CHICAGO (AP) — Thousands of Democratic delegates officially named Vice President Kamala Harris as their nominee earlier this month and have now reiterated their choice in a celebratory slate of states. It’s one of many unprecedented moments to come as part of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Democrats have solidified their nomination of the party’s first Black woman on the ticket, as well as its first nominee of South Asian descent.
Delegates arrived in Chicago after a chaotic few weeks for their party, with President Joe Biden — amid growing calls to do so from within his own party — suspending his campaign and endorsing Harris. Amid a whirlwind battleground states tour with her new running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris appeared in the arena on the convention’s opening night, delivering brief speeches before watching addresses from box seats and then returning to the stage to embrace Biden after his speech, a political farewell of sorts.
A convention initially planned with Biden as the top guest of honor instead became, at least on its first night, a way to honor the longtime Democratic politician as he passed the torch to Harris. Some delegates in the arena — many dressed in state-specific regalia or matching attire — dabbed at their eyes as they held “We love Joe” signs. Biden, introduced by his daughter Ashley, also wiped his own eyes as he embraced her and took the stage.
