Title: From John Legend to Late-Night Parties: My 2024 Democratic National Convention Insider Experience

Bennie Chang (SFS’26) is a Georgetown Storyteller from San Jose, California, and studies regional studies, international business diplomacy and art.

In August, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2024 Democratic National Convention, thanks to GU Politics. It was a full-circle moment for me — one of my earliest and most vivid political memories is following the 2016 DNC, and I had always dreamed of experiencing a convention in person. This year, that dream came true.

Historically, conventions were crucial for nominating a party’s presidential candidate. Nowadays, they’re more symbolic, but the atmosphere is still electric, especially this year, with the unexpected twist of President Joe Biden stepping out of the race. Vice President Kamala Harris’ nomination brought a surge of excitement, and you could feel the energy every single day.

Before heading to the convention, I had heard from people in politics that these events are like joyous, high-energy parties. They were not wrong. The enthusiasm was contagious, with everyone passionately committed to their roles. I went in with the mindset of soaking up every bit of that “party,” and I am thrilled to share one of my favorite days on the trip that encapsulated this excitement.

Our group stayed at the University of Chicago, hosted by its Institute of Politics, alongside students from Harvard and Cornell. I started the third day of the convention with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. in the dining hall, followed by a walk around the beautiful campus, where I took in the neo-Gothic architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Robie House. It was the perfect time to reflect on the past few days and think about what I hoped to gain from the day ahead.

By 10:30 a.m., we were on our way to the United Center, the convention’s venue. Upon arrival, we gathered for a small group reflection with GU Politics Executive Director Mo Elleithee (SFS’94). We also met Olivia Troye, a Republican and advisor to former Vice President Mike Pence who supports Harris, who spoke about how character can transcend policy differences — a sentiment she bravely stands by despite facing criticism.

Later, we met with Haley Wint (C’20), a Hoya and the convention’s deputy press secretary, who gave us an insider’s look at managing communications for the DNC. Then, we were off to the convention floor for a tour that included a rare backstage experience. We saw where speakers practiced, met the speechwriters, and even caught up with Aaron Bennett (C’19), a speechwriter and fellow Hoya I knew from my Capitol Hill internship. He shared insights into the speechwriting process and how they collaborate with speakers.

One of the highlights was witnessing the behind-the-scenes preparations. From noon onwards, there were practice speeches and performances, including an intimate rehearsal by John Legend and Stevie Wonder. With fewer than 100 people on the convention floor, it felt like a private concert — a moment I will never forget.

As the day progressed, we mingled on the convention floor and met various figures, including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois) and his wife Sofia, who shared stories about life after Congress. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), a Senate candidate and former CIA analyst, invited us to her after-party with the “Badass” caucus — a group of Democratic women who had worked in national security roles before Congress. We also crossed paths with journalists like Chris Wallace and Ed O’Keeffe, Republican and former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, and California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis.

At one point, another Georgetown student and I were interviewed by AP News about our thoughts on the convention and the upcoming election. During the interview, I spoke about how Harris’ candidacy has significantly shifted the perspective of many of my peers, making them more engaged with the political process. I emphasized the importance of young adults getting involved, becoming energized about politics and understanding the impact of their vote.

As a former student journalist, it was fascinating to experience an interview from the other side. I had always been the one asking the questions, so being on the receiving end was thrilling. Surprisingly, I was not nervous during the interview, but I was particularly conscious of my words and the message I wanted to convey.

As the evening approached, we settled into our seats for the speeches. I was especially eager to hear from former President Bill Clinton (SFS’68), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Governor Tim Walz, who delivered the keynote. I had never heard a full speech by Walz before, and his journey from a social science teacher to Congress and the governor’s office was inspiring. He spoke with such passion and brevity, perfectly fitting the energy of the night.

By midnight, some of us still had energy left for the Badass caucus after-party at 360 Chicago, an observation deck offering stunning nighttime views of the city. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Virginia), running for Virginia governor, spoke, and Speaker Emerita Pelosi made a surprise appearance. It was a surreal experience, capped off by a thrilling “tilt” experience where we looked down nearly 100 floors.

Finally, around 2 a.m., we took a walk along the river, enjoying the quiet of the city and reflecting on the convention and everything we had experienced.

This trip was unforgettable. The convention was truly a celebration for the most passionate and energized, and I could not help but get swept up in the excitement. It was a blast bonding with fellow Hoyas, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I cannot wait to see the next group of students experience it all in 2028!