Skip to content

Capitol Lens | Democratic National Convention, Day 1

Photos from the opening day in Chicago

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden wave to the crowd at the 2024 Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Monday.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden wave to the crowd at the 2024 Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

CHICAGO — Democrats kicked off their convention on Monday in Chicago with tributes to the recent past and a glimpse of the future. Roll Call’s photojournalists were in the United Center to capture all of the action. Here is a selection of their photos from a busy opening day.

Biden, center, and Vice President Kamala Harris, second from left, appear with their families on the United Center stage on Monday after the president’s address. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
A stage hand sets up American flags on the United Center stage on Monday before the start of the convention. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
The Soul Children of Chicago sing The Star-Spangled Banner during the opening of the convention on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow holds up a “Project 2025” book during her speech on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addresses the crowd at the United Center on Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Shawn Fain, president of the United Automobile Workers, speaks to convention attendees on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Harris makes a surprise appearance on the United Center stage on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett speaks during the convention on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones and Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lee talk during the convention on Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Harris waves from her seat, flanked by her husband, second gentleman of the United States Doug Emhoff, and running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, in the United Center on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is seen on United Center stage at the convention on Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Delegates wave signs as President Joe Biden speaks during the convention on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Biden speaks to the crowd on Monday night in the United Center. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, left, and her daughter Christine Pelosi listen to Biden address on Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Biden exits the stage after his speech on Monday night. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Recent Stories

Anti-Trump Republicans at DNC offer tips on approaching swing voters

Harris makes ‘freedom’ the rallying cry as DNC wraps

Trump jumps off script right from the start of event at border wall

Supreme Court allows Arizona to enforce part of voting law

FDA greenlights updated COVID shots, prepares for fall rollout

At the Races: Can ‘joy’ give Democrats the House gavel?