The 2024 DNC in Chicago educates political enthusiasts with fresh perspectives on democracy and the Democratic Party
Democratic National Convention attendees and volunteers gained further insight into the Democratic Party through engaging in new ways, such as with demographics different then their own or by connecting on a personal level with leaders.
Daniel Zhao, Staff Photographer
By Lucy Sherrill
Despite their familiarity with politics, the delegates and attendees of the Democratic National Convention left the Democratic National Convention with new insight into the workings of the Democratic party and our country’s democracy.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention, held in Chicago from August 19-22 at the United Center, hosted delegates, volunteers, celebrities and many prominent Democratic figures. Some Chicago neighborhoods bustled with increased activity, while others quieted down with many local Chicagoeans remaining home to avoid traffic.
For Eva Lufrano, a 15-year old who describes himself as a “fan girl” of national politicians, attending the convention made candidates more relatable. He emphasized the focus of appealing to new voters in this election.
“I just feel like the focus has very much shifted towards making candidates relatable,” Eva said, “which is something we see when they talk about Kamala’s humble upbringing and how she was a prosecutor for the people.”
Before Harris took the stage as the party’s nominee, Biden delivered a speech to a party that had once embraced him as the nominee.
“As I got to know Kamala more as a candidate, I had immense respect for Biden for so easily stepping down and doing what’s really best for the country, which I think is a great way to end his service as president,” Eva said.
Katie Williams, 18 and a volunteer at the convention has been very interested in politics since 2020. In attending the convention, Katie gained a new understanding of the commitment and collective effort it takes to sustain democracy.
“It was really inspiring, and it really puts light on how much it takes to like, sustain, American democracy, and which kind of dictates how it only can work if you use your voice as citizens to vote,” Katie said.
Katie also felt excited rather than intimidated by volunteering alongside people older than her. Interacting with older people and being one of the youngest volunteers was very inspiring, Katie said.
Esther Bloch, 61 and a DNC volunteer, has been involved in politics since 1976 when, at 13, she handed out buttons for former president Jimmy Carter. Since then, Ms. Bloch has volunteered with many political campaigns, both at the local and national level.
As a convention volunteer, Ms. Bloch interacted with many politicians attending the convention, notably Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York who is prosecuting Donald Trump in his New York fraud case. Ms. Bloch expressed her admiration of James’ work and James embraced her in a hug, a meaningful moment for Ms. Bloch.
“She just grabbed me and embraced me like we were long lost friends,” Ms. Bloch said.
Ms. Bloch felt empowered by being able to talk to these prominent, inspiring figures and revealed to her that everyday people can make change.
“Having conversations with people who have dedicated their lives to changing the world and just realizing that we are all just people and we can all do this, we can all do amazing things,” Ms. Bloch said.
For Cami Thompson, 34, the DNC’s location and timing was very convenient and aligned with her interest in getting more involved in political events.
“There was a convenience element and the once-in-a-lifetime component of: OK there’s gonna be this huge event happening in my home city, This is a great way to get more involved,” Ms. Thompson said.
Although Ms. Thompson had signed up to volunteer while President Biden was the assumed Democratic party nominee, her enthusiasm about the event was low. That all changed when Kamala Harris became the front runner for the Democratic nomination.
“Once it switched to Kamala, I knew I definitely wanted to find a way to be involved,” Ms. Thompson said.
Similarly to Ms. Bloch, Ms. Thompson had opportunities to connect with various politicians. Their kindness and openness to conversation contrasted many of the narratives of politicians Ms. Thompson had seen in the media.
Ms. Thompson said, “A lot of what you hear about politics is the in-fighting and the drama, but to see everybody so supportive in this space was empowering.”
Michelle Obama’s message of action resonated with Ms. Thompson, motivating her to look into canvassing in battleground states such as Michigan and Wisconsin.
Ms. Thompson said, referring to Michelle Obama’s message,“It makes me want to ensure that I find ways to get involved in the campaign in the coming months.”