An ‘unparalleled experience’: UChicago students at the Democratic, Republican conventions

In addition to the VoteFest events, students also participated in internships with the DNC Host Committee and with media organizations, including CNN and ABC News. These students received behind-the-scenes access to convention planning and insights into how major news outlets cover the conventions. 

“I learned about the messaging and strategy behind conventions and party politics,” said rising second-student Michelle Du, who interned with CNN. “This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I got unprecedented access to politicians and the media.”

Students also had the opportunity to attend live tapings of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and the DNC Convention at the United Center, where they witnessed speeches from former First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Barack Obama and the historic roll call to nominate Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. 

“Being on the floor of the convention was an amazing experience,” said rising fourth-year student Justin Taylor, who is majoring in political science. “Being so close to the congressmen and delegates really humanized the election process for me and reminded me that it’s the votes of regular people that create the change we want to see.”

The IOP also hosted a number of discussions open to media and students. IOP Founding Director David Axelrod hosted an event with The Cook Political Report’s Editor-in-Chief Amy Walter, Dave Wasserman and other political analysts. These media briefings provided roughly 60 journalists from major media outlets deeper understandings of both the Trump and Harris campaigns. Additionally, the IOP hosted a series of breakfast discussions with students from Georgetown’s, Harvard’s and Cornell’s institutes of politics, in which students talked with Heitkamp about the importance of public service and how to get involved in politics.

Students also heard from “Tennessee Three” Representative Justin J. Pearson, Democratic Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, voting advocate Jahnavi Rao and Gen-Z Congressman Maxwell Frost. They also attended a live taping of The New York Times’s “The Run-Up” podcast featuring Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and a Q&A session with Pete Buttigieg.

Riding to Milwaukee for the RNC

Seven UChicago students traveled to Milwaukee with Heitkamp and IOP staff by train for the RNC in July, engaging in political dialogue along the way. 

Yasmin Ali, a rising third-year in the College, was interested in the trek in order to immerse herself in the campaign process, "explore and listen with open ears” while learning from her conservative peers. 

Once arriving in Milwaukee, students and staff headed over to Blue Ribbon Hall, just outside of the Republican National Convention’s space. There the IOP hosted a day of events that covered voter engagement workshops, dialogue that reached across the political aisle, and discussions highlighting the role of young adults in the upcoming elections.

This included a unique opportunity to meet with Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL), two panel discussions hosted by IOP Founding Director David Axelrod, and Amy Walter of The Cook Political Report, who called upon the young audience members to be the change they want to see in the world. UChicago trek students spoke to reporters from ABC News, The Washington Post, and Fox News, leaving their mark on the national dialogue about this political moment. 

Christopher Phillips, a rising fourth-year in the College majoring in economics and political science, said that the workshops gave him a unique opportunity to learn how to mobilize his peers who are interested in getting more involved in politics.

“Speaking with David Axelrod and Amy Walter, along with other knowledgeable political professionals also helped provide context as to what I should expect from the RNC in Milwaukee,” said Phillips. “Hearing anecdotes from them helped supplement my holistic understanding of politics in a unique way, and I’m grateful for the exposure the IOP provides." 

Youth VoteFest workshops followed, aimed at sharing tangible skills in boosting voter turnout and building coalitions in polarized times. 

The students wrapped the day up by attending the Delegate Experience, walking around the different booths and tents outside the convention arena—and even getting to see Donald Trump Jr. speak outside. The booths had many different groups represented, including Second Amendment supporters, pro-life groups and the American Conservation Coalition—founded by Benji Backer, one of the Youth VoteFest speakers. 

Booth School of Business student Seth Cohen described the trek as an “unparalleled experience,” in terms of engaging with politicians, reporters and political consultants. He said it provided “a bird’s-eye view into an industry usually observed from the television screen.”