The 2024 DNC was significant for Kamala Harris as she emerged as the Democratic presidential nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. Harris had just 107 days to unify a fractured base and mount a campaign, making her nomination historic but also challenging.
The uncommitted delegates demanded a Palestinian American speaker at the convention, a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to U.S. funding of weapons to Israel. They also called for an arms embargo and tangible policy changes to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Kamala Harris emphasized her commitment to Israel's right to defend itself while acknowledging the devastating loss of innocent lives in Gaza. She pledged to work towards a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages, and support Palestinian self-determination and dignity.
Inside the convention arena, the atmosphere was electric, with delegates from across the country participating in roll calls and celebrating the nomination of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. The event was carefully choreographed and featured prominent party figures, creating a sense of unity and excitement.
Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the 2024 DNC to voice their frustration with the Democratic Party's unwavering support for Israel's war on Gaza. They demanded a ceasefire, an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, and greater recognition of Palestinian rights.
The 'Not Another Bomb' campaign aimed to highlight widespread opposition to U.S. funding of weapons to Israel, which were being used in what protesters described as a genocidal military campaign against Palestinians. The campaign sought to pressure the Democratic Party to adopt an arms embargo and prioritize Palestinian lives.
The uncommitted delegates were visibly disappointed and frustrated by the DNC's decision to deny a Palestinian American speaker. They viewed it as a suppression of Palestinian voices and a missed opportunity to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Kamala Harris faced the challenge of unifying a fractured Democratic Party after President Joe Biden's exit, with only 107 days to mount her campaign. She had to address internal divisions, particularly over the party's stance on Israel, while rallying support for her historic nomination.
As the year wraps up, we're looking back at ten of the episodes that defined 2024 at The Take. This originally aired on August 23. None of the dates, titles, or other references have been changed.
Hope and dissent met at the 2024 DNC, from the electric atmosphere inside the Democrats’ convention to the frustration of those fighting to convince the party to change course on unwavering support for Israel. With Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’s supporters, protesters and uncommitted delegates, we’re bringing you voices from the party often referred to as the Big Tent.
In this episode:
LaToya Greenwood (@greenwoodrep), Former Member, Illinois House of Representatives
Kathleen Purdy, Ohio Delegate, Democratic National Convention
Henry Cline, Nebraska Delegate, Democratic National Convention
Alex Melendrez (@ACMelendrez), California Delegate, Democratic National Convention
Abbas Alawieh (@AZAlawieh), Uncommitted Delegate, Democratic National Convention
Maya Berry (@iMayaBerry), Executive Director, Arab American Institute
Lexis Zeidan (@lexisdenazeidan), Co-Chair, Uncommitted National Movement
Jenin Alharithi (@amp_chicago), Coordinator, American Muslims for Palestine, Chicago Chapter
Episode credits:
This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, Tamara Khandaker, Veronique Eshaya, and Shraddha Joshi, with Spencer Cline, Phillip Lanos, Hisham Abu Salah, Mohannad al-Melhem, and our host Malika Bilal.
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Munera Al Dosari and Adam Abou-Gad are our engagement producers.
Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.
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