Democratic convention catapults Harris into US presidential race
The Democratic National Convention kicks off on Monday in Chicago, marking a watershed moment just months before the November election. During the four-day event, some 5,000 delegates will formally choose Kamala Harris as the Democrat's presidential candidate.
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) which started in 1832, is a political event held every four years by the United States Democratic Party.
Since 1852, the convention has been organised by the Democratic National Committee and takes place in Chicago.
Its main objectives are to formally nominate candidates for president and vice president, adopt a party platform and unify the party.
Delegates from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and US territories, along with "superdelegates" (unpledged party leaders and officials), attend the convention to vote on the party’s presidential candidate, as well as a delegation consisting of Americans living abroad.
Like its Republican counterpart, the RNC, which was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 15-18 July, the DNC marks the formal end of the primary season and the beginning of the general election campaigns.
Jim Cohen, a retired political scientist who is now with Democrats Abroad France told RFI that the Democratic convention functions like a rubber stamp.
But there may be some surprises.
Read more on RFI English
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