Looking ahead to the Democratic Convention

The Democratic National Convention kicks off on Monday 25th July and runs through until Thursday 28th July. The conventions follows the Republican Party's convention last week. So what can we expect from the Democratic National Convention this week?

Speakers and Theme:

Monday: United Together
Michelle Obama
Bernie Sanders
DREAMer Activists

Tuesday: A Lifetime Fighting for Families and Children
President Bill Clinton
The Mothers of the Movement (Mothers of children killed by guns)

Wednesday: Working Together
President Barack Obama
Vice President Joe Biden

Thursday: Stronger Together
Chelsea Clinton (Daughter of Hilary and Bill)
Hillary Clinton (Presumptive Nominee for President)

Policy Platform:

Whilst the official policy platform is yet to be decided by the convention, most of the platform is already known and is expected to be simply confirmed. NBC News described the convention has one of the most progressive policy platforms in party history. The influence of Bernie Sanders is clear in this respect.

Some Key Provisions:

• Support for $15 federal minimum wage
• 12 Weeks paid family and medical leave
• Wall Street Reform
• Expansion of Social Security
• Abolition of the Death Penalty (First time a US party has done this)
• Tax Relief for Middle Class Families
• Opposes for profit schools
• Compromises on Fracking
• Removing Marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, this does not mean federal legalisation
• Support for Israel
• Supports a Two State Solution for Israel/Palestine

Celebrities:

The DNC is playing host to many celebrities across the week with performances, fringe events and more. Among the line up is:

Lady Gaga
Katy Perry
Snoop Dogg
Fergie Duhamel
Cyndi Lauper
Alicia Keys
Lena Dunham