Ahead of Democratic convention, Harris supporters have high hopes — and expectations

On the streets of downtown Chicago, U.S. voters expressed relief and anticipation ahead of a historic Democratic party convention — one forced to quickly rebrand itself with a new message and a new candidate, weeks after President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid and Vice-President Kamala Harris was thrust to the top of a refreshed Democratic ticket.

Democratic supporters who spoke with CBC News felt that Biden had done the right thing in ending his campaign and shared excitement over Harris's candidacy and her ability to challenge former president and current Republican candidate Donald Trump. Some were also eager to see their party step up efforts to protect reproductive rights and resolve the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Illinois voter Natori Perez counts herself among those who would have still voted for Biden — albeit reluctantly. 

"I had some issues that I felt like he wasn't addressing," said Perez. She feels like the current administration hasn't been aggressive enough in its foreign policy, particularly in efforts to resolve conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan and Congo.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing what Kamala has to offer," Perez said. "She's not a perfect candidate, for sure, but I think that she can do a lot for our country."

The Democratic National Convention runs Aug. 19 to Aug. 22 in Chicago. While Harris has officially clinched the nomination thanks to a virtual delegate vote that took place in July, she'll formally accept the nomination on Thursday at the convention. 

Before then, Biden, former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, former first lady Michelle Obama and vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz will each have marquee speaking slots — and the Democratic Party will adopt a new platform.

Celebrities teased or rumoured to be in attendance include John Legend, Octavia Spencer, Jon Stewart, Billy Porter, Natasha Bedingfield and some stars of RuPaul's Drag Race (no word yet on Beyonce, Taylor Swift or George Clooney). CNN reported late Sunday that comedian Mindy Kaling and actress Kerry Washington are among the four celebrities tapped to host each day of the convention.

Tom Ciavarella, a Chicago local who signed up to be a convention volunteer, said that Harris will have an opportunity to define her candidacy at this week's convention — especially as she wears two hats, being a champion of the Biden administration's record and a presidential hopeful. 

"I'm really looking forward to her speech and how she's going to formally reintroduce herself to everybody," said Ciavarella. He expects that the convention speakers will emphasize reproductive rights and the war in Gaza. 

Referring to pro-Palestinian demonstrations planned to coincide with the convention in Chicago, Ciavarella said, "I think a lot of the protestors are going to be here specifically for that reason, so I'm wondering what the ticket's going to say about that."

For other voters, domestic issues were top of mind. One voter said he believes that U.S. democracy hangs in the balance this election. 

Americans "have the choice between democracy and fascism," said Chris Takashima of the Greater Chicago Area. "I think electing the first woman of colour as president is the nice cherry on top."

Takashima said he hopes that Harris and Walz use their platform at the convention to reframe the meaning of American patriotism, which Republican leaders and right-wing commentators have long claimed as a defining value of their party.

"I think a big problem, especially since the Civil Rights Act was passed, is the right has taken this idea of patriotism and made it into a white Christian thing," he said.

"You can be a good atheist. You can be a good Buddhist. You can be a good member of the LGBTQ community. Hell, you can even be a socialist and a good American. So I think we're reframing the way of what it feels [to be] proud to be an American. And I'm feeling pretty proud to be an American right now."

Monique Guerrero, a Democratic voter who was visiting Chicago but not planning to attend the convention, said she hopes she'll "finally" see a woman president — and that she'd be paying close attention to the party's platform on feminist issues and abortion rights. 

Harris has said that she will restore the right to an abortion, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark abortion ruling Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Some Democratic voters want their candidate to go further to enshrine abortion rights. 

"I am a mom of daughters and also sons, and I do feel that it's important that everyone has equal rights," said Guerrero.

"It's a woman's right to choose. I do feel that that's a personal choice. It should not be left up to the government at all."