DNC Day 2: Illinois Democrats rally for unity, reproductive healthcare, gun control

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will be campaigning in Milwaukee Tuesday night instead of participating in the DNC. Although, their trip across the border isn't stopping Illinois Democratic leaders from rallying for unity, abortion rights and gun control.

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) told Illinois delegates Tuesday morning that Walz gives "boring old white guys" a chance to redeem themselves and add some value to the Democratic ticket.

"Now, the first thing we need to do, and what Tim Walz seems to do very well, is to acknowledge the privilege we have enjoyed and to re-dedicate ourselves to ensuring the privilege becomes a universal opportunity, especially for those to whom it has been so often denied," Harmon said.

Many Democrats across the country are also advocating for reproductive healthcare rights throughout the 2024 election season.

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs frequently talks about his twins who were born through IVF. However, the Champaign native said he struggled to have a child with his first wife and they were told they needed to terminate the pregnancy. At that time, Champaign hospitals wouldn't allow abortions. Frerichs said he was grateful for Planned Parenthood.

"What those hospitals and the boards of directors who made this policy are saying is my wife knew her child, our child, could not survive outside the womb, but they would force her to carry it to term for 9 months dealing with all these risks of pregnancy, dealing with the pain of knowing I'm going through all of this and it will be to bear a stillborn child or one that dies soon afterwards," Frerichs said. "That is cruel. And that's what the Republicans are offering."

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton told supporters that Republicans are out for control and believe women should stay in their place - pregnant with limited choices - without hope for a life of their own choosing. Yet, some political strategists argue Democrats are focusing too much messaging on abortion rights and not enough time and effort addressing the economy.

"No, focus on reproductive rights is the economy," Stratton said. "For women to be able to work, for women to be able to take care of our children, for us to be able to put food on the table, reproductive rights and the ability to decide what's best for our bodies is an economic issue."

Stratton said Illinois is the blueprint for the country's fight to restore reproductive healthcare rights. 22 states have either banned or restricted abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Illinois Democrats are also hopeful that Congress can pass an assault weapon ban similar to the law Gov. JB Pritzker enacted last year.

"I am sick of Republicans refusing to take any action to help us end gun violence, to make sure that that child can go to school, live in their community, be safe and grow up to adulthood," Stratton said. "I'm sick of it."

Harmon said he is excited to see Harris and Walz lead the country. He also argued that it is time for change and Americans cannot trust former president Donald Trump.

"When we elect Kamala Harris in November, we're going to shatter all sorts of glass ceilings," Harmon said. "But even more importantly, we're going to install in the White House a person of integrity, a person of intellect, a person of decency, rather than someone who looks out for himself and for some of his children."

Pritzker is scheduled to speak during the 8 p.m. hour of the DNC programming Tuesday. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will also speak before former president Barack Obama takes the stage around 10 p.m. You can see full coverage of the DNC on WAND at 9 p.m.