The 2024 Democratic National Convention:  Who Will Be There and How to Watch

The 2024 Democratic National Convention:  Who Will Be There and How to Watch

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) kicked off on Monday in Chicago, marking a pivotal moment in American politics as the Democratic Party rallies behind its new leadership for the upcoming presidential election. The convention, which will be held over several days, is expected to feature speeches from prominent Democratic figures and serve as a platform for the party to unify its base and present its vision for the future of the United States.

The convention’s opening night will be dedicated to honoring President Joe Biden, the 81-year-old leader who, just last month, made the momentous decision to end his reelection campaign. In a move that surprised some and solidified others’ expectations, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. His endorsement signals a generational shift within the party and sets the stage for a new chapter in Democratic leadership.

President Biden is slated to deliver a speech on the first night, which is expected to reflect on his administration’s accomplishments over the past four years while expressing confidence in Harris’s ability to carry forward his legacy. Biden’s address will likely highlight key achievements in areas such as economic recovery, healthcare, climate change, and social justice—issues that have been central to his presidency.

The DNC will feature a star-studded lineup of Democratic heavyweights, underscoring the party’s unity and collective strength. Among the most anticipated speakers are former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Barack Obama, who remains one of the most influential voices in the Democratic Party, is expected to speak on Tuesday night. Obama’s speech is likely to emphasize the importance of preserving and building upon the progress made during his and Biden’s presidencies. His presence at the convention will also serve to energize the party’s base and inspire younger voters who continue to view him as a symbol of hope and change.

Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to speak on Wednesday night, just before the vice presidential nominee, Tim Walz, takes the stage. Clinton’s speech will likely focus on his experience in office, drawing parallels between the challenges of the 1990s and the present day, while also endorsing the party’s current leadership. Hillary Clinton, who has played a significant role in shaping Democratic policies over the years, is also expected to address the convention, offering her support for the Harris-Walz ticket.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has been selected as the vice presidential nominee, will give his address on Wednesday night following Bill Clinton. Walz is expected to present himself as a steady and capable leader who complements Kamala Harris’s vision for the country. His selection as the vice presidential nominee reflects the party’s strategy to appeal to a broad coalition of voters, including those in key swing states.

The 2024 DNC will be covered extensively by all major television networks, each offering slightly different coverage plans to capture the historic event. While a full list of speakers is yet to be released, networks are expected to provide live broadcasts of key speeches and offer analysis and commentary throughout the convention.

Given the high stakes of the upcoming election, media coverage will be crucial in shaping public perception of the Democratic Party’s platform and leadership. Networks will likely focus on the speeches by Biden, Obama, and the Clintons, as well as the introduction of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as the party’s presidential and vice-presidential nominees, respectively.

Here’s how the major networks plan to cover the DNC:

C-SPAN: Uninterrupted Coverage

C-SPAN is known for its unfiltered and uninterrupted coverage of political events, and the 2024 DNC will be no exception. Viewers who prefer to watch the convention without commentary or commercial interruptions can tune in to C-SPAN, which will carry the entire convention live for all four days. This approach allows viewers to experience the event as it happens, including all speeches, panels, and discussions, providing a comprehensive and unedited view of the proceedings.

CBS News: Primetime Anchored by Norah O’Donnell

CBS News will offer extensive primetime coverage of the convention from Monday through Thursday, airing from 8-11 p.m. ET each night. The coverage will be anchored by “CBS Evening News” anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell. This three-hour block of coverage each evening will include live reports, analysis, and interviews, giving viewers a detailed look at the day’s events. CBS’s coverage will likely focus on the major speeches and key moments of the convention, providing context and expert commentary to help viewers understand the significance of what they are witnessing.

ABC News: Balanced Primetime and Streaming Coverage

ABC News will take a slightly different approach, offering one hour of primetime coverage from 10-11 p.m. ET on Monday and Tuesday, expanding to two hours from 9-11 p.m. ET on Wednesday and Thursday. This coverage will be part of the network’s broader “Decision 2024” programming. Additionally, ABC News Live, the network’s streaming news channel, will provide extended coverage from 7 p.m. to midnight ET all four days, allowing viewers who prefer digital platforms to stay informed about the convention’s developments in real-time.

Fox News: Focused Nightly Specials

Fox News will provide a focused hour of coverage each night with a special titled “Fox News Democracy 2024: The Democratic National Convention,” airing from 10-11 p.m. ET. The coverage will be co-anchored by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, two of the network’s leading journalists. This approach is designed to offer a concise overview of the convention’s key moments, likely with a particular focus on analysis and commentary that aligns with Fox News’ editorial perspective. The network’s coverage will be particularly useful for viewers looking for a recap of the day’s most important events without committing to several hours of programming.

CNN: Around-the-Clock Coverage

CNN is set to provide nearly 24/7 live coverage of the DNC, making it the go-to network for viewers who want comprehensive access to every detail of the convention. Special live coverage will air each night from 8 p.m. to midnight ET under the banner “CNN Democratic National Convention.” This extensive coverage will include live reports, expert analysis, interviews with key figures, and in-depth discussions about the implications of the speeches and decisions made during the convention. CNN’s approach is ideal for viewers who want to immerse themselves fully in the event, with continuous updates and expert insights.

NewsNation: Special Primetime Coverage

NewsNation, a newer player in the cable news landscape, will also provide special primetime coverage under the title “Decision Desk 2024: The Democratic National Convention.” This coverage will air each day from 8 p.m. to midnight ET and will be co-anchored by Chris Cuomo, Elizabeth Vargas, and Leland Vittert. NewsNation’s coverage is likely to focus on providing balanced and in-depth analysis, appealing to viewers who are looking for a comprehensive yet impartial view of the convention.

NBC News: Streaming and Primetime Broadcasts

NBC News will combine streaming and traditional broadcasts for its coverage of the DNC. The network’s streaming platform, NBC News Now, will air coverage as part of its “Decision 2024” broadcast, from 10-11 p.m. ET on Monday and Tuesday, and from 9-11 p.m. ET on Wednesday and Thursday. This coverage will be led by seasoned journalists Lester Holt and Savannah Guthrie. NBC’s approach offers viewers both the immediacy of live streaming and the depth of primetime analysis, making it accessible to a wide audience.

MSNBC: Comprehensive Special Coverage

MSNBC, known for its in-depth political analysis, will provide special coverage of the DNC from 8 p.m. to midnight ET each night. In addition to the live television broadcast, MSNBC will also livestream all four days of the convention on its YouTube channel, ensuring that viewers can access the content across different platforms. MSNBC’s coverage will likely focus on detailed analysis, commentary, and discussions with political experts and guests, appealing to viewers who are deeply engaged with the political process and looking for thorough analysis.