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DNC DAY 4 UPDATES: USC's Dawn Staley in stands as Harris accepts Dem nomination

Published August 19, 2024 at 7:07 AM EDT
Vice President Kamala Harris accepts the presidential nomination on the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois.
GAVIN JACKSON
Vice President Kamala Harris accepts the presidential nomination on the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois.

South Carolina ETV's Gavin Jackson and South Carolina Public Radio's Maayan Schechter have joined the state's Democratic delegation from Aug. 19-22 at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

Join us for in-depth South Carolina coverage of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

DAY 4: Harris accepts nomination. Goodbye Chicago

Posted August 22, 2024 at 11:24 PM EDT

Vice President Kamala Harris tonight accepted her party's nomination for president, more than a month after it appeared President Joe Biden was still set to be the nominee.

South Carolina's Democratic delegation heads home tomorrow. That includes us, and we're hoping for smooth travels —unlike our state-by-state road trip after Milwaukee.

DAY 4: USC women's basketball coach Dawn Staley attends final night of the DNC

Posted August 22, 2024 at 7:51 PM EDT

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz isn't the only coach in Chicago's United Center to watch as Vice President Kamala Harris tonight accepts the party's nomination for president.

Dawn Staley, head coach of the national champions University of South Carolina's women's basketball team, is also attending the final night of the DNC.

Earlier this week, Staley and her team were name dropped in S.C. Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain's remarks as South Carolina cast all 65 delegates for Harris.

And earlier this year, ahead of the state's first-in-the-nation Democratic presidential primary, Harris visited Staley and the team during a shootaround.

DAY 4: DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison tells SC delegates that South Carolina "earned the right" to be first in the nation in 2024

Posted August 22, 2024 at 10:22 AM EDT

Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison defended South Carolina's spot on the Democratic presidential nominating contest this year, saying he doesn't understand why anyone would have "doubts."

The DNC voted to put South Carolina first in the presidential contest this year, with President Joe Biden's backing.

The choice was seen as a nod to the state's Black voters, who make up about two-thirds of the state's Democratic Party base and helped boost Biden's campaign four years ago.

Biden won the state's Democratic primary in 2020. He won the state again this year, with more than 96% of the vote against two lesser-known candidates, Congressman Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson.

DAY 4: SC Dem delegation spends final day at the DNC in Chicago

Posted August 22, 2024 at 8:54 AM EDT

Good morning from the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

South Carolina's delegation is holding its final breakfast this morning at the delegation hotel, shared with a handful of other delegations from across the country.

Democrats are expected to hear from Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama.

Tonight is the big night at United Center.

Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the Democratic nomination for president, after her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz spoke Wednesday.

Other speakers on the lineup tonight include Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.

DAY 3: Delegate and DNC committeewoman Carol Fowler says Democrats on the ground have responsibility to sustain excitement after convention

Posted August 21, 2024 at 10:13 PM EDT

Carol Fowler, a South Carolina Democratic delegate and national committeewoman for the Democratic National Committee, said Wednesday night that the responsibility to sustain the excitement over Vice President Kamala Harris' candidacy falls to state Democrats to start making calls and knocking on doors once the convention ends.

"I've already had emails and texts from some people at home. We're ready to go to work," Fowler told SC Public Radio in the United Center. "I think if somebody wants to make phone calls or knock doors, we need to hand them the numbers next week and let them get started."

This year's convention — Harris will accept the nomination Thursday, the final day of the DNC — is Fowler's 13th.

Fowler has long been a fixture in South Carolina Democratic Party politics, also previously serving as party chair. Fowler's late husband, Don, was also a former state party chair and chaired the Democratic National Committee.

Fowler said every convention is important, but said, "for whatever reason, there's so much enthusiasm that people are just ready to march in the streets and get this woman (Harris) elected. The feelings here are just stronger than I have seen before."

DAY 3: SC's Jim Clyburn talks Tim Walz as running mate pick in sit-down interview

Posted August 21, 2024 at 7:45 PM EDT

Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate Tim Walz will address the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night.

For South Carolina’s delegates, it’ll be the first time they hear from the Minnesota governor in person.

Congressman Jim Clyburn who joined Walz in his district when he first ran for Congress, said in a sit-down interview with SCETV/SC Public Radio's Gavin Jackson that Walz has the substance and style to win over swing voters.

"He's a great guy," Clyburn said. "A very unique guy."

Here's more of Jackson's interview below with Clyburn:

Congressman Jim Clyburn speaks about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

DAY 3: Over breakfast, SC Dems to hear from Illinois and Maryland governors and Chicago mayor

Posted August 21, 2024 at 9:13 AM EDT

We are back this morning with the South Carolina Democratic delegation at their hotel, where Democrats will hear from the Illinois and Maryland governors and Chicago's mayor.

South Carolina Democrats are joined by the Tennessee delegation, and are currently listening to Congressman Jim Clyburn.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will speak to both delegations.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to the South Carolina and Tennessee delegations in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, the third day of the Democratic National Convention.
MAAYAN SCHECHTER
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to the South Carolina and Tennessee delegations in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, the third day of the Democratic National Convention.

Johnson, sporting a raspy voice Wednesday, said he looks forward to knocking on doors with voters in the South.

Tonight, thousands of delegates will hear from former President Bill Clinton and Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at the United Center.

The DNC ends Thursday, when Harris will formally accept the nomination.

DAY 2: To James Brown, SC Dems cast all 65 delegates for Kamala Harris for president

Posted August 20, 2024 at 9:09 PM EDT

South Carolina native James Brown was the artist of choice Tuesday night for the Democratic delegation when they cast all 65 delegates for Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

SC Dems Cast Delegates for Kamala Harris.WAV

The ceremonial roll call of the states came during the second day of the Democratic National Convention.

On behalf of South Carolina, state Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain — the first Black woman to chair the state party — led the state's roll call with state Sen. Margie Bright Matthews, D-Colleton.

DAY 2: SC delegation honors Congressman Clyburn

Posted August 20, 2024 at 12:58 PM EDT

Before the second day of the Democratic National Convention kicks off, South Carolina Democrats met up for lunch for one big reason: To honor Congressman Jim Clyburn.

At restaurant Venteux, the delegation and other guests dined over fruit plates, burgers and croque monsieur. "Jim Clyburn" and "SCDP" buttons were scattered on tables, along with Jack Daniels' mini bottles — Clyburn's spirit of choice.

Attendees included state lawmakers, the attorney general of Massachusetts and four current and former chairs of the state Democratic Party: Chairwoman Christale Spain and former chairs Trav Robertson, Sen. Dick Harpootlian and Carol Fowler.

Clyburn is a "national treasure for us," Spain said.

DAY 2: Swing state Gov. Josh Shapiro tells South Carolina Democrats he looks forward to more visits in the future

Posted August 20, 2024 at 9:56 AM EDT
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks to SC Democratic delegates at DNC

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Tuesday introduced himself to South Carolina Democrats, a group he says he looks forward to seeing in the future.

Shapiro was one of several speakers to join delegates at their hotel, hours before the second day of the convention starts at the United Center.

Signaling potential future presidential aspirations, Shapiro, who is Jewish, said, "My rabbi always tells me I spend more time in Baptist churches than I do in synagogue."

He also told delegates that his family was currently vacationing on South Carolina's coast. (The S.C. Democratic Party later confirmed it was Hilton Head.) He added that someone complimented his tan, thanks, he said, to South Carolina.

"I look forward to coming back to visit you many, many more times in the future," Shapiro said.

Shapiro was followed by Georgia U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

DAY 2: Sen. Cory Booker tells SC Dem delegation '"this is the state that launched Joe Biden into the presidency"

Posted August 20, 2024 at 9:23 AM EDT

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, another Democrat familiar with the first-in-the-South state, thanked South Carolina delegates Tuesday morning for launching President Joe Biden to the White House in 2020.

Like Buttigieg, Booker ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination in South Carolina. Christale Spain, the state party chairwoman, also worked on Booker's 2020 campaign.

DAY 2: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg makes surprise appearance at SC Dem delegation breakfast

Posted August 20, 2024 at 9:13 AM EDT

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made a surprise appearance Tuesday morning at the South Carolina delegation's breakfast.

Buttigieg is pretty familiar with the first-in-the-South state and many of the delegates. Buttigieg ran unsuccessfully in South Carolina's Democratic presidential primary.

Speaking to the delegates, Buttigieg said he was having flashbacks to his 2020 run.

Buttigieg's remarks spanned from his work in the Biden administration to former President Donald Trump's felony convictions to personal moments, like when he and his husband, Chasten, adopted two children.

DAY 2: SC Dem breakfast kicks off with Sen. Booker, Govs. Shapiro and Whitmer

Posted August 20, 2024 at 9:00 AM EDT

We are back at the South Carolina Democratic delegation's breakfast.

This morning, delegates will hear from New Jersey U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan.

Speakers are bouncing from delegation breakfast to delegation breakfast Tuesday morning.

DAY 1: SC Congressman Jim Clyburn speaks at convention, thanks Biden

Posted August 19, 2024 at 10:22 PM EDT

South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn, a Democratic kingmaker in the state and longtime ally of President Joe Biden, took the convention stage Monday as his home state's delegation waved "Jim Clyburn" signs.

Clyburn ran through a list of what he considers some of Biden's top accomplishments in office, then transitioned to the work Vice President Kamala Harris has done and would do if elected president in November.

"We owe him a great debt of gratitude," Clyburn said. "And we're all grateful for one of the best decisions he made," which he said was selecting Harris as his vice president in 2020 and then choosing her as his successor.

This puts a cap onto Day One of the DNC because we'll be up very early for the delegation's breakfast.

DAY 1: United Center packed for DNC primetime, SC delegation joins chants of "lock him up" during Hillary Clinton's remarks about former President Donald Trump's felony convictions

Posted August 19, 2024 at 9:41 PM EDT

The first night of the Democratic National Convention is now in its primetime.

Inside the United Center, South Carolina's delegation has a decent spot, with the stage in sight.

Former S.C. Sen. Marlon Kimpson, left, state Sen. Gerald Malloy pose for photos at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, during Day One of the Democratic National Convention.
GAVIN JACKSON
Former S.C. Sen. Marlon Kimpson, left, state Sen. Gerald Malloy pose for photos at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, during Day One of the Democratic National Convention.

Delegates were hopefully no longer filtering into the convention center after protests forced delegates, media and staff to enter the grounds through one security perimeter opening.

Congressman Jim Clyburn will speak soon, right after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton takes the stage.

South Carolina Democrats Emily Mayer and Carol Fowler help hand out signs during Day One, Aug. 19, 2024, of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
GAVIN JACKSON
Emily Mayer and Carol Fowler help hand out signs during Day One, Aug. 19, 2024, of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

During Clinton's remarks, after she made mention of former President Donald Trump's felony convictions, chants of "lock him up" rang out in the convention center.

South Carolina's delegation was seen joining the chants after Clinton briefly paused.

DAY 1: SCDP Chairwoman Christale Spain to cast South Carolina's delegates during DNC roll call of the states

Posted August 19, 2024 at 8:10 PM EDT

South Carolina Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain will give the honorary remarks before casting the state's delegates to Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

The roll call of the states will occur Tuesday.

Spain is the first Black woman to chair the state's Democratic Party.

Party operative Christale Spain gives her speech as a candidate for chair of the South Democratic Party during the party's convention on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. Spain was elected as the first Black woman to lead the state party. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
Meg Kinnard/AP
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AP
Party operative Christale Spain gives her speech as a candidate for chair of the South Democratic Party during the party's convention on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. Spain was elected as the first Black woman to lead the state party. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

DAY 1: SC native Jesse Jackson honored at DNC

Posted August 19, 2024 at 7:24 PM EDT

Greenville, South Carolina, native the Rev. Jesse Jackson was honored at the DNC's opening night at the United Center.

Jackson, in a wheelchair, came onto the convention stage with his family to a standing ovation by the thousands of delegates from across the country.

Background on the DNC honor via the Chicago Sun-Times.

DAY 1: SC native and DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison's kids lead DNC in the Pledge of Allegiance

Posted August 19, 2024 at 6:54 PM EDT

South Carolina native and DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison may have had a more important job of gaveling in the first day of the convention.

His young sons, however, certainly stole the show briefly when they recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the thousands of delegates who filtered into the United Center in Chicago.

DAY 1: SC's Jaime Harrison, Rep. Jim Clyburn to take stage first night of the convention

Posted August 19, 2024 at 1:46 PM EDT

South Carolina will have a showing during night one of the DNC.

Jaime Harrison, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee and a former state party chair, will gavel the convention in at the United Center sometime around 5:15 p.m. CT.

Congressman Jim Clyburn greets President Joe Biden after introducing him at the S.C. Democratic Party’s First in the Nation Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. Biden thanked the hundreds of Democrats gathered a week before the primary (that Biden is set to easily win) for their support in propelling him to the White House in 2020. He also touted his legislative accomplishments and had sharp words for his top opponent former President Donald Trump. Biden’s visit came on the heels of First Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s visit Friday and two visits from Vice President Kamala Harris this month as well as Biden’s remarks at Mother Emanuel AME Church on Jan. 8.
GAVIN JACKSON
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SCETV
Congressman Jim Clyburn greets President Joe Biden after introducing him at the S.C. Democratic Party’s First in the Nation Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. Biden thanked the hundreds of Democrats gathered a week before the primary (that Biden is set to easily win) for their support in propelling him to the White House in 2020. He also touted his legislative accomplishments and had sharp words for his top opponent former President Donald Trump. Biden’s visit came on the heels of First Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s visit Friday and two visits from Vice President Kamala Harris this month as well as Biden’s remarks at Mother Emanuel AME Church on Jan. 8.

Later in the night, expected around the 9 p.m. hour, Congressman Jim Clyburn will speak to the thousands of delegates about President Joe Biden, his legacy and Vice President Kamala Harris' nomination.

Clyburn will speak after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, according to a DNC schedule.

Clyburn previously told SC Public Radio that the convention needs to be a "passing of the torch" event, starting he said with honoring Biden's legacy.

DAY 1: Former SC Sen. Marlon Kimpson, a White House appointee and delegate, talks excitement ahead of President Biden's speech to DNC

Posted August 19, 2024 at 12:51 PM EDT
SCDP delegate Marlon Kimpson Day 1 DNC.wav

Former state Sen. Marlon Kimpson says there's a feeling of joy and excitement in Chicago for the DNC.

"This is my third convention. I've never seen this many people. We're onto something here. It's big. It's tremendous," Charleston's Kimpson, a South Carolina delegate, told SC Public Radio.

Kimpson, a longtime support of President Joe Biden, left the Senate last year to take an appointment in Biden's administration as a member of an advisory committee for trade policy and negotiation.

FILE - State Sen. Marlon Kimpson fires up the crowd ahead of a town hall meeting with Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden on July 7, 2019, in Charleston, S.C. The Charleston Democrat, an early backer of President Joe Biden, told the Associated Press Sunday, March 12, 2023, that he is leaving his legislative post two years early to take an appointment in the Biden administration. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard, File)
Meg Kinnard/AP
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AP
FILE - State Sen. Marlon Kimpson fires up the crowd ahead of a town hall meeting with Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden on July 7, 2019, in Charleston, S.C. The Charleston Democrat, an early backer of President Joe Biden, told the Associated Press Sunday, March 12, 2023, that he is leaving his legislative post two years early to take an appointment in the Biden administration. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard, File)

Kimpson said he thinks Biden could have won reelection should he have sought a second term, saying the "stakes are too high for us to turn back."

But, he added, he's glad the drama over whether Biden would stay in the race ended the way that it did.

"The president unselfishly chose to hand the mantle to a newer generation," Kimpson said. "And I'm all for passing the torch."

Kimpson, also acknowledging the protesters who are outside the convention center speaking out against the United States' involvement in the Israel-Hamas war, said he anticipates protests to pop up inside the convention hall.

"I'd be surprised if we didn't have protests inside the convention. It's part of the Democratic Party process. We are not a monolithic body. We got all kinds of views. There's still (U.S. Sen.) Bernie Sanders people walking around in Bernie shirts," he said. "... The question is whether it will be civil. And we embrace civil protest in a way that allows you to exercise your First Amendment right, but at same time respect the process. We will have an orderly process. If people misbehave, they will get forcefully put out, which should happen, because we're not going to allow people to be disrespectful to the process and disrespectful and interrupt what we have planned, which is a great convention, respectful of all viewpoints."

Kimpson said he's looking forward to hearing Biden's remarks tonight during Day 1 of the DNC.

"Chicago is truly lit," he said. "We are fired up, and we are ready to go."

DAY 1: Congressman Ro Khanna makes economic pitch to SC Dems

Posted August 19, 2024 at 10:04 AM EDT

Congressman Ro Khanna spoke to South Carolina Democrats Monday, outlining in short a policy agenda voters in the first-in-the-South state likely will hear more about over the next four years.

Khanna focused mainly on the economy. He told delegates he plans to partner with Congressman Jim Clyburn on a Sept. 30 summit with 40 historically Black colleges and companies that include Apple and Google to create scholarships and connect students with high-paying jobs.

"Because we need to create new pathways for both generations of modern economy," Khanna said.

Khanna has spent considerable time in South Carolina, an early sign the California Democrat may be looking to run for higher office.

Khanna, SCDP Chairwoman Christale Spain noted, is "quickly becoming a South Carolinian."

DAY 1: SC Democrats to hear from members of Congress, battleground state governors

Posted August 19, 2024 at 9:26 AM EDT

Congressman Ro Khanna of California is expected to kick off the South Carolina delegation's breakfast on Monday.

"We made it. We made it, despite all the bad weather, all the delays, ... " S.C. Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain told the delegates and other guests Monday morning. "Don't party too hard. We need butts in seats every morning."

Monday is seen as a "lighter" day for delegates. On Tuesday, however, SCDP's executive director Jay Parmley said the day will be heavier starting in the morning with speakers who include New Jersey U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, Georgia U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock and Govs. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.

DAY 1: SC Democrats kick off convention agenda

Posted August 19, 2024 at 7:06 AM EDT

South Carolina’s Democratic delegates have descended on Chicago to formally nominate Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, for the party’s 2024 nomination.

The delegates will start Day 1 on Monday hearing from notable speakers at their hotel before continuing the day with more training and other convention programming.

Delegates include current and former state lawmakers, candidates for office and party activists from across the state.

Per the schedule, delegates can even go watch South Carolina native and DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison's documentary, "In the Bubble with Jaime," about Harrison's 2020 run for Senate against Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Later today, the convention will officially begin at the United Center (home to the NBA's Chicago Bulls), where they'll hear from President Joe Biden.

This is a big moment for the president, who only last month announced his decision to exit the 2024 race.

Other speakers include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who ran for president in 2016, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The first night ends around 10 p.m. CT.

This is the first in-person convention since 2016 after Democrats opted for a virtual convention amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Workers prepare the convention floor at United Center before the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya/AP
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AP
Workers prepare the convention floor at United Center before the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

With SCETV's Gavin Jackson, we'll be embedded this week with the South Carolina delegation, talking to delegates about the new Harris-Walz ticket and the excitement around Harris as the new nominee, Biden, Harris challenging former President Donald Trump and the issues driving them, their families and neighbors to the polls.

We'll also be looking to see whether the excitement we hear from the delegates and see in reports translates on the ground and inside the convention center.

Much of the downtown is barricaded off, whether due to convention activities or VIPs staying at hotels. Meanwhile, large protests over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the United States' involvement are a daily occurrence in the city and are expected to continue in bigger numbers throughout the convention week.

This isn't the first party convention for Chicago. Aside from the well-known 1968 convention, the city last held a convention in 1996.

Continue to follow SCETV and SC Public Radio throughout the day for live updates from the delegation, interviews and more.