All eyes on Chicago as Democratic National Convention kicks off with protests
Police officers line up along Michigan Avenue in Chicago on Sunday, Aug. 18, the day before the start of the convention, in response to protests. (Greg Bishop/The Center Square.)
By Brett Rowland
The Center Square
The eyes of the nation turned to Chicago on Monday for the start of the Democratic National Convention, an event that will lead to the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Protests began Sunday before the convention's official start. Police temporarily shut down some streets in response. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker also called in more than 150 members of the Illinois National Guard to help city, county and state police officers. Some storefronts were boarded up, but others were not.
Many protestors called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Others called for an end to the war in Ukraine. Still others were focused on protecting abortion rights. Planned Parenthood is providing free vasectomies, medication abortion, and emergency contraception from a mobile clinic parked blocks from the convention.
The police presence throughout downtown was visible, especially near the United Center and McCormick Place. Special fencing surrounded the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse, the area's federal courthouse. City officials used various vehicles to block off areas near McCormick Place, including snowplows, heavy-duty police vehicles and other trucks.
Democratic leaders didn't address the protestors at a morning news briefing, instead focusing on the convention's agenda.
Former Congressman Cedric Richmond, a senior advisor to the Democratic National Committee, said the party is focused on serving the American people.
"Everything we do is for the people," he said. "This is about making sure tomorrow is better than yesterday."
President Joe Biden and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will speak at the United Center to open the first night later Monday. DNC officials also didn't directly comment on Biden's speaking time. He's set to take the stage at 10 p.m. A reporter asked if that was past prime time for Biden, but no one in the room directly addressed the question.
In July, Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Harris.
The convention is set to end Thursday with an address from Harris.
"Kamala Harris is the right person to carry this forward," U.S. Sen. Chris Coons said Monday morning. "The contrast couldn't be sharper."
More protests are expected Monday and throughout the week.