The Platform Drafting Hearings of the Democratic National Convention
By Rev. Leah D. Daughtry, CEO, Democratic National Convention Committee
This July, 50,000 Americans will come to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. The fundamental purpose of the Convention is to formally select the Democratic Party’s nominee for president and vice president. In addition to the formal nominating process, the adoption of the National Platform is perhaps one of the most consequential proceedings that occurs during the Democratic National Convention.
First adopted in 1840, the National Platform is a unified declaration of our Party’s values and beliefs. It is developed through a coordinated engagement process that allows for the passionate exchange of ideas on key issues facing our nation.
In the weeks leading up to the Democratic National Convention, a series of hearings will be held across the country to engage Democrats on a wide range of issues. The Platform Drafting Committee is responsible for developing and managing the process through which those ideas are gathered and forged into our Party’s National Platform. Several weeks ago the Democratic National Committee announced the appointment of the 15-person Drafting Committee. The members include:
Hon. Howard Berman, Paul Booth, Hon. Carol Browner, Rep. Keith Ellison, Rep. Luis Gutiérrez, Rep. Barbara Lee, Bill McKibben, Deborah Parker, State Rep. Alicia Reece, Bonnie Schaefer, Ambassador Wendy Sherman, Neera Tanden, Dr. Cornel West, and James Zogby.
Congressman Elijah Cummings of Maryland will serve as Chairman and Andrew Grossman, the former Director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, will serve as Executive Director.
This year’s Democratic presidential nominating contest showcased the energy and breadth of the Party as voters exchanged ideas on how to best move our country forward. DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, recognizing the important conversations spurred by the presidential primary process, elected to allocate 75% of the Drafting Committee seats to the presidential campaigns. Eleven of the 15 seats were allocated proportionally based on each campaign’s state vote count; six to Hillary Clinton, five to Bernie Sanders. The remaining four seats were appointed at the discretion of the Chairwoman to represent the interests of the Party writ-large.
As Democrats, we are the party of progressive ideas and solutions. Our primary has been driven by a passionate commitment to strengthening the Democratic Party and articulating a clear vision for our country. In going above and beyond her requirements and empowering both campaigns to influence the Drafting Committee, the Chairwoman has ensured that all Democrats will have an opportunity to have their voice heard in a meaningful way.
The Democratic National Convention will be held July 25th — 28th in Philadelphia, PA. Questions? Feel free to tweet us at @DemConvention
