have flocked to rallies featuring Harris and Governor Tim Walz, indicating a renewed enthusiasm within the party. This energy is already palpable in Chicago.
Requests are pouring in from different sectors, including Hollywood, as attendees seek hotel rooms, pop-up parties, and coveted seats inside the United Center, where Harris will deliver her acceptance speech.
Veteran Democratic consultant Donna Brazile initially planned to bring five guests but expanded that number to 40 following Harris’s elevation. She noted a surge of interest from “CEOs, Cabinet secretaries, and regular people” eager to participate, prompting organizers to accommodate additional requests for attendance in the United Center’s suites.
“Everybody wants to get on board,” Brazile observed, drawing parallels to the moments when Barack Obama delivered his acceptance speech in 2008 and when a young Bill Clinton emerged in 1992.
Michael Sacks, president of the convention host committee, echoed this sentiment, stating that credential requests have significantly increased, with “everyone wanting to attend.”
Fundraising efforts have also seen a boost, with the convention announcing Wednesday that it has raised a record $94 million.
As one Democrat put it, “All of a sudden, all these people want to speak and all these people want to come.”
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
Behind the scenes, convention staff, campaign officials, and outside observers—who requested anonymity to discuss evolving plans—shared that the focus has shifted toward Harris, while still recognizing the accomplishments of President Joe Biden’s administration over the past four years. New speakers closely associated with Harris, including her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, have been slated for prominent speaking opportunities. Additionally, previously scheduled speakers are revising their remarks to align with the updated focus of the convention, aides report.
This marks a significant departure from just a month prior, when the Democratic convention was set to defend Biden’s record, address tensions over his decision to remain in the race, and persuade voters who perceive him as too old for the role to support him.
Harris’s emergence as a fresh representative of the party means that the energy and content of the convention will need to adapt accordingly.
As one senior convention official explained to PMG, organizers are tasked with "a delicate balance of introducing her to the world and making sure that this convention is infused with her beliefs, her thoughts, the future and where she believes this country is going, while not disregarding some of the accomplishments that they have made over the last three and a half years."
Convention planners have publicly downplayed the significance of this pivot, emphasizing that large events are typically planned well in advance and that preparations continue until the opening gavel. Some have likened the situation to a plane that, while having different pilots, is still the same aircraft.
“The Biden-Harris elements have always been a part of that and still are. There’s some more pages to write and fill in this story to further tell the story of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” remarked Matt Hill, the senior director of communications for the convention. “But that doesn’t mean the Biden chapters are completely going away. We can’t erase that. That’d be erasing their history.”
This shift serves as a stark reminder for some Democrats that it wasn't the policies that fell out of favor, but rather Biden himself.
Despite the pivot, not all references to Biden will be eliminated—every delegate will still receive a bag of coffee beans as a nod to a cup of “Joe.” The opening day will also pay tribute to the outgoing president, culminating in his closing speech for that day. Harris has requested to ensure she can observe Biden from within the arena, as confirmed by two aides speaking with PMG.
“They obviously have to do a big thank you for Biden, too,” stated Bill Daley, who managed Vice President Al Gore’s presidential campaign in 2000, during Clinton’s presidency. He noted that the early homage to Biden allows the convention to look ahead for the remainder of the week, emphasizing, “They don’t want to be running away from it. But it can’t dominate the four days.”
As Daley reflected on the complexities of honoring Clinton while shifting focus to Gore, he acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation.
In preparation, Harris and her team have been making visits to the Democratic National Committee and Howard University to create videos for the convention. Harris is also crafting her convention speech while balancing debate preparations and acclimating to her new running mate. The musical selections may also see a shift toward more contemporary tracks, in contrast to the Fleetwood Mac-era songs associated with Biden.
While Biden was widely recognized, this convention presents an opportunity to reintroduce Harris to voters who may not have followed her vice presidency closely. For her supporters and aides who have witnessed her journey, there is excitement about sharing the full story of someone who has often been in the background.
“Voters have gotten a chance to see some of the warts, thanks to the press, but they haven’t had a chance to see people validate her before a world audience,” said the senior convention official.
Conventions also serve to establish a contrasting narrative. Last month, Republicans showcased unity amidst perceived divisions among Democrats regarding Biden. Now, Democrats are tasked with positioning themselves against former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance. It remains uncertain how explicitly Democrats will draw this contrast, whether through direct mentions or more subtle implications. Nevertheless, it is evident that Harris represents a distinct contrast to both her predecessor and her opponent, particularly regarding age.
“There is a different opportunity, I think a stronger opportunity — all due love to Joe Biden — to make the contrast between the past and the future, especially given what we’ve seen from Trump lately,” noted a veteran Democratic operative close to Harris.
The atmosphere is also charged with excitement. For weeks, large crowds have flocked to rallies featuring Harris and Governor Tim Walz, indicating a renewed enthusiasm within the party. This energy is already palpable in Chicago.
Requests are pouring in from different sectors, including Hollywood, as attendees seek hotel rooms, pop-up parties, and coveted seats inside the United Center, where Harris will deliver her acceptance speech.
Veteran Democratic consultant Donna Brazile initially planned to bring five guests but expanded that number to 40 following Harris’s elevation. She noted a surge of interest from “CEOs, Cabinet secretaries, and regular people” eager to participate, prompting organizers to accommodate additional requests for attendance in the United Center’s suites.
“Everybody wants to get on board,” Brazile observed, drawing parallels to the moments when Barack Obama delivered his acceptance speech in 2008 and when a young Bill Clinton emerged in 1992.
Michael Sacks, president of the convention host committee, echoed this sentiment, stating that credential requests have significantly increased, with “everyone wanting to attend.”
Fundraising efforts have also seen a boost, with the convention announcing Wednesday that it has raised a record $94 million.
As one Democrat put it, “All of a sudden, all these people want to speak and all these people want to come.”
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
