One dynamic in Chicago's favor was that chairman of the Democratic National Committee David Wilhelm had strong connections to the city.

[4][8][9] Ahead of the convention, in order to project a positive image of the city, Mayor Daley dedicated a large amount funding towards planting new trees and decorative potted flowers throughout the West Loop area in which the convention would be held as well as in the city's downtown.

[11] The convention came at a time where changes and beautification were underway in the West Loop, including the repaving of roads, the addition of decorative planters, and the installation of ornate street lamps.

In the weeks ahead of the convention, a demolition project on five buildings of the Henry Horner Homes near the venue was completed.

Other notable speakers included former New York governor Mario Cuomo, First Lady of the United States Hillary Rodham Clinton, actor Christopher Reeve, House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, and other Senators Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, and John Kerry and Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts.

[15] Clinton's speech on August 29 included his vision for the next decade, included tax cuts for the middle-class, 20 million more jobs, a strong defense with cuts in the military, but a strong presence of peacemaking troops, new military weapons and tanks, welfare reform goals for states and communities, and a peaceful transition for the Middle East.

When the state parties refused to award the delegates, LaRouche sued in federal court, claiming a violation of the Voting Rights Act.

The Balloting: Clinton and Gore went on to defeat Bob Dole and Jack Kemp in the November general election in an Electoral College landslide with a substantial popular vote margin.

On August 28, Civil Rights Movement historian Randy Kryn and 10 others were arrested by the Federal Protective Service while doing a demonstration.