Hofstra Student Reporting

Kenny Foreman reports for WLIW-FM at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. It's day two of the convention and delegates are on the move, energized by last night's many speakers with keynote speaker President Joe Biden. During his speech, Biden spoke about his time as President and the honor it is for him to serve as the nation's commander in chief. On multiple occasions, the United Center crowd erupted into standing ovations, chanting "We love Biden! We love Biden!"

Because of you, we've been one of the most extraordinary 4 years of progress ever. Period.

Biden spoke firmly about his trust and support for his Vice President, Kamala Harris. The theme for tonight is a bold vision for America's future. Speakers include Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and perhaps the biggest names, Former First lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama.

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Camryn Bowden reports for WLIW-FM from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The Coalition to March on the DNC again brought thousands of activists to Chicago yesterday. The protests, organized by a group of over 200 organizations, remained relatively peaceful. But according to police, did break down some security fencing surrounding the United Center, resulting in the arrests of at least four people. Here's one protester, Khadija meter, from Washington, DC:

I think it's really important for us to be very aware of that and to recognize that we have a special responsibility here and that responsibility is to disrupt in any way possible to bring an end to this genocide and to bring an end to US imperialism.

But the March was not the only act of civil disobedience, as a group of Jewish organizers inside the United Center unfurled a banner with the phrase "stop arming Israel". They were quickly blocked by others holding "we heart Joe Biden" signs.

Camryn Bowden reports from the 2024 Democratic National Convention:

Protest continued for a second day in Chicago, organized by the coalition to March on the DNC. Hatem Abudayyeh, the National Chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, shared some of the major concerns from those protesting.

Palestinians and Arabs care deeply about Palestine, but we also care about immigrant rights and workers rights and reproductive rights, all of the other issues that coalition have March on at the UN. Is working on. 

While they protest outside the Convention Center, inside are hundreds of online influencers working to draw in younger voters. Bowden talked to Lee McGowan, politics girl and LA based content creator, with more than 153,000 followers on Instagram.

They have invited us, I think, as a way to meet the people where they are.

Another influencer told Bowden she feels her invitation was because of her comedic approach to the issues.

Kenny Forman reports from the 2024 Democratic National Convention:

Forman has been busy talking to delegates from Long Island about what their expectations are at the DNC, including Assemblywoman Mikhail Solage. She represents the state's 4th Congressional District.

I'm a Democrat through and through, and so it's just really exciting to be able to, you know, see and breathe our democratic values and then bring it back home to New York because I know I'm gonna be learning so much.

Forman also talked to Babylon Councilman Dwayne Gregory from District 2. This is his first time attending a democratic convention.

And I look forward to meeting new people. You know, like finding out what's going on across the country in different areas that I haven't been or that I'm not as familiar with. So it's going to be a great time overall.

President Biden speaks tonight, along with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and many others.