As Democrats move into United Center for convention, a Republican strategy emerges
CHICAGO — Democrats on Monday were symbollically given the keys to the United Center where for the next two months they’ll turn the sports arena into a literal political arena.
Party officials plan to showcase Chicago as the key stronghold in the so-called blue wall of Midwestern states, critical to President Joe Biden’s re-election. Republicans, meanwhile, want to make Chicago’s woes the focus of the convention.
“We are going to build the stage literally and figuratively for President Biden and Vice President Harris to tell their story of their accomplishments and historic achievements directly to the American people,” said Democratic National Committee executive chairman Alex Hornbrook.
Republicans plan to use Chicago to highlight what they see as problems associated with Democratic leadership. The strategy received national attention Monday with a headline on the front page of the Wall Street Journal: ‘GOP Gets Ready to Bash Chicago.’
“Chicago’s ills, from the migrant crisis to pockets of violent crime to shuttered business, threaten to cast a shadow over the August convention in this Democratic-run city,” the article says.
Organizers say crowds for the convention scheduled from August 19 through August 22 will include 5,000 delegates, 12,000 volunteers and 50,000 visitors.
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“The staff is dedicated to all that we’re doing to save Democracy, to save our freedoms and to fight on behalf of what is right and what is just in America,” convention chair Minyon Moore said.
The August convention will be the second DNC held at the United Center. It last hosted the convention in 1996 when Democrats nominated President Bill Clinton to a second term.
Final security plans, including boundaries for protestors, have not been released.
After Republicans hold their convention in Milwaukee in July, Democrats will host their nominating convention in Chicago August 19-22.
Chicago last welcomed Democrats nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.
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