The 1996 Democratic National Convention was held at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, from August 26 to August 29, 1996. President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore were nominated for reelection. This was the first national convention of either party to be held in Chicago since the disastrous riots of the 1968 Democratic convention, and as of 2020, the most recent presidential convention held in the city by either major party (it is currently scheduled to host the 2024 convention).
Site selection
Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, and San Antonio were originally considered as possible host cities. Los Angeles withdrew its bid after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Kansas City would also withdraw.
On August 4, 1994, it was announced that Chicago had beaten out the other finalist, San Antonio, for the right to host the convention. This would mark the first time that Chicago hosted a major presidential year political convention since the violent 1968 Democratic National Convention, and the first time a political convention was held in the United Center, which had been built earlier that decade.
During the bidding for the convention, Chicago was seen as a frontrunner. One dynamic in Chicago's favor was that chairman of the Democratic National Committee David Wilhelm had strong connections to the city. Also seen as helpful to Chicago's odds was the goodwill that Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley had earned with President Clinton by helping to lobby Chicago-area congressmen to support the North American Free Trade Agreement. The fact that First Lady Hillary Clinton was raised in the Chicago suburbs was seen as helpful. Bill Clinton's close relationship with Mayor Daley's brother William M. Daley and Clinton's appreciation of Mayor Daley's endorsement of him during the 1992 Democratic Party presidential primaries were also seen as aiding Chicago's chances. Additionally, heading into 1996, Illinois was projected to be a key "battleground state".
Of the bid cities, Chicago's proposed the largest funding package, proposing that its host committee would raise $32 million for the convention.
This was the 25th major party convention to be held in Chicago. Chicago has held more major party conventions than any other city. , this was the last major party convention to be held in Chicago, although Chicago is scheduled to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Bids
Preparations and logistics
Ahead of the convention, in order to project a positive image of the city, Mayor Daley dedicated a large amount funding towards planting new trees and decorative potted flowers throughout the West Loop area in which the convention would be held as well as in the city's downtown. The convention came at a time where changes and beautification were underway in the West Loop, including the repaving of roads, the addition of decorative planters, and the installation of ornate street lamps. The Madison Street overpass above the Kennedy Expressway was decorated with red white and blue stars. Greektown underwent a streetscape enhancement project. In the weeks ahead of the convention, a demolition project on five buildings of the Henry Horner Homes near the venue was completed. City officials claime that the timing of some of the enhancements to the West Loop was coincidental. Temporary decorations were also added, including stickers advertising the convention on 2,000 street signs.
A temporary convention-oriented bus route was established between the United Center and locations in The Loop. Events related to the convention were held in venues throughout Chicago in order to showcase the city. Hundreds of events related to the convention were held.
The convention introduced a new style four-screen speech prompting system for speakers consisting of two glass teleprompters, accompanied by an inset lectern monitor, and for the first time, a large under-camera confidence monitor.
Notable speakers
The convention's keynote speaker was Governor Evan Bayh of Indiana. The nomination speech was given by Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut. Other notable speakers included former New York governor Mario Cuomo, First Lady of the United States Hillary Rodham Clinton, actor Christopher Reeve, House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, and other Senators Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, and John Kerry and Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts.