ELECTION

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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.  

Former high school teacher and football coach Governor Tim Walz stole America’s heart Wednesday night when he described his experiences as a father, a teacher, a coach and a good neighbor, painting a warm and fuzzy picture , in stark contrast to Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance, who many have described as rude and insensitive.

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“I grew up in Butte, Nebraska, a town of 400 people. I had 24 kids in my high school class. And none of them went to Yale,” he quipped, a subtle dig at his opponent, Yale graduate JDVance. ”Growing up in a small town like that you learn how to take care of each other.  That family down the road, they may not think like you do, they may not pray like you do, they may not love like you do, but they’re your neighbors and you look out for them and they look out for you. Everybody  belongs and everybody has a responsibility to contribute.” 

He described his decision to sign up for the National Guard at 17 and proudly serve his country, and how his father, a Korean War Veteran, suffered with lung cancer, resulting in huge hospital bills left behind after his death

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“Thank God for Social Security Survivor Benefits and thank God for the GI Bill that allowed me and my Dad to go to college.” Gov. waltz declared.

 After serving in the military, he said he fell in love with teaching, and became a football Coach, leading his team to win a State Championship.  He was widely recognized as a community leader, one who instilled high values and principles in his students and team members. He  recalled how his students and neighbors encouraged him to run for public office. He ran and won a seat in Congress. After serving in Congress for 12 years, he ran for Governor of the State of Minnesota and won a decisive victory. See ELECTION

The Queen of Talk Shows, and owner of the OWN TV Network, Oprah Winfrey fired up the crowd Wednesday night August 21, 2024.

“I am so honored to have been asked to speak on tonight’s theme about what matters most to me, to you and all of us Americans:  Freedom,“ she said. “There are people who want you to see our country as a nation of ‘us‘ against ‘them,’ people who wanna scare you, who want to rule you, people who’d have you believe that books are dangerous and assault rifles are safe, that there’s a right way to worship and a wrong way to love, people who seek first to divide and then to conquer. But here’s the thing: when we stand together it is impossible to conquer us!”

Quoting  the late Congressman John Lewis, who said, “Freedom is not free,“ she said “America is an ongoing project, it requires commitment,  it requires being open to the hard work  and the ‘heart‘  work, of Democracy. And every now and then it requires standing up to life’s bullies.” 

Recalling that she has both seen and been the recipient of racism and sexism, she said she has also seen people, both conservatives and liberals, who wouldn’t hesitate to help a neighbor in need.  She also reminded the crowd of the little black girls who were first to integrate public schools in the South.

”They paved the way for another little girl who nine years later became part of the second class to integrate the public schools in Berkeley, California.“ she said of Kamala Harris.  “And soon, and very soon, we’re going to be teaching our daughters and sons about how this child of an  Indian mother and a Jamaican father, two idealistic, energetic immigrants, how this child grew up to become the 47th President of the United States!” See ELECTION

He joked that he hadn't aged a bit, but the grey hairs on his once full head of black hair reminded the audience that he served 8 years in perhaps the world's most stressful, highly pressurized job - President of the United States.  As the crowd waved signs and chanted his signature phrase "Yes We Can!" America's 44th President Barack Obama declared"I am feeling fired up. I am'm feeling ready to go!"  He joked that he was the only person stupid enough to speak after Michelle Obama, acknowledging the brilliance of his wife's address that brought the audience to its feet with thunderous applause over and over again.

Speaking Tuesday August 20, 2024, the former President said,, "I am feeling hopeful, because this convention has always been good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible, because we have a chance to elect someone who has spent her entire life trying to give people the same chances America gave her. Someone who sees you, and hears you and will get up every single day and fight for you, the next President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris."

He spelled out the benefits of a Kamala Harris Presidency. "Kamala knows if we want to help people get ahead, we need to put a college degree within reach of more Americans. But she also knows  college shouldn't be the only ticket to the middle class. We need to follow the lead of Governors like Tim Walz who said, 'If you've got the skills and the drive you shouldn't need a degree to work for state government.' And in this new economy, e need a President who actually cares about the millions of people all across this country, who wake up every single day to do the essential often thankless work, to care for our sick, to clean our streets, to deliver our packages. We need a President to stand up for their right to bargan for better wages and working conditions, and Kamala will be that President.   Yes, She Can. Yes, She  Can." See ELECTION.

Though still grieving the passing of her mother, former First Lady Michelle Obama said she felt compelled to speak, in honor of her mother , "the woman who showed me the meaning of hard work and humility and decency. The woman who set my moral compass high and showed me the power of my own voice."  Speaking Tuesday, August 20, 2024, she  reminded the crowd, "not to squander the sacrifices of our elders to give us a better future."  She said said her mother's example of volunteering in the schools, looking out for other children, and being willing to do the thankless, unglamorous  jobs that strengthened this nation, the beliefs that all people can succeed if given the opportunity 

"Kamala Harris and I built our lives on those same foundational values. Even though our mothers grew up an ocean apart, they shared the same belief in the promise of this country." Kamala's mother moved to U.S. at age 19, and taught Kamala about justice and the obligation to lift others up.

"She'd often tell her daughter, 'Don't sit around and complain about  things. DO something!" So Kamala went on to graduate from an HBCU, earned her law degree, and went on to work for the people, fighting to hold lawbreakers accountable, fighting for better wages, decent health care and child care.

"From a middle class household, Kamala worked her way up to become Vice President of the United States of America!"  

Saying Kamala Harris is one of the most qualified to ever seek the office of the Presidency, the former First Lady challenged voters not to get discouraged by fears of whether America is ready to elect a woman President, or get discouraged if the opposition puts out lies or bad poll numbers, but remember the words of Kamala Harris' mother to "DO something!" See ELECTION

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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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