Delegates cheer during the first day of the Democratic National Convention. “One of the things I’ve been trying to do here is capture the vibe of it all. A vibe is a human emission. This really feels good,” David Hume Kennerly said.
Every political party aims for their convention to be a grand celebration, and this week, the Democrats truly embraced that spirit.
“This is like going to Woodstock – it’s like a giant lovefest without the bands,” said David Hume Kennerly, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who covered his first convention in 1976 and attended this one for POLITICO Magazine.
The euphoric mood of the party is evident in these photographs, capturing moments of laughter on stage and in the crowd. Delegates were seen chanting, hugging, and shedding tears of joy. The convention also featured rock stars, presidents, and even someone dressed as a donkey.
Unlike some conventions that focus on a clear policy theme, Kennerly observed that this one was charged with energy directed towards opposing former President Donald Trump and supporting Kamala Harris. A photographer up close senses the vibe more profoundly than viewers at home.
“One of the things I’ve been trying to do is capture the vibe of it all,” Kennerly remarked. “A vibe is a human emission. This really feels good.”
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris makes a surprise appearance on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 19, 2024.A delegate wears pins supporting Kamala Harris on the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 20, 2024.Kamala Harris and vice presidential nominee Tim Walz stand by their respective spouses — Doug Emhoff and Gwen Walz — surrounded by delegates as President Joe Biden delivers a speech in support of Harris on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 19, 2024.President Joe Biden speaks on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 19, 2024.Tennessee legislators Rep. Justin Jones, Rep. Justin Pearson, and Rep. Gloria Johnson read their state’s votes for Harris on the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 20, 2024.The Maryland (left) and Arizona delegations cheer during the roll call on the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 20, 2024.Former President Barack Obama departs after speaking on the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 20, 2024.CHICAGO — AUG 21: Gov. Tim Walz accepts VP nomination on the third night of Democratic Convention. Chicago, IL, August 21, 2024.Left: People wave Coach Walz signs in the crowd during the Democratic National Convention. Right: Former members of Tim Walz’s high school football team take the stage as one of Walz’s former students addresses the convention.Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz hugs his wife, Gwen Walz, after accepting the nomination on the third night of Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 21, 2024.Vice President Kamala Harris accepts the Democratic presidential nomination on the last night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 22, 2024.
