What you need to know about the 2020 DNC in Milwaukee
This moment in time is ‘simply extraordinary’
It’s not the convention anyone ever expected.
But, ready or not, the four-day 2020 Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday in Milwaukee and around the nation, with the coronavirus pandemic altering plans and forcing organizers to create a mostly virtual show.
“We have cornered the market on the unexpected,” said Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez.
The delegates will be at home and most of the speakers will be at remote sites but the main event remains the same: the formal nomination and introduction of the party’s national ticket to a national audience.
Joe Biden and vice presidential running mate U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of
California will launch their fall campaign against President Donald Trump.
“This convention is going to be different than any convention we’ve ever seen, because we’re living in a moment in time that is simply extraordinary,” Perez said.
Perez said the viewers will hear from well-known politicians as well as “ordinary people who’ve done extraordinary things.”
Republicans are poised to create some counter-programming, with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence scheduled to make appearances this week in Wisconsin.
Here’s what you need to know.
Where is the convention being held?
The convention is anchored at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee. But most of the event will be beamed in from remote locations, with live and taped segments.
When is the main programming?
The convention will run from 8 to 10 p.m. Central time each night.
How can people watch?
NBC, ABC and CBS plan to carry an hour of live prime-time convention coverage at 9 p.m. each night of the convention. PBS is running three hours each night.
CNN, MSNBC and Fox News will provide coverage and commentary before, during and after the convention’s regular hours, and all of them will stream content on their various online platforms. C-SPAN will also broadcast the proceedings.
The convention will also be available on numerous other online platforms, including an official stream, social media channels and Twitch.
When and where will Harris and Biden speak?
Harris and Biden are both expected to accept their nominations in Wilmington, Delaware. Harris will speak Wednesday and Biden will speak Thursday.
Who are the other top speakers?
Monday
• Former First Lady Michelle Obama U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders, Catherine Cortez Masto, Doug Jones and Amy Klobuchar
•N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican
•U.S. Reps. Jim Clyburn and Bennie Thompson
Tuesday
•Jill Biden
•Former President Bill Clinton
•Keynote address by 17 people, including Stacy Abrams
•Former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates
•U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer
•Former Secretary of State John Kerry
•U.S. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Lisa Blunt Rochester Wednesday
•Former President Barack Obama House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
•Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
•U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren
• New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
•Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Thursday
• U.S. Sens. Cory Booker, Chris Coons and Tammy Duckworth
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg
• The Biden family
Are there any participants from Wisconsin?
The roll call of states will be called Tuesday by Glendale’s Jason Rae, who is the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee. Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes is scheduled to announce Wisconsin’s delegate totals.
Top state politicians will also get speaking slots: U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore on Monday, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Thursday.
Two Milwaukee women will also be featured, Luz Chaparro Hernandez, a mother, elementary school teacher and union member, and Julie Buckholt, a mother and retired educator.
What other business takes place?
There will be virtual caucuses and meetings during the day. Delegates will also formally approve the party’s platform and a rules committee unity resolution.
Delegates have already voted remotely, with 4,747 ballots sent and 4,732 returned.
Is there music?
Of course. A little entertainment breaks up the speeches.
Among those who have been announced: Billie Eilish, John Legend, Common, The Chicks, Leon Bridges, Jennifer Hudson, Billy Porter, Maggie Rogers, Prince Royce and Stephen Stills.
There will also be a youth choir — made up of singers from 57 states and territories — that will perform the National Anthem on the opening night.
What about security?
Like everything else with the convention, the security footprint has been shrunk in size.
Until midday Friday, a series of streets surrounding the Wisconsin Center will be closed:
• West Wells Street, between North Sixth Street and North Phillips Avenue (North Fourth Street).
• West Wisconsin Avenue, between North Sixth Street and Phillips Avenue (North Fourth Street).
• North Sixth Street, between West Michigan Street and West Kilbourn Avenue.
• North Fifth Street, between West Michigan Street and West Kilbourn Avenue.
• North Fourth Street, between West Michigan Street and West Kilbourn Avenue.
• West Michigan Street, between Phillips Avenue (North Fourth Street) and North Fifth Street.
Commercial vehicles, including delivery trucks, buses, flatbed trucks, refrigerated trucks and others, will not be allowed to travel on streets adjacent to the closed roads.
Also, closed until midday Friday is the Kilbourn Tunnel exit ramp from north I-43 and the entrance ramp to north I-43.
And what will Republicans be doing during the DNC?
Trump and Pence will charge into Wisconsin. The president is scheduled to deliver remarks Monday at 4:30 p.m. at Basler Flight Service in Oshkosh. On Wednesday, Pence is due to visit Darien in Walworth County.