ICYMI: Democratic Leaders Welcome Members of the Media to Chicago for Democratic National Convention Preview

CHICAGO – Yesterday, hundreds of media representatives from across the country visited the United Center to preview the Democratic National Convention. Democratic officials and leaders gathered on stage to welcome press, underscore the story that Democrats will tell in Chicago this August, and highlight the important role of the press in our democracy.

Key Quotes:

“We really want to make sure that you have everything you need so that when President Biden is renominated in August, you will have all the photos, you will have all the messaging, you will have all the positioning that you need to make sure that you can telegraph to the world why it’s so important to reelect President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris,” said Convention Chair Minyon Moore.

“Chicago was chosen to have the starring role because of our commitment to democratic values. We don’t shy away from our values. In fact, we fight for them. Whether we’re fighting for reproductive rights, workers rights, civil rights, fighting for the rights of those who are struggling to find housing, fighting for public accommodations. That’s what we do. We fight for what is right,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “That’s why I’m confident that we are going to send President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris back to the White House, because we’re going to fight to ensure that their values receive four more years.”

“I know I speak for everyone here when I say how thrilled we are to host all of you and the 50,000 visitors that will be here in August when the Democratic Party officially nominates President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for reelection to the White House,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “Chicago and Illinois aren’t just places to host a convention, but we’re also the best place to show what it means when we say Democrats deliver.”

“At the 2024 Convention, we will get the opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Democrats in their efforts to unify this great nation, rebuild our economy and infrastructure, and safeguard the hopes, the dreams, and the freedoms of the American people,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “While the Republican convention will be mired in chaos, fear, and division, the Democrats will host a hopeful convention, providing all Americans an important moment to celebrate our freedoms and come together as a nation.”

“As much as this convention is about our president, it’s also about the party and the people that power this party…When the world turns to Chicago this August, they’ll see a convention that lifts up the talent and leadership in the Democratic Party, from the grassroots figures, who all across this country are powering this party, to the leaders who will continue to bring us into the future,” said Anita Dunn. “This convention will not be about the past. It will be about the future. It will be about what we’ve done and more importantly, where we’re headed.”

“Chicago is a product of the hard work, dedication, and service that so many Chicagoans have poured into the city over many years. As a result of the work we’ve put in, we are going to see the city shine on the world stage in August,” said Alderman and Vice Mayor Walter Burnett Jr. “When Democrats, allies, and media from all around the country gather together, they will witness all the amazing things that make Chicago great, including this very arena that we’re in today.”

“We’re confident that your experience in Chicago and at the Democratic National Convention will be smooth, seamless, and safe because of the top tier union labor that is powering this historic event,” said Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter. “It’s the same labor tradition that has shaped Chicago into the economic powerhouse that it is today. From electricians to carpenters to stagehands to service employees and many more, we are hard at work making sure that when the world turns to Chicago this August, they will see a convention built by union labor.”