They float across the convention floor, into people's hands, and appear on television screens across America. Invisible until they become omnipresent, the Democratic National Convention posters suddenly appear like a slow-motion photograph of a poppy flower in full bloom.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Call it political sign language. And signs, hundreds of them, have been a prominent feature of the convention since it convened Monday in Chicago.
A sea of signs reading “We ❤️ Joe” spread across the United Center floor on the first night of the convention to President Biden's speech on MondayThen the “Doug” and “Doug for First Mensch” signs appeared as second gentleman Doug Emhoff took the stage Tuesday night, a nod to his Jewish heritage and the Yiddish term for a good guy.
On Wednesday, vice presidential candidate Tim Walz was greeted with signs reading “Coach Walz,” a reference to the Minnesota governor’s years as a high school football coach. (Not surprisingly, his speech featured football imagery: “Team, we’re in the fourth quarter, we’re down by a field goal, but we’re on offense and we’ve got the ball.”)
The signs for first lady Jill Biden were simple: “JILL” in white letters on a green background — a curious color choice for the first lady, since Jill Stein is running for the Green Party.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
As expected, the predominant colors of the signage have been red, white and blue, and their layout at the United Center has been something to behold.
DNC officials dragged large trash bags filled with signs (with the handles sticking out of the bags) to the top edges of the stadium. Then, like a waterfall, the signs tumbled down and delegates passed them until they reached the convention floor. When a speaker took the stage, he was met with so many signs that it was sometimes difficult to see the delegates.
When Vice President Kamala Harris made her surprise debut at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night to witness Biden's speech, the arena filled with one of the most popular messages of his campaign: “We fought, we won.”
Walz received special treatment from his home state of Minnesota, where delegates waved giant images of his face.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Some signs carried simpler messages: “United States,” “Freedom,” “For the People.”
Last month in Milwaukee at the Republican National Convention, signs were a prominent feature. They featured the usual MAGA slogans, such as “Make America Safe Again” and “Make America Strong Again.” But others had more sinister messages, such as those calling for “Mass Deportation Now!”
After a poster-filled Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention, delegates gathered in an elevator at the Hyatt Regency Hotel discussed whether they could fit their poster haul into carry-on luggage for their flight home.
“Maybe if I cut the stick?” one mused.
Some said they would take them as souvenirs for Democrats who couldn't attend the convention.
On Tuesday, during Michelle Obama's speech, signs reading “For the people, for our future” were held up.
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)
Pennsylvania delegates share a simple message with their signs.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
On Tuesday, former President Obama took the stage and signs with votes were carried out.
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)
Delegates hold signs with the word “Doug” during a speech by second gentleman Doug Emhoff on Tuesday.
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)
California delegates cast their votes during roll call with signs reading “Freedom,” “USA” and “When We Vote, We Win.”
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)
New Hampshire delegates demonstrate support for unions.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
