Chicago DNC 2024 security fences coming down, streets reopening as officials celebrate success

He touted his own background, rattling through his experience in the Army National Guard and as a high school teacher.

"It was those players and my students who inspired me to run for Congress. They saw in me what I hoped to instill in them: a commitment to the common good," he said.

He also promoted his policy accomplishments, garnering particularly loud applause for his policy providing free breakfast and lunch in Minnesota public schools.

Walz said that while Republicans were banning books in schools, "we were banishing hunger in ours."

And then, he served the duty of a loyal No. 2 -- boosting his boss.

"If you're a middle class family or a family trying to get into the middle class, Kamala Harris is going to cut your taxes," he said. "If you're hoping to buy a home, Kamala Harris is going to help make it more affordable."

And then, in true "Friday Night Lights" fashion, he issued a call to action with a football metaphor.

"We're down a field goal, but we're on offense and we've got the ball," he said before touting Harris as the team leader. "We're driving down the field, and boy, do we have the right team."

Streets are quiet in restricted zones near McCormick Place, so businesses on Michigan Avenue have gotten creative to drum up excitement during the DNC.

In the South Loop this week, security restrictions around McCormick Place have left many businesses in the yellow or red zone perimeters - making it harder to bring in customers to South Michigan Avenue.

Tens of thousands of people are packed into the United Center for the DNC, but if you don't have a coveted pass, Chicago bars and restaurants and hosting watch parties.

So businesses on this block came together for a multi-day event called ChiVibes, taking in the excitement of the DNC.

The watch party at Bassline tonight featured live music and an art gallery showcasing the unique energy of Chicago.

The event also giving local artists an opportunity to show off their work while bringing people together to witness history as Chicago hosts the DNC.

This group of businesses plans to keep the party going tomorrow. They'll host another watch party here at Bassline for the final night of the DNC.

Illinois and northwest Indiana delegates are praising Governor Tim Walz, saying his biography and brand of politics unite Democrats and engage undecideds.

"We have a big tent, you know. Everybody in and nobody out. We accept everybody, and Tim expressed that message very well," said 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett.

"Whether you're east or west or mid coast, you're going to buy into who he is as a person because he has a great story to tell," said 8th Ward Ald. Michelle Harris.

"He has that same infectious joy that President Harris will have. Nobody wants to go back to doom and gloom," said U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson.

Some of the Northwest Indiana delegates are also talking ground game post-convention.

"We've got people that are signing up not just in northwest Indiana but all over the state of Indiana to try and help get the vote out," said State rep. Carolyn Jackson.

"I think we're doing a stellar job of letting America know that this is the right party, and Kamala is the right person to be president," said State Rep. Vernon Smith.

As he reflected on running for Congress in red district as a Democrat, Walz told the crowd: "Never underestimate a public school teacher."

The line got a loud cheer from the audience.