Fact Check: 2024 DNC Attendance Claims Debunked with Video Evidence

Recent social media posts have circulated misleading claims about attendance at the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. These posts, using images from the early hours of the event, suggest that the entire convention was poorly attended. However, a thorough examination of multiple sources reveals a different story.

The 2024 DNC, held at the United Center in Chicago from August 19-22, marked a significant return to the Midwest for the party. This event was particularly notable as it was the first DNC in Chicago since 1996, with the city having hosted the convention a record 12 times.

One social media post on Threads, a platform launched in 2023, claimed, "The DNC is nearly empty. The crowd is scattered and uninspired." This statement, along with others, was based on images taken during the early hours of the convention's first day.

Minyon Moore, the first African American woman to chair a Democratic National Convention, and Jaime Harrison, who became DNC Chairman in January 2021, addressed the audience around 5:33 p.m. CT on August 19. At this time, the crowd was indeed smaller, as shown in C-SPAN footage and Reuters photographs.

However, as the evening progressed, the arena filled significantly. C-SPAN video from later that night shows a much fuller venue. This pattern continued throughout the four-day event, with footage from subsequent nights revealing large, engaged audiences.

Reuters photographs and videos captured from various angles during all three nights of the convention consistently show substantial crowds. Notably, Vice President Kamala Harris's surprise appearance on the first day elicited enthusiastic responses from a packed arena.

"In an age where misinformation can spread rapidly, it's essential to verify claims with multiple reliable sources before drawing conclusions."

The United Center, which opened in 1994 and has a seating capacity of 23,500 for basketball games, provided an impressive backdrop for the convention. The DNC's choice of Chicago aligns with the party's strategy of focusing on key Midwest states for the upcoming election.

It's worth noting that the Democratic National Convention has a long history, dating back to 1832. The event typically features speeches from party leaders and the presidential nominee, serving as a crucial platform for the party to present its vision to the American public.

In conclusion, while early hours of the convention may have shown smaller crowds, comprehensive evidence from various sources demonstrates that the 2024 Democratic National Convention was well-attended throughout its duration. This fact-check underscores the importance of verifying information, especially in the context of political events and social media claims.