Protesters briefly halted their opposition to Harris at the DNC, then resolved to proceed with full force.
At least six significant protests are scheduled to take place during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
TroibNews 
CHICAGO — Following Vice President Kamala Harris's announcement to run for president, pro-Palestinian activists preparing for large demonstrations at the Democratic National Convention took a moment to reassess their strategy.
The leading organization, March on the DNC 2024, which is coordinating over 200 groups for the protest, convened for about half an hour on the day Harris declared her candidacy. This meeting aimed to evaluate whether to continue the same confrontational tactics they had directed at President Joe Biden, whom they branded “Genocide Joe” due to his policies concerning Israel.
While Harris is part of the Biden administration, many viewed her as potentially more sympathetic to the pro-Palestinian agenda, especially after she strongly advocated for a cease-fire following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“We all came to a consensus that it's not going to make a difference, that [Harris] represents this administration,” stated Hatem Abudayyeh, chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. "We're going to stay full steam ahead."
He also mentioned that his organization had referred to Harris as “Killer Kamala” even before she became the nominee and continues to call for stricter measures against the Israeli government, such as an arms embargo — a position that a senior adviser to Harris has indicated she does not support.
During the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, there are at least six major protests planned, with the largest expected on the first day, Monday, when “tens of thousands” are anticipated to march near the United Center, where Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will deliver their acceptance speeches.
This “family-friendly march” is organized under a coalition focused on pro-Palestinian causes, including various activist groups. Organizers are arranging transportation for protesters from Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, and even New York and California.
The leadership change in the Democratic ticket sparked discussions within the pro-Palestinian movement regarding their approach. The Democratic National Convention was seen as an ideal platform to advocate for a shift in U.S. policy towards Israel. However, Harris's early call for a cease-fire raised questions among some activists about whether a more tempered approach was appropriate for the new Democratic nominee.
“There is admittedly a change of tone and for many, a sense of a breath of fresh air,” remarked Linda Loew, an organizer for Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws coalition, which has over 40 groups endorsing a march in Chicago ahead of the convention. But, she added, “rhetoric and promises are simply not enough. We certainly are glad and welcome the support of any and all Democrats who say that they're for any of these issues, but we need to see action.”
Despite any initial uncertainties about being disruptive, activists’ resolve was strengthened after Harris confronted protesters during a rally in Michigan alongside her new vice presidential nominee.
“Everyone’s voice matters, but I am speaking now. I am speaking now,” she responded to pro-Palestinian demonstrators who interrupted her speech.
This exchange has further galvanized the pro-Palestinian protesters as they prepare for the convention.
“After she yelled at protesters, the blush started to come off the rose,” commented Joe Iosbaker, a protest organizer and member of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Oppression, which has spearheaded 48 protests in the city since the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7.
With the planned protests set to unfold in full force this week in Chicago, Andy Thayer, a long-standing progressive activist and leader of a Sunday protest, warned, “Don’t fall for the wolf in sheep's clothing. Harris has made it clear that she is standing behind Israel 100 percent and is not going to stop the flow of arms to Israel.”
The Harris campaign is aware of the protests and has reiterated her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. "The vice president believes making your voice heard and participating in our democracy is fundamental to who we are as Americans," Harris campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt told PMG. "Vice President Harris supports the deals currently on the table for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and for the release of hostages.”
Harris could also face intermittent protests inside the arena during her televised acceptance speech on Thursday. Around 30 delegates representing the "uncommitted" primary votes, which activists have used as a means of protesting Biden's policies on Israel, will be present.
Convention organizers have expressed their commitment to respecting voices at the convention and are prepared for possible disruptions inside the arena, though they may ask delegates waving their own signs to lower them. They emphasized that protesters represent a small fraction of the nearly 5,000 credentialed delegates.
“Thousands of Democrats from all across the country are showing up here in Chicago to rally behind the Harris-Walz nomination because they believe in the vision of hope and progress this ticket represents,” said convention spokesperson Emily Soong. “We support law enforcement's efforts to protect the right to peaceful protest while not allowing any violence.”
Both veteran protesters and police are preparing for a variety of situations as convention events unfold. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, who led training for the 2012 NATO Summit, expressed confidence in managing the demonstrations.
Handling the NATO protest “was successful,” he remarked, adding, “but we’re also looking at where we could have done things better. We’ve improved upon some things. We’ve given our people training that they need.”
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
The leading organization, March on the DNC 2024, which is coordinating over 200 groups for the protest, convened for about half an hour on the day Harris declared her candidacy. This meeting aimed to evaluate whether to continue the same confrontational tactics they had directed at President Joe Biden, whom they branded “Genocide Joe” due to his policies concerning Israel.
While Harris is part of the Biden administration, many viewed her as potentially more sympathetic to the pro-Palestinian agenda, especially after she strongly advocated for a cease-fire following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“We all came to a consensus that it's not going to make a difference, that [Harris] represents this administration,” stated Hatem Abudayyeh, chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. "We're going to stay full steam ahead."
He also mentioned that his organization had referred to Harris as “Killer Kamala” even before she became the nominee and continues to call for stricter measures against the Israeli government, such as an arms embargo — a position that a senior adviser to Harris has indicated she does not support.
During the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, there are at least six major protests planned, with the largest expected on the first day, Monday, when “tens of thousands” are anticipated to march near the United Center, where Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will deliver their acceptance speeches.
This “family-friendly march” is organized under a coalition focused on pro-Palestinian causes, including various activist groups. Organizers are arranging transportation for protesters from Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, and even New York and California.
The leadership change in the Democratic ticket sparked discussions within the pro-Palestinian movement regarding their approach. The Democratic National Convention was seen as an ideal platform to advocate for a shift in U.S. policy towards Israel. However, Harris's early call for a cease-fire raised questions among some activists about whether a more tempered approach was appropriate for the new Democratic nominee.
“There is admittedly a change of tone and for many, a sense of a breath of fresh air,” remarked Linda Loew, an organizer for Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws coalition, which has over 40 groups endorsing a march in Chicago ahead of the convention. But, she added, “rhetoric and promises are simply not enough. We certainly are glad and welcome the support of any and all Democrats who say that they're for any of these issues, but we need to see action.”
Despite any initial uncertainties about being disruptive, activists’ resolve was strengthened after Harris confronted protesters during a rally in Michigan alongside her new vice presidential nominee.
“Everyone’s voice matters, but I am speaking now. I am speaking now,” she responded to pro-Palestinian demonstrators who interrupted her speech.
This exchange has further galvanized the pro-Palestinian protesters as they prepare for the convention.
“After she yelled at protesters, the blush started to come off the rose,” commented Joe Iosbaker, a protest organizer and member of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Oppression, which has spearheaded 48 protests in the city since the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7.
With the planned protests set to unfold in full force this week in Chicago, Andy Thayer, a long-standing progressive activist and leader of a Sunday protest, warned, “Don’t fall for the wolf in sheep's clothing. Harris has made it clear that she is standing behind Israel 100 percent and is not going to stop the flow of arms to Israel.”
The Harris campaign is aware of the protests and has reiterated her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. "The vice president believes making your voice heard and participating in our democracy is fundamental to who we are as Americans," Harris campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt told PMG. "Vice President Harris supports the deals currently on the table for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and for the release of hostages.”
Harris could also face intermittent protests inside the arena during her televised acceptance speech on Thursday. Around 30 delegates representing the "uncommitted" primary votes, which activists have used as a means of protesting Biden's policies on Israel, will be present.
Convention organizers have expressed their commitment to respecting voices at the convention and are prepared for possible disruptions inside the arena, though they may ask delegates waving their own signs to lower them. They emphasized that protesters represent a small fraction of the nearly 5,000 credentialed delegates.
“Thousands of Democrats from all across the country are showing up here in Chicago to rally behind the Harris-Walz nomination because they believe in the vision of hope and progress this ticket represents,” said convention spokesperson Emily Soong. “We support law enforcement's efforts to protect the right to peaceful protest while not allowing any violence.”
Both veteran protesters and police are preparing for a variety of situations as convention events unfold. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, who led training for the 2012 NATO Summit, expressed confidence in managing the demonstrations.
Handling the NATO protest “was successful,” he remarked, adding, “but we’re also looking at where we could have done things better. We’ve improved upon some things. We’ve given our people training that they need.”
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
