Despite claiming for years not to be interested in her political career, former First Lady Michelle Obama is set to take center stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Tuesday, August 20, alongside her husband, former President Barack Obama.
This high-profile appearance comes as the city braces for potential unrest, with many downtown businesses boarding up and authorities preparing for riots.
The Obamas’ participation adds Democratic star power to the convention, where Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will accept the party’s nomination for the 2024 presidential race.
Their appearance comes at a crucial time for the Democratic Party, as they rally party establishment support behind Harris following President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the race in July.
The convention, taking place at the United Center and McCormick Place, is expected to welcome 50,000 attendees, including delegates, guests, and over 15,000 journalists.
However, the event’s backdrop is one of heightened security concerns and anti-Israeli protest preparations.
Several downtown Chicago businesses have boarded up their storefronts in anticipation of potential unrest.
“We have experience with this, and the city doesn’t have a great track record with protecting their businesses or their citizens’ property. So we want to be preemptive and board up in advance of the Democratic convention,” Scott Shapiro, owner of downtown mensware store Syd Jerome, told Fox News.
Authorities have set up fencing around the United Center, and a heavy police presence is already visible. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has placed approximately 150 Illinois National Guard members on standby. Over 300 police officers from Illinois and Milwaukee have been deputized by Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to assist with security.
At least seven large demonstrations on various issues have been sanctioned by city officials. Thousands of anti-Israel protesters are also expected to attempt to disrupt the convention.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has stated that all protesters are welcome, emphasizing their First Amendment rights.
However, Superintendent Snelling has vowed to intervene if protests spin out of control, stating, “We will not allow people to come here and destroy the city.”
As the Democratic Party faces the challenge of uniting behind its new ticket, Michelle Obama’s endorsement is seen as crucial to Harris’ anointment as the party’s head. Her popularity has the ability to appease the party’s core supporters and possibly sway undecided voters.
The Obamas’ prominent roles in this convention, despite their relative distance from frontline politics in recent years, underscores just how narrow polls show the 2024 election has become.