By Naimah Latif
ON AIR Daily News
The Democratic National Convention was without a doubt a well-organized professionally prepared production, complete with all the Hollywood glitz of music, song, and and carefully crafted speeches, accentuated by polished video presentations. One could not have asked for a better show to influence the American people to support a political party.
ON AIR Daily News Reporter and Social Media Influencer Audrey Blair Mack gives her take on the Convention on The Female Solution Global Radio TV Show, discussing the power of the major television networks as well as Social Media to influence voters. Did the Democrats make a strong case against Republican Donald Trump? Will young people be motivated to participate in the upcoming election?
By Joshua M Hicks
Democrats from across the country gathered at the United Center in Chicago on August 19-22 for a four-day convention that highlighted the importance of three concepts: morals, freedom and justice.
Rallying around the support of their presidential nominee in current Vice President Kamala Harris and Vice President elect Governor Tim Walz, the Democrats expressed the importance of embracing morals that will continue to bring positive support across the world and gain respect in the White House.
In addition to morals, the Democrats also ensured the expressions of freedom, from abortion rights to programs enhancing support for strengthening the middle class, eliminating breaks on the rich and investing in resources for the middle class and the poor. On the contrary to their counterparts, the Democratic Party made valiant efforts to appease the importance of unity in their own peaceful ways.
In every speech, no matter the position, the Democratic National Convention elaborated on striving for excellence in exemplifying neighborly standards, treating others the way you want to be treated and loving your neighbor as yourself.
The efforts of the DNC became more than just policies and the plethora of stars and guests that came out to support. It took unity, cohesiveness, togetherness and strong support, all centered around the decency of humanity and justice for all.
With the election 75 days away and the Harris/Walz ticket officially accepted and confirmed, the Democrats have a chance to make history on multiple fronts. They are now pushing their efforts toward making concerted efforts to not only receive votes, but create opportunities for everyone to vote. The election is November 5, 2024.
The United Center was filled to capacity on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention as journalists flew in from around the country and even from over seas to see the historic moment when a woman of African and East Asian heritage accepts the Democratic Party's nomination to become the 47th President of the United States.
ON AIR News Reporter Joshua Hicks mingles with reporters as DNC Day 4 kicks off with actress Kerry Washington, known for her popular character Olivia Pope, in the TV political drama "Scandal.". She said she came not as an actress, but as a mother, a descendant of immigrants and a descendant of slaves and a proud Union member.
Younger sister Maya Harris, gave viewer yet another look at the drive behind her sister Kamala's lifelong career as a prosecuter and a champion for the underdog. She painted a picture of their mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, the woman who instilled in her daughters the idea that they could do absolutely anything.
"Kamala Harris and House Democrats will fix our broken immigration system and secure the border. Kamala Harris and House Democrats will strengthen the relationship between the police and the community," stated the Congressman from New York, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Former President Bill Clinton said the people hire a person for the job of President. Every very four years voters must ask themselves, the question "Will this President take us backward or forward?" Will this President give our kids a brighter future?" He said "Kamala Harris will work to solve our problems."
Freedom was the big theme for Day 3, as ON AIR Daily News Reporter Joshua Hicks recaps points made by former President Bill Clinton, Media Mogul Oprah Winfrey and Vice Presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who introduced himself to the American people as a devoted school teacher, football coach and Dad.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said "Our love of country has been a tapestry of faith that weaves from President Lincoln reuniting a house divided to Barack Obama declaring Red States and Blue States make one United States." His memorable one liners poked at Republican candidate Donald Trump's policies on abortion, LGBTQ rights, gun control and banning books, saying, "Americans don't want their kids to be taught in History class that Slavery was a jobs program."
Giving an inside personal view of the candidate was the husband of Kamala Harris, First Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. Introduced by his son Cole, he talked about how Kamala came into his life and fit right into his family. His children from his first marriage call her "Mamala." He told the audience "She will be a great President we will all be proud of." After working his way through law school he joined a firm. He met Kamala in 2013, a blind date arranged by a law associate.
ON AIR Daily News Reporter Joshua Hicks gives a recap of Day 2 at the DNC. Morals was tonight's theme. Speakers like Illinois J.B. Pritzker, former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama all spoke of the importance of moral character in a candidate. The Obamas reminded Americans of their humble, working class beginnings in families where values such as honesty, decency, fairness and respect for others were instilled in them as children.
"Kamala Harris has a resume. Donald Trump has a rap sheet." That and others were some of the best one-liners from Texas Rep Jasmine Crockett on DNC Day 1. Comparing candidate Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Rep. Crockett quipped, "She became a career prosecutor while he became a career criminal, with 34 felonies, 2 impeachments and 1 porn star to prove it."
Growing up in Waycross Georgia, his mother used to pick somebody else's cotton and sombody else's tobacco. "But because this is America, the 82 year old hands that used to pick somebody else's cotton picked her son to be a United States Senator," declared Georgia Senator Raphael Warner . He described himself as "the Jewish son of an immigrant."
Signs saying We Love Joe waved across the vast United Center stadium, creating an emotional moment for the man who was proudly introduced by his daughter Ashley Biden. "We're in a battle for the very soul of America," he stated. "We are uniting our country. We're growing our economy. We're building a better America," he said to chorus from the crowd of "Thank You Joe."
By Naimah Latif
ON AIR Daily News
A special video tribute to Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. brought tears to the eyes of many audience members as they recalled the historic 1984 and 1988 Presidential campaigns which electrified the nation and launched many political careers of those currently in public office. The 1984 campaign introduced the nation to the Jackson family, which since that time has produced two U.S. Congressmen.
The impact of the Jackson campaigns continue to influence American politics, opening doors of opportunity and possibility for those who, because of long standing practices of exclusion based on race, gender, religion, and economic status, had previously had difficulty getting elected. The Jackson campaigns broke down barriers and transformed America. Rev. Jackson, accompanied to the stage by his sons Congressman Jonathan Jackson and Yusuf Jackson and several members of the Democratic Party, received a long standing ovation.
By Naimah Latif
ON AIR DailyNews
The latest polls show a rise in the popularity of Vice President Kamala Harris after the close of the Democratic National Convention Thursday August 22, 2024, and now government leaders around the world are poised to see which party's leader will have the most positive impact on global politics. During her acceptance speech, Vice President Harris addressed issues of economics, war, immigration, and the race with China to master the new technology.
She promised to maintain a strong military and accused former President Donald Trump of threatening to abandon NATO, saying Trump encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin, "to invade our allies."
"As President I will stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies," she declared during her nomination acceptance speech Thursday night. "With respect to the war in Gaza, President Biden and I are working around the clock, because now is the time to get a hostage deal and a cease fire deal done. And let me be clear - I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself and I will always insure Israel has the ability to defend itself because the people of Israel must never again face the horror that a terrorist organization called Hamas caused on September 7, including unspeakable sexual violence and the massacre of young people at a music festival."
She continued, "At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the last ten months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost, desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety over and over again, the scale of suffering is heartbreaking. President Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self determination."
Protests over the Democratic Party's policy of support of Israel's attacks on Palestinians in Gaza continued throughout the convention, as many have accused Israel of genocide. While the active presence of protesters was minimized on network television, it was widely circulated on social media. What remains to be seen in the days following the convention is whether Vice President Harris' mention in her acceptance speech of the suffering of the Palestinian people and their right to self determination was enough to gain any support among those threatening to vote against the Democratic Party or not to vote in the eection at all, in protest over the Democrat's support of Israe..
Vice President Harris promised that when Congress passed a bill to restore reproductive freedom, she would sign it into law.
"In this election, many other fundamental freedoms are at stake," she said. "The freedom to live safe from gun violence in our schools, communities and places of worship. The freedom to love who you love openly and with pride. The freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water and live free from the pollution that fuels the climate crisis. And the freedom that unlocks all the others, the freedom to vote."
Voter suppression, particularly in the Southern states, has been a major issue in past.elections. Several Convention speakers acknowledged that the election will be close. Areas considered battlegrounds in the 2020 election were Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Maine's 2nd Congressional District, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, Nevada, NewHampshire, North Carolina Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.
Capturing the southern rural vote was a key part of the Vice President's strategy in selecting Tim Walz, observed Anderson Clayton, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair. Clayton, who is part of the group Rural Americans for Harris, said Gov. Walz's background as a teacher and a veteran from the Midwest would appeal to that group which has tended to support Republican candidates.
"The Harris-Walz ticket will be a powerful voice for working people and America's great middle class," President Biden stated. Endorsements for the Harris-Walz ticket poured in from a variety of diverse national organizations.
Vice President Kamala Harris waves to the gathering of lawmakers waiting at O'Hare Airport as she arrives Sunday August 18, 2024 in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. After the convention came to an end, polls showed her pulling ahead of Former Vice President Donald Trump. Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News.
Promising to bring back the bi-partisan border security bill (which Donald Trump discouraged Republicans from passing), and sign it into law, Vice President Harris stated, " I know we can live up to our proud heritage as a nation of immigrants and reform our broken immigration system."
Amidst the controversy over immigration policies, the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has endorsed the Kamala Harris for President. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., the sorority of which Vice President Harris is a member, has formed a political action committee which will allow the country's oldest Black sorority to raise money in support of a political candidate.
Democratic National Convention Chair Minyon Moore on the op-ed page of The Grio stated "It's hard to overstate the significance of this moment, for the first time ever - a Black woman has secured the presidential nomination of a major party. But history doesn't just happen - it's made. And it's important for us to remember how we got here."
She called the decision of President Biden to step out of the race "courageous" and said, "If Donald Trump's first term in office taught us anything, its that the decision we make at the ballot box will define not just the next four years, but the next 50."
Former President Bill Clinton said Walz was a "terrific" choice for Vice President and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in her post on X, "From providing free meals for school kids to implementing paid family leave in Minnesota, he's about doing good in all the ways you can."
Vice President Harris recently launched the group "Republicans For Harris" in New Hampshire and picked up the endorsement of the Republican mayor of Mesa, Arizona, John Giles. Former Green Beret Jim Steiner is reportedly leading the charge in New Hampshire for electing Vice President Harrusm and told Boston.com, "I think there are a lot of Republican voters who are less than enchanted with Donald Trump."
To see the live streamed speeches from the Democratic National Convention, go to www.demconventionc.com
By Naimah Latif
Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
Amid organization controversy, Former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump was invited to address the National Association of Black Journalists at its National Convention, kicking off Wednesday July 31 at the Hilton Hotel, 720 S. Michigan Avenue.
Posed questions by NABJ members ABC Senior Congressional Correspondent for ABC News Rachel Scott, Semafor Political Reporter Kadia Goba, and anchor of the Faulkner Focus and co-host of Outnumbered on Fox News, Harris Faulkner, Former President Trump stated that he was "The best President for Black people since Abraham Lincoln.
Asked to comment on issues such as police immunity from prosecution despite killing innocent citizens, pardoning those participating in the January 6 riots, and his choice of JD Vance as his Vice President,Trump gave answers that some said were his typical non-answers.
Challenged to explain his statements that Vice President Kamala Harris is only on the Democratic ticket because she is a Black woman, a DEI hire (which stands for the policy Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), the former President made remarks about Vice President Harris' ethnic background and whether she is Black or Indian.
"I've known her for a long time indirectly or directly, very much, and she was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage," Trump said. " I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. So I don't know, is she Indian or is she Black?
I respect either one, but she obviously doesn't, because she was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made the turn and she became a Black person."
“A Conversation With Donald Trump“ at the NABJ National Convention ends up a session in insults and evasive non-answers according to journalists. Photo by Marcus Robinson, ON AIR Daily News
Audience members laughed at the remark, while Rachel Scott sharply reminded Trump that Vice President Harris attended an HBCU, indicating her identification with her Black heritage.
Other issues addressed included the recent killing of Sonya Massey in Illinois, the woman shot to death by police after calling 911 for help.
Posing the first question of the interview, ABC's Rachel Scott addressed "the elephant in the room" and asked former President Trump why Black voters should trust him after he made disparaging racial remarks. Trump replied that he was the "best President for Black people since Abraham Lincoln."
Senator J.D. Vance has already made statements that have been a cause for concern for many voters. Harris Faulkner of Fox News asked former President Trump why he selected the Senator as his running mate. Trump cited Vance's education at Yale Law school, his military record and success in business.
Roland Martin, host of Roland Martin Unfiltered, a daily online news show, gives his views on the Conversation with Donald Trump and NABJ's attempts to secure an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Derek Mayer, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Field Office in Chicago, reminds media representatives attending Thursday's news conference of the seriousness of maintaining safety for convention participants in the wake of an assassination attempt on formerPresident Donald Trump during the Republican National Convention. Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News
CHICAGO, IL. – The U.S. Secret Service and its public safety partners held a news conference Thursday July 25, 2024 at which they released a comprehensive public safety map and other security measures for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, scheduled for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.
U.S. Secret Service Democratic National Convention Coordinator Jeff Burnside was joined by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, FBI Chicago Acting Special Agent in Charge Lucas Rothaar, Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications Executive Director Jose Tirado, and other officials who outlined the plans at US Secret Service Chicago Field Office in Chicago. They unveiled plans to secure areas in and around the Democratic National Convention site using color coded maps.
"The assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13th was a terrible day for our entire nation," stated Derek Mayer, Deputy Specialty Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Field Office in Chicago. "An incident like what took place in Butler, Pennsylvania must never happen again."
Chicago Police Superintentent Larry Snelling emphasized that that the First Amendment Rights of protesters during the Democratic National Convention would be respected, however no vandalism or other destructive behavior would be permitted. He stated that designated protest areas have been provided and the CPD continues to have conversations with protest groups to insure public safety during the DNC. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News
He pointed out that he has been working in the Chicago Field Office for the past six years. "The Secret Servce has been working diligently over the past year with our local, State and Federal Partners to deveop a security plan for th Convention. " The DNC is a National Special Security Event, he noted. "The Secret Service has been working closely with its counterparts in Homeland Security and the White House since the incident that took place on July 13th in Butler Pennsylvania."
TheSecret Service Security was also in charge of the Republican National Convention held in Milwaukee July 15-18, 2024 and the NATO summit in Washington, D.C., Mayer said.
"These events were conducted in a secure environment, and we expect similar results in Chicago.This is a city that regularly works together to host large scale events such as the NASCAR Race, Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago. The Chicago Police Department plays a tremendous role in the success of these events. and Superintendent Snelling has been a tremendous partner."
OEMC (Office of Emergency Management and Communications) Executive Director Jose Tirado explains the logistics of securing areas surrounding the Democratic National Convention where residential buildings and. businesses will attract pedestrian traffic. Residents and business owners in those affected areas will be informed of security procedures. Photo by John L. Alexander
Maps of the area surrounding the McCormick Place where convention Delegates will stay designate the pedestrian restricted perimeter in orange and the vehicle screening perimeter in yellow. Signs will mark the pedestrian screening checkpoints and vehicle screening checkpoints. Photo bv John L. Alexander/ ON AIR Daily News🤍
The United Center will be the site of the Democratic National Convention, and as the color codes indicate, the orange areas are pedestrian restricted perimeters and the yellow areas are vehicle screening perimeters. Vehicle screening checkpoints will be clearly marked. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON Air Daiy News
Media representatives had an opportunity to ask questions about the security procedures at the news conference, which was streamed live on The Media Connection TV for ON AIR Daily News. Members of the media also sought to inquire of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker whether he was in the running for Vice President of the United States. He declined to comment on that issue, instead reiterating his support for Kamala Harris and his commitment to helping defeat Donald Trump in November.
By Naimah Latif
Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
Hundreds of media outlets from around the world representing thousands of news reporters, photo journalists, TV and radio networks and all manner of digital and online communications operations will descend upon Chicago for the 2024 Democratic National Convention August 19-22, and the Chicago Police Department has been given the daunting task of coordinating this monumental process.
Perhaps the greatest challenge is the fact that the definition of "Media" has expanded since past conventions. What of Socia Media Influencers, those whose posts are capturing millions of viewers on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook? Are they to be afforded the same status as the local network TV stations? How free is free speech? Can certain negative speech toward a candidate be construed as being threatening, possibly posing a security risk?
Joshua M. Hicks, ON AIR Daily News Reporter, stands in the arena of the United Center, where in just a few days, seats will be filled to capacity with convention delegates and members of the media who have passed the rigorous screening process and earned the right to be be present to capture what may be one of the nation's most historic moments at the Democratic National Convention. Photo by Naimah Latif
In just a few weeks, the Democratic National iConvention will launch one of the most anticipated events in the Nation's history right in downtown Chicago. The ON AIR Daily News team will be present for the live drama as it unfolds when the country watches the Democratic Party select a candidate for President. The Convention has officially moved into the United Center and security measures are being put in place to keep convention attendees safe.
Those who wish to be the eyes and ears of the world as journalists must be patient with the screening process, designed to weed out any who may seek to disrupt or create harm. Those who are old enough to recall the 1968 Democraric Nationa Convention held in Chicago recognize that some of the same elements are present today: A national war protest and a population largely polarized along racial lines.
The Chicago Police Department is to be commended for taking the time to do a detailed job to protect the First Amendment Rights for all.
In his closing prayer at the Republican National Convention Thursday July 18, Pastor Corey Brook of New Beginnings Church of Chicago said, "This is a week of celebration and a week of life, a week of Democracy and Liberty." Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News
MILWAUKEE, WS - One wouldn't normally consider praying as a political act, but at the Republican National Convention, not only was saying a prayer political but the person chosen to pray was also be interpreted as a political act. Pastor Corey Brooks, Founder and Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Church and C.E. O. of Projecct HOOD gave the closing prayer at the end of the Republican National Convention, which was held Mondy July 15 through Thursday July 18,2024 and at which Donald J. Trump was predictably selected as the Republican Presidential nominee to run against the Democrats in November. Pastor Brooks stated that when he was asked weeks ago about doing the closing prayer, he was told not to announce it publicly in order to avoid public reaction to those who may be anti-Trump.
After surviving what appeared to be a would-be assassins bullet to his head with only a grazed ear, former President Donald Trump said, "God was with me." He and supporters bow their heads reverently during Pastor Corey Brooks' the closing prayer. Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News
Pastor Brooks has been openly Republican while at the same time working diligently to uplift the South side community of Chicago. His presence at the RNC set a tone of diversity, inclusion and perhaps an end to the politics of racial division.
Pastor Brooks stated during an interview with CBS News that although he believes in helping the immigrants, but he is against illegal entry into the country. He said the funds that are being used for illegal immigrants could be used for education. He said that he supports Donald Trump's candidacy.
"People are continually trying to divide us as Americans. I'm a Black man but I'm also an American. My prayer is, and this is the exact same thing I prayed for last night, is that we would be one, we would be the United States of America and we wouldn't keep getting caught up on the division of color."
Democratic National Convention Committee Chair Jaime Harrison is joined by Governor J. B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson on the lakefront overlooking the Chicago skyline for the announcement made Wednesday April 12, 2023 that Chicago will host the 2024 Democratic National Convention. August 19 is fast approaching and the DNCC is putting the final touches in place. Photo by Naimah Latif/ON AIR Daily News (File Photo)
CHICAGO – The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) welcomed Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, Democratic leaders, and local partners to DNCC Headquarters in Chicago for a “Countdown to Convention” event. Chair Harrison spoke to the group to help build energy in the final stretch before the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Visitors also received a tour of the office.
Attendees included representatives from Choose Chicago, the city’s official tourism bureau, and Show Strategy, the first Black-owned prime contractor for the Democratic National Convention.
DNC Chair Jaime Harrison stated“This will be the best democratic convention in the history of democratic conventions.”
Organizers are working diligently to select vendors and prepare for the vast influx of more than 15,000 members of the media from around the globe coming to Chicago to cover the event.
Show Strategy, a company owned by Glenn Charles Jr., is responsible for constructing the media compound and finishing out the media suites.“I’m the first Black prime contractor to build the DNC,” He said. “This is legendary for me, for my team, for my business, for my family, for my city."
Andrea Dillon, owner of Bon Manger Catering and Events, proudly announced, “I am one of the official caterers. I wake up sometimes and pinch myself, like hey, I’m glad I’m part of it.”
For more information,visitt www.DemConvention.com.
Convention Team Begins Construction on ADA Ramp, Partners with CDOT to Make Lasting Accessibility Repairs
CHICAGO – Today, on the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law, the Democratic National Convention announced several new accessibility milestones, including the construction of the first ADA-compliant ramp in Democratic National Convention history that provides direct access to the convention floor. This is a custom, first-of-its-kind ramp that the convention is building at the United Center to ensure delegates, media, volunteers, and guests who request accommodations can access the convention floor. This historic step will help to ensure that more delegates with ADA needs can be seated directly on the floor, which has not always been the case in previous years.
As part of Democrats’ commitment to making this convention the most accessible in history, the following accommodations will also be available:
These accommodations build on the progress the City of Chicago has been making in the lead-up to convention to make the city more accessible.
The convention team is taking significant steps in the planning process to work with key partners across the city to create a positive experience for convention attendees and city residents with disabilities, leaving a lasting legacy on the city. For example, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has worked to make numerous sidewalk and curb repairs at key event locations and venues, including McCormick Place and eight other locations throughout the city.
CDOT has also made sure traffic signals at 10 different intersections on Ashland Avenue have full Accessible Pedestrian Signals, and the agency has repaired ADA tiles at all corners around the downtown hotels where delegates and visitors will be staying.
“I’m proud to see the efforts the Democratic National Convention Committee is taking to not just be the most accessible Democratic Convention of our lifetimes, but to help set a high standard of what accessibility can be for large scale events as well,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. “Accessibility should be the default, not an afterthought.”
“This year’s Democratic National Convention will reflect our core values as Democrats. We will celebrate accessibility and inclusion, make sure every voice is heard, and showcase the broad and diverse Democratic coalition,” said Robin Jones, Accessibility Advisor for the 2024 Democratic National Convention. “The convention team is proudly working to make sure everyone is welcome and included at our convention, and today’s announcements are part of our ongoing work to ensure the convention is accessible to people of all abilities and that all participants are treated with dignity and respect.”
The DNCC enlisted the expertise of Robin Jones as Accessibility Advisor in pursuit of its mission of hosting the most accessible Democratic National Convention in history.
Jones has worked closely with the DNCC, Host Committee, United Center, McCormick Place, airports, hotels, and other venues as well as the Mayor’s Office for Persons with Disabilities and other key experts to ensure the physical infrastructure and material presented during the 2024 Democratic National Convention meets and exceeds all relevant accessibility standards.
President Joe Biden, seen here exiting Air Force One as he arrives for a rally with Democratic supporters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (file photo) announced Sunday July 21, that he is dropping out of the race for President and stepping aside for Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee. (Photo by John L. Alexander.)
Since the sudden twist of events, when President Joe Biden, battling COVID and under pressure from Democratic Party leaders, announced Sunday July 21 that he is dropping out of the race for President, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to the Democratic Presidential nominee, the focus of attention is the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago Monday August 19 to Thursday August 22, 2024.
President Biden stated that he is not resigning and his focus will be handling his duties during his remaining time as President. Meanwhile, with just weeks before the Convention, Democrats are organizing resources for Vice President Kamala Harris, who has gained enough delegates to become the Democratic Presidential nominee, and her newly selected running mate Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota who together must face off against the Trump/Vance ticket in November.
In an unprecedented act, President Joe Biden issued a major statement to voters via social media to announce his withdrawal from the race as President, a decision that many Democratic leaders had urged for some time, given the apparent affects of aging on the President's ability to effectively campaign. His statement issued is as follows:
My fellow Americans,
Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a nation.
Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We've made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We've provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years.
Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We've protected and preserved our democracy. And we've revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
For my part: my very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made.
Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump.
I am grateful to every member of this team for the work they’ve done and will continue to do to save our democracy.
Keep the faith, as always, and spread it.
Joe
Joe Biden
President of the United States
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