On August 19, 2024, the Democratic National Convention officially kicks off in Chicago, bringing together some of the most influential voices in the party. Long Beach Congressman Robert Garcia is among the key speakers on the first day of the event.
Democrats have gathered for a four-day convention to draw sharp contrasts between their policies and those of the Republican Party, especially the legacy of former President Donald Trump. The convention also serves as a platform to promote Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee for the next four years, recognizing her as the rightful heir to President Joe Biden’s leadership.
Congressman Garcia’s speech is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. PST today. His remarks will reflect on his time as the mayor of Long Beach during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that tested his leadership skills in unprecedented ways. Garcia’s personal connection to the pandemic runs deep—both his mother and stepfather tragically died from complications due to COVID-19 in the early days of the outbreak.
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During his speech, he is expected to criticize the Trump administration’s handling of the pandemic, describing it as a time when the country needed strong leadership but was met with conspiracy theories and confusion.
“What we needed at that time was real leadership,” Garcia said on Monday before his speech, “and instead we had Donald Trump talking about conspiracy theories and really hurting our cause to take on the pandemic.”
Robert Garcia is no stranger to the national spotlight. As the first openly gay mayor of Long Beach and now a congressman, he has built a reputation for being a progressive leader who stands up for marginalized communities. His leadership during the pandemic and his willingness to challenge Trump’s legacy have made him a rising star in the Democratic Party.
Tonight’s event marks the beginning of a convention that will culminate on Thursday when Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz officially receive the Democratic Party’s nomination for president and vice president, respectively.
Harris already secured the nomination in a roll call vote earlier this month, but she will formally accept it during her speech on Thursday, which is expected to be the grand finale of the convention. Governor Walz will accept his spot on Wednesday, setting the stage for the Democratic ticket to take on former President Donald Trump and U.S. Senator J.D. Vance in the November election.
The convention aims to balance showcasing the achievements of President Joe Biden’s first term while also looking to the future of the party under new leadership. Although Biden stepped aside from the race last month, citing concerns over his age, he will be honored as the keynote speaker during tonight’s session.
His decision to exit the race was met with praise from many in the Democratic Party, who lauded his selflessness in prioritizing the country’s future over his own personal ambitions. At a breakfast for the California delegation earlier today, longtime Democratic Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi spoke highly of Biden’s decision, saying it demonstrated his commitment to the nation.
“We owe a debt of enormous gratitude to President Biden for putting the country over his own wishes,” said Garcia. “He really believed this was the best thing for the country, and I greatly respect that.”
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Other notable speakers at the convention include First Lady Jill Biden, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and former President Bill Clinton. The lineup reflects the party’s effort to showcase its depth of experience while also promoting its new generation of leaders.
But the convention isn’t without its challenges. Over 200 groups representing hundreds of local and national organizations have announced plans to protest during the convention, highlighting ongoing divisions within the party and across the country.
Protests have already begun in Chicago, with pro-Palestinian activists assembling in Union Park to voice their opposition to the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Demonstrators carried signs reading “End U.S. Aid to Israel” and “Stop the War,” while chanting “Free, free Palestine!” The protests underscore the tensions that continue to brew within the party, particularly on issues related to foreign policy.
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Still, for many in the Democratic Party, the energy at the convention is electrifying. More than 4,000 delegates are expected to attend, and there is a palpable sense of anticipation as the party looks to unify its base and build momentum heading into the general election. Congressman Garcia echoed this sentiment, describing the atmosphere in Chicago as “electric.”
“This is a moment for us to come together as a party,” Garcia said. “We are facing a critical election, and we need to show the American people that we are ready to lead and ready to fight for their future.”
Garcia’s support for Kamala Harris is personal as well as political. Harris swore him in as mayor of Long Beach in 2014, and he backed her during the 2020 presidential race. Now, he’s proud to see her take the national stage.
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“It’s exciting to see the rest of the country get to know her the way a lot of us know her,” Garcia said of Harris. “For people to experience her incredible intellect, her commitment to fighting for working people, her support of communities in need… it’s really exciting to see.”
The Democratic National Convention comes just a month after the Republicans held their own convention in Milwaukee, only 93 miles north of Chicago. The proximity of the two events underscores the intense competition between the two parties, especially in the Midwest—a critical swing region that could determine the outcome of the election. Both parties are vying for the support of voters who are feeling the strain of economic challenges, social unrest, and growing disillusionment with the political system.
As the Democratic Party gathers to rally around Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, it faces the daunting task of unifying its base while addressing the concerns of a divided electorate. The protests in Chicago are a reminder that not everyone is on board with the party’s direction, and there are still significant challenges ahead as the election season heats up.
Yet for Congressman Robert Garcia and others at the convention, this week represents an opportunity to reset the narrative and re-energize the party’s base. The hope is that by highlighting the accomplishments of the Biden administration and positioning Harris as the leader who can carry that legacy forward, the party can build the momentum needed to secure victory in November.
The Democratic National Convention will be broadcast live on the DNC’s website from the United Center in Chicago, with coverage beginning at 6:15 p.m. Eastern (3:15 p.m. Pacific) today. The convention will continue through Thursday, with sessions airing from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific) each evening. All eyes will be on Harris and Walz as they prepare to formally accept the party’s nomination and take on Donald Trump and J.D. Vance in the general election.
As the convention unfolds, one thing is clear: The stakes have never been higher, and the Democratic Party is ready to make its case to the American people. Whether they can overcome the challenges ahead and emerge victorious remains to be seen, but for now, the party is focused on unity, renewal, and preparing for the fight of their lives.
