Democratic Party members are gathering in Chicago today, Monday, to celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris's candidacy for the U.S. presidential race against Republican nominee Donald Trump and to honor President Joe Biden, whose withdrawal from the race has strengthened the party's chances in the upcoming elections. The launch of the Democratic National Convention today, which will last four days, is also expected to attract tens of thousands of protesters, many of whom oppose the Biden administration's support for the Israeli military operations in Gaza, and they will organize a one-mile (approximately 1.6 kilometers) march through the city outside the convention's security perimeter.
Biden (81 years old) is scheduled to address the convention tonight to support Harris's nomination and emphasize her ability to defeat former President Trump (78 years old). Biden ended his re-election campaign a month ago under pressure from senior Democrats who were concerned about his ability to win or govern for another four years given his age. While Democrats are trying to demonstrate unity after this unprecedented change in candidates, Harris (59 years old) is likely to join Biden on stage, according to sources. Harris will formally accept the nomination on Thursday evening with a highly anticipated speech. If she succeeds in winning the election on November 5, she will become the first woman to serve as President of the United States.
A coalition of approximately 200 social justice organizations, many of them pro-Palestinian, will gather outside the convention. Some pro-Palestinian delegates at the convention are urging the party to change its policy to limit arms exports to Israel. Harris is participating in the convention after significant victories, as her campaign has raised record donations and successfully attracted supporters, shifting polls in several battleground states in favor of the Democrats.
Biden abandoned his efforts to remain in the White House after his disastrous performance in a debate with Trump on June 27 prompted longtime allies, major donors, and other party supporters to call for his exit from the presidential race. Polls conducted a month ago showed Trump clearly ahead of Biden, but Harris has closed the gap nationally and in several swing states, such as Pennsylvania, which will play a crucial role in the election.
