1976 Democratic National Convention facts for kids

Jimmy Carter kisses his wife Rosalynn, surrounded by their family.

Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale stand with their wives.

The 1976 Democratic National Convention was a big meeting where the Democratic Party chose its candidates for president and vice president. It happened in New York City at Madison Square Garden from July 12 to July 15, 1976. At this convention, the Democrats picked Jimmy Carter, who used to be the Governor of Georgia, to run for President. They also chose Walter Mondale, a Senator from Minnesota, to be his running mate for Vice President.

This convention was the first time New York City hosted such a meeting since a very long one in 1924.

Choosing the Candidates

The main goal of the convention was to officially pick the people who would represent the Democratic Party in the upcoming election. Many people wanted to be president, but Jimmy Carter had won the most support from voters in earlier contests.

Who Was Jimmy Carter?

Jimmy Carter, who became president in 1977.

Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer from Georgia. Before running for president, he served as the Governor of Georgia. He was seen as an outsider in Washington, D.C., which many voters liked after some difficult years in American politics. His campaign promised honesty and trust.

Who Was Walter Mondale?

Walter Mondale was a Senator from Minnesota. He had a lot of experience in the U.S. government. Choosing him as vice president helped balance the ticket, bringing experience to Carter's outsider image.

Important Speeches

Conventions are also famous for powerful speeches. These speeches help to excite the party members and introduce the candidates to the country.

Keynote Speakers

Barbara Jordan giving her famous speech.

Two important people gave the "keynote addresses" at the 1976 convention. A keynote address is a speech that sets the tone for the whole event. John Glenn, a famous astronaut and Senator, gave one. The other was given by Barbara Jordan, a Congresswoman from Texas. Her speech was very special because she was the first African-American woman ever to deliver the keynote address at a Democratic National Convention. She spoke about the importance of the American dream and the Constitution.

Other Notable Moments

Many other important people attended and spoke at the convention. It was a place where different ideas within the Democratic Party came together.

Famous Attendees

Coretta Scott King at the convention.

Many well-known figures were present. For example, Coretta Scott King, the wife of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., attended the convention. Her presence highlighted the party's commitment to civil rights.

Cesar Chavez nominating Jerry Brown.

Cesar Chavez, a famous leader for farmworkers' rights, also spoke. He nominated Jerry Brown, who was the Governor of California at the time, for president during the roll call vote. This showed the wide range of people and ideas within the Democratic Party.

Images for kids

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  Madison Square Garden was the site of the 1976 Democratic National Convention

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  Michael Dukakis speaks on the second day of the convention

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  Governor Jerry Brown of California
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  Representative Morris Udall of Arizona
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  Ellen McCormack of New York