THE Democratic National Convention got off to a slow start as empty seats seemed to outnumber the actual attendees ahead of high-profile speeches from President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton
The four-night convention began on Monday in Chicago’s United Center, which boasts a capacity of 23,500, however, viewers shared photos on social media of an empty arena.
“Look at all the empty seats at the DNC,” wrote one person on X, along with a photo of the arena.
“The Democrat Party is over! RIP.”
Conservative YouTuber Blaire White slammed the event, claiming that there were “more people outside protesting the DNC than people inside.”
“I’m sorry, but this is not the turnout or support level of a party that can actually win,” she said.
Podcaster Cash Loren tweeted that several seats remained empty even as main speakers took the stage.
“Thousands of protestors march outside the DNC while many seats remain open inside,” he said, referring to Pro-Palestinian protesters marching outside the United Center.
“The Democrat protestors breached the outside gate earlier to make it to the DNC. They are demanding to end aid to Israel and stop the war in Gaza.
“Meanwhile, many seats on the inside are vacant, even as the main speakers take the stage.”
Thousands of protesters marched toward the United Center before the main program of the night was scheduled to begin.
At least four people were arrested after protesters breached an outer fence line on the north side of the arena.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling spoke to reporters, saying he was overseeing the response.
Snelling added that the Chicago Police Department would assess miles of fencing around the DNC venue moving forward and that he was in touch with the Secret Service.
Some CPD officers were pepper-sprayed, he added, and call reacted calmly.
“The police actually stepped in and did a great job; the superintendent of police came and backed up his own men,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
“And, frankly, that’s the way it’s gonna be. Obviously, we’ve got people who are concerned about the war in the Middle East, and they’re going to express themselves. And we’re going to protect their right to express themselves, but we’re not going to stand for any mayhem.”
SURPRISE
Vice President Kamala Harris shocked voters after making a brief appearance at the DNC on Monday.
She took the stage to thank President Biden for his “lifetime of service to our nation.”
“Let us fight for the ideals we hold dear, and let us always remember: When we fight, we win,” Harris told the crowd.
What we know so far ahead of Day 1 of the DNC:
- Recent survey shows that a Taylor Swift endorsement won’t have an impact on Kamala Harris’ presidential bid
- Biden defrauded the US, bombshell House Republican dossier claims
- Pro-Palestinian activists take to streets of Chicago before DNC kicks off
- Biden expected to talk about the progress the US has made in landmark speech
- Veteran Fox anchor warns of risks facing Trump campaign
- JD Vance compares Harris to Epstein as he issues warning over policies
The short speech earned roaring praise from the audience who chanted “When we fight, we win,” back at Harris.
Following Harris was Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who received a similar ovation.
Kerr, who won four NBA championships as a guard for the Chicago Bulls, delivered a passionate speech in support of Harris while also throwing a harmless joke at her running mate, Tim Walz.
“Coach to coach? That guy’s awesome.”
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Democratic National Convention: Fast Facts
The Democratic National Convention is the presidential nominating convention for the 2024 Presidential Election.
Delegates of the US Democratic Party will vote to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
They will also affirm her choice of running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, for vice president.
Kamala Harris is the first Black woman and first South Asian person to be the presidential nominee of a major political party in the US.
The conventions begins on Monday, August 19, and runs through Thursday, August 22.
The convention will take place in Chicago, Illinois, at Chicago’s United Center.
The Democratic National Convention Chair is Minyon Moore.
Notable speakers will include President Joe Biden, former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Jason Carter, and Pete Buttigieg.
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