Why Kamala Harris' DNC will be different

I spent the day in Chicago on Thursday at the United Center, where the Democratic National Convention will be held next week. And while there will still be lots of speeches and plenty of balloons, I can already tell the event is going to feel different from past conventions. Here are three examples:

1. The baton will be passed from President Joe Biden, who was the presumptive Democratic nominee just one month ago, to Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden is expected to speak on Monday night instead of Thursday night, when the nominee traditionally speaks, and I am hearing that the Biden campaign and White House alumni will be flying in for an unofficial gathering after the speech.
2. Presidential candidates have been a part of fraternities and sororities in the past, but a nominee has never been a member of one of the historically Black “Divine 9” sororities. Harris proudly sports the green and pink colors of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Minyon Moore, the chair of the convention, told me while I was in Chicago that Harris’ connection to the sororities will be celebrated next week.
3. The way Americans consume news and information has changed a lot since the last fully in-person convention was held eight years ago. This year, the communications team has created an additional stage for content creators, allowing them “to capture 360 degree content of the convention hall, conduct interviews with delegates and other Democratic voices on the convention floor, and share the convention experience with their audiences.” We got a sneak preview of the view from the stage on Thursday.

This November, Arizona voters will decide on a constitutional amendment known as Proposition 139 that would ensure abortion care access up until fetal viability, or around the 24th week of pregnancy. And the proposition already has a lot of support within the state. Over 577,000 signatures were collected to put it on the ballot, the most ever for an Arizona initiative. According to a CBS poll from May, 65% of likely Arizona voters already say they support abortion being kept legal in all or most cases.

Proposition 139 could also have a big impact on voter turnout. As Donald Trump brags about overturning Roe, this initiative has the potential to energize Democratic voters, with consequences for the presidential race as well as Arizona’s pivotal Senate contest between Democrat Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake.

Moore has been a powerhouse in Democratic politics for decades. She served as the director of White House political affairs under President Bill Clinton, was a key adviser to Biden during the historic Supreme Court nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson, and played a pivotal role in securing Harris’ spot on Biden’s 2020 ticket. Now, Moore is taking on another critical role: managing this year’s Democratic National Convention in her hometown.

A Chicago native, Moore got her start in politics as an organizer for the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s 1988 presidential campaign. She later became a top adviser to Hillary Clinton’s 2008 and 2016 presidential campaigns.

As chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Moore brings decades of experience and deep roots. My sit-down interview with her will air this Sunday.

Best known for her role as Kate Harper, deputy national security advisor on “The West Wing,” Mary McCormack is an accomplished actor, producer and dedicated social justice advocate. Recently, she co-authored the book “What’s Next,” which she describes as “a love letter to The West Wing, the people behind it, and the fans who cherished it.” We’re thrilled to have her join us on the show this Sunday, alongside Martin Sheen.

What show are you bingeing right now?

“Veep” on HBO.

What’s the last book you read?

“Devil in White City” by Eric Larsen.

What time do you wake up on the weekends?

Too early. 7 a.m.

How do you take your coffee?

With a little bit of cream.