Aug 20

Aug 20 Live from the DNC 2024: Behind the Scenes Leading Up to the Convention By Luke Perry

2024 campaign

What is the first thing people think about?

Logistics! Conventions are in big cities. Party members and media have varying degrees of organizational assistance. Most need to figure out the basics for themselves. Transportation is a top priority. How do I get to where I need to go? How long will this take? How much will it cost?

Health and well-being are next. How can I stay as safe as possible? What and when will I eat? How will I not sweat too much? How can I try to avoid getting sick?

Getting to the host city, picking up one’s credentials, and addressing these considerations are a major focus on the Saturday and Sunday before the convention.

What is the weekend like?

Before the work begins, people also try to enjoy the city. On Saturday, the DNC hosted a giant welcome party for the media at Navy Pier.

Bars and food stands featuring local eateries were prevalent inside and out. It was a festive atmosphere with live music.

Navy Pier juts into Lake Michigan, and is filled with shops, restaurants and boat tours. Saturday was a clear and scenic summer night.

The Chicago Cubs were in town all week. Wrigley Field is one of the oldest and most iconic ballparks in Major League Baseball.

The park was the last to install lights in 1988 and still plays many day games, including on Sunday.

What do convention delegates actually do?

Delegates have long days and nights. They are staying in a handful of different downtown hotels.

Mornings start with state delegation breakfasts, where various state representatives address their delegation. The day is then full of various meetings at McCormick Place, a major convention center.

Chicago is an architecturally distinct and expansive city. Getting crosstown can take up to an hour and involve walking several blocks.

Where is the convention held?

The convention takes place at the United Center. The city recently created a new L stop nearby. This was welcome news to local elected officials, who believe the area was long underserved by public transportation.

Midday sun is a challenge. It took about an hour to get in the arena on the first day as entrances were limited. The media entrance line was wrapped around the block early in the afternoon.

The perimeter is heavily fenced and secured. Attendees undergo multiple screenings, involving various law enforcement organizations, private security firms, and federal agencies, like the Secret Service.

Credentials are tiered based on access, indicated by color. Some are limited to the parking lot, where many media organizations have various setups. Most are able to enter the building. Some have access to the floor. A select few has access to backstage and/or suite level.

Once inside, Media Row is a hub of dozens of news organizations, predominately radio, broadcasting live from within the arena.

The CNN Politico Grill hosts interviews of various elected officials and campaign practitioners throughout the afternoon for their digital media broadcasts.

Emily Ngo and Governor Kathy Hochul (Photo by Luke Perry)

One must go to the arena basement to access the convention floor. This is where hundreds of service workers prepare for their shifts. People can access the floor through a few select entry points.

Delegates gradually take the floor before and during the first half of the scheduled programing. As the night goes on, the floor becomes more and more crowded. Delegates are encouraged by party floor managers (seen below in yellow) to take their seats, while media are instructed to constantly keep moving.

The first night of this convention was organized around the celebration of President Joe Biden, the keynote speaker. This is not the typical spot for a party leader as the Democratic Party transitions from President Biden to nominee Kamala Harris.

Luke Perry is a political correspondent for WCNY-TV and Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Utica University

Next Up: Analysis of the first night at the DNC