This Tuesday, our live coverage of the DNC continues. Plus, what a Kamala Harris presidency would mean for this city. And unpacking Jesse Jackson's national and local legacy.
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Before Big Speech, Pritzker Rallies Illinois Dems and Hints at Third Term
At the DNC tonight, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is set to deliver a speech for a national audience. It’s a big moment for Pritzker, who began plotting to bring the convention to Chicago all the way back in 2021.
Pritzker told WTTW News he is scheduled to speak to eight DNC delegations during the state’s morning meetings this week. “As you walk the convention floor today and each day of the convention, be proud of who we are as Illinois Democrats,” Pritzker told members of Illinois’ delegation during a Monday morning address.
During Monday’s festivities, the twice-elected governor also hinted at a third term, which would make him, “the longest serving Democratic governor in the history of Illinois.” He said, “I’m not suggesting that I want to try to beat (former Gov.) Jim Thompson’s 14-year record. My wife’s not here. I don’t want anybody talking to her about this. But she is my term limit. So, if all of you want to talk to her, convince her one way or another.”
-Amanda Vinicky
The Long Legacy of Jesse Jackson
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The Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy took center stage during the opening night of the DNC, as the party celebrated his nearly six decades of activism — and his status as the first Black person to win a major party’s presidential state primary or caucus.
“Dad planted the seeds that have now germinated,” said U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, the second of the reverend’s sons to be elected to Congress, calling Vice President Kamala Harris “our sister, our friend.”
Jackson has called Chicago home since the Rev. Martin Luther King asked him to lead the Chicago chapter of Operation Breadbasket. His political profile only grew when he addressed conventions in 1984 and 1988 after mounting his own presidential bids. He went on to become a DNC fixture.
Jackson’s criticism of the normal procedure the Democratic Party used to pick its presidential nominees resulted in significant changes. No longer is it a winner-take-all system, but one where candidates are awarded delegates in proportion to the votes they win.
-Heather Cherone
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(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
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During July’s Republican National Convention, WTTW News senior reporter Heather Cherone wrote a piece detailing what a Donald Trump presidency could mean for Chicago. Her story tackled everything from immigration and Project 2025 to public safety. Today, with the DNC up and running here in Chicago, she’s back with a look at what could happen if Kamala Harris is elected.
While compiling this newsletter, I read this new piece and revisited the previous story on Trump. It’s a fascinating double feature. The differences between the two candidates in tone and policy couldn’t be more stark. Here are some key takeaways:
So far, Harris has revealed few specific policy proposals that shed light on how she’d govern from the Oval Office.
Harris has focused much of her campaign on her promise to restore and protect Americans’ freedoms like abortion rights and health care.
Harris’ election would likely ensure federal approval for existing redevelopment projects or financing for other projects, like the CTA’s Red Line extension.
Harris is likely to continue Biden’s embrace of Chicago, a deeply blue city.
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Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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We’re on day two of Chicago’s DNC and WTTW News will be on the scene covering the festivities and happenings around the city. Expected to speak Tuesday are a few folks Chicagoans should be familiar with, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and former President Barack Obama. Check out our ongoing reporting with live updates throughout the day in our live blog.
In the meantime, catch up on yesterday with stories from our team:
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Read the story
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Thousands protest U.S. support of Israel during the war in Gaza near the site of the DNC on Aug. 19, 2024. (Emily Soto / WTTW News)
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WTTW News reporter Nick Blumberg covered yesterday’s DNC protest at Union Park. Thousands of protesters stretching for several blocks took to the streets, calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and an end to U.S. aid to Israel.
The Coalition to March on the DNC, made up of a wide array of organizations, held a raucous, hours-long rally in Union Park before the march stepped off, with appearances by independent presidential candidate Cornel West and musician and poet Jamila Woods, a Chicago native.
The march began nearly an hour after its scheduled start time and moved west down Washington Street toward the United Center.
Dozens of demonstrators broke through a fence set up by police near the United Center.
Several protesters who had managed to get through the fence were detained and handcuffed by the police.
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Back in the Day: August 20, 1999 - ‘Spiderman’ Climbs Sears Tower |
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For a brief political reprieve, let's look up.
At dawn, 25 years ago today, a French daredevil named Alain Robert began scaling what was then known as the Sears Tower. The free solo climber nicknamed “The French Spiderman” had already pulled similar stunts at the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge, but the 110-story, 1,454-foot ascent in Chicago was his tallest building yet. His journey started at 6 a.m. and only took a little more than an hour. By the time he reached the top of the skyscraper, Robert was greeted by Sears workers and Chicago police, who helped
him up before arresting him. Robert was charged with trespassing.
Now 62 years old, his appetite for risky urban climbs is still strong. Since his conquest of the Willis Tower, he scaled Dubai's Burj Khalifa, Qatar's Aspire Tower, South Korea's Lotte World Tower and dozens of others. For most of his stunts, he refuses to use climbing equipment except for chalk and climbing shoes.
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Learn more about advertising & sponsorship with WTTW.
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How is this week's Democratic National Convention affecting your life in Chicago?
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Other News From Around Town:
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A commission of Michael Jordan by Studio Rotblatt Amrany. The 15-foot sculpture, titled “The Spirit,” stands inside the United Center. (Courtesy of the United Center)
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If you’ve caught a Bulls game at the United Center, chances are you’ve strolled by a striking bronze statue of basketball legend Michael Jordan outside near Gate 4. It’s called “The Spirit” and was created by Studio Rotblatt Amrany, founded by Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany.
The husband-and-wife duo leads a collective of artists who are behind some of the most iconic United Center statues like Blackhawks legends Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull. Elsewhere in Chicago, the studio created the tribute to George Halas in bronze and granite at Soldier Field and the recently installed tribute to Ryne Sandberg at Wrigley Field. Also at Wrigley: Harry Caray, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and more. Guaranteed Rate Field is ornamented by sculptures of, among others, Minnie Minoso, Frank Thomas and Carlton Fisk.
WTTW News writer Marc Vitali has a fun interview with Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany here.
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5:30 PM | 10:00 PM
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Want more WTTW News content? Follow WTTW on Instagram to check in with us daily, go behind-the-scenes, and more.
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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry
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