CHICAGO — Just for show, the Democratic National Convention held a public but essentially meaningless roll call of states Tuesday to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
The hour-long bit of political performance art took place more than two weeks after Ms. Harris officially locked up the nomination in an unusual online vote in which thousands of party delegates took part. Therefore, she didn’t need the display at the United Center, and she was campaigning with running mate Tim Walz in Wisconsin at the time.
“The delegates have completed their roll call,” Ms. Harris said at a rally in Milwaukee that was beamed into the convention. “We are so honored.”
Democratic officials said despite Tuesday’s roll call vote coming after the fact, the televised display was “more than just a ceremony.”
They called it “a celebration as Democrats come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the last four years and outline a brighter vision for the future.”
A soundtrack of the states and territories was provided by DJ Cassidy, in a shiny blue suit and sunglasses, as the roll went by in alphabetical order. Each state proudly proclaimed its merits and aspirations.
The head of the Alabama delegation, for example, predicted that Ms. Harris will sign into law a new voting-rights act.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the District will work with Ms. Harris “to make Washington D.C. the 51st state.”
New Jersey’s song was “Born in the U.S.A” by Bruce Springsteen, who has objected to GOP nominee Donald Trump using his songs.
Rhode Island is small, but not unanimous. It cast 34 votes for Ms. Harris, but also had one vote as “present.”
The U.S. Virgin Islands was “proud to celebrate a nominee of Caribbean heritage.” Ms. Harris’ father was raised in Jamaica.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he represents “the great state of Nancy Pelosi.”
When it was over, the convention had “reaffirmed” Ms. Harris as the nominee.
“The roll call is a beloved and time-honored tradition, and we’re proud to bring it back in a new and fun format,” said Jaime Harrison, Democratic National Committee Chair. “Democrats from all across the country have made their voices heard in support of our Democratic nominees, and we look forward to using this convention to drive historic momentum behind the Harris-Walz ticket as we unify in our mission to defeat Donald Trump.”
Mr. Walz, governor of Minnesota, also received the party’s seal of approval for vice president.
When delegates began voting virtually on Aug. 1, Ms. Harris was the only candidate on the ballot, known as a pledge form. She won the nomination shortly after President Biden bowed out of the race, without winning any state primaries or caucuses.
Her nomination set aside 14 million votes cast for Mr. Biden in the state-by-state Democratic presidential primary, in which he secured 3,905 of the nation’s 3,945 state Democratic delegates. Mr. Biden, who spoke to the convention delegates in a farewell of sorts on Monday, immediately flew off for a vacation in Southern California.
Democrats set up the pre-convention, virtual vote earlier this year, when it appeared they would miss Ohio’s deadline to appear on the presidential ballot. The Ohio date, August 7, was later extended to Sept. 1, well past the Democratic convention.
Democrats decided to stick to the online vote nonetheless, arguing the GOP-led state might try to legally challenge the later filing date and threaten their nominee’s place on the November presidential ballot.
• Susan Ferrechio contributed to this report.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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