Dems give update on message, logo, security for national convention in Chicago
Democrats talked security, logistics and messaging at a media briefing at the United Center Thursday, a prelude to the Democratic National Convention this August.
Chicago is the perfect city for the nomination of President Joe Biden, DNC Chair Minyon Moore said.
“Many people have asked, ‘How did we get to Chicago?’” she said.
“First, we had a mayor and governor that really wanted us. We had labor that really wanted us. We had a city that really wanted us. We also know that there were Midwestern Democrats that really wanted us.”
Buffalo Grove native and DNC Senior Director of Communications Matt Hill called the convention “a major opportunity for the president and our party to communicate directly with Americans.
“And, what we’re going to do is build a stage literally and figuratively for President Biden and Vice President Harris to tell our story to the American people.”
Officials debuted the convention’s logo, which includes a red star in a nod to Chicago’s flag.
Democrats said the Aug. 19 to 22 event would offer a stark contrast with the Republican National Convention in nearby Milwaukee July 15 to 18.
Republican front-runner and former President Donald Trump is engaged in primary contests with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
The DNC will be spread between two locations — the United Center and McCormick Place.
McCormick Place will accommodate delegates for meetings, briefings and party business during the day. Prime-time speeches and official proceedings will be at United Center.
The DNCC has promised the event will bolster the region’s economy with a weeklong tourism boom expected from the estimated 50,000 visitors.
This week, the DNCC announced it had hired several Chicago area firms to work on the event, including two construction companies that will remodel the sports stadium to fit a political blockbuster.
Officials with the nonprofit Chicago 2024 Host Committee, which raises money for the convention, said they’re looking for over 1,000 volunteers.
Volunteers are “necessary to hold the convention and ensure residents across Chicagoland and various stakeholders across the state and region are able to engage and have some part in hosting this large and historic event,” Host Committee Executive Director Christy George said.
Outside the United Center, several pro-Palestinian demonstrators held up signs criticizing Biden over the war between Israel and Hamas. Hundreds of protests over multiple causes are expected in August.
Prior to the convention, a large area around the United Center will be cordoned off for security. The Secret Service is coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies, officials said.
“We are very confident in our ability to execute a very safe, successful and enjoyable convention, “ DNC Executive Director Alex Hornbeck said.