Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention took place Tuesday. Former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and second gentleman Doug Emhoff spoke at the DNC, a day after the unofficial farewell for President Joe Biden, who served eight years as Obama’s vice president. Biden won’t be in the hall to see his former running mate speak, as he departed Chicago Monday after delivering his own speech.With President Biden having addressed delegates, the week’s full focus now turns to Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov Tim Walz.Read live updates from Day 2 of the DNC below.Day 2 has endedThe second day of the Democratic National Convention has concluded.Obama warns about the danger of polarizationObama pleads for civility and community in the nation’s coarse public and online discourse, warning, “We chase the approval of strangers on our phones; we build all manner of walls and fences around ourselves and then wonder why we feel so alone.”Appealing to Americans to make meaningful connections, he said, “We don’t trust each other as much because we don’t take the time to know each other — and in that space between us, politicians and algorithms teach us to caricature each other and troll each other and fear each other.”Obama sneaks in some Easter eggsThe former president is bringing back some of his signature campaign lines, including a “Fired up, Ready to go” call, talk of “hope” and an instruction to voters — “Do not boo, vote” — when the crowd jeered a reference to Trump.Obama heralds the ‘fight’ aheadThe former president warned the crowd at the DNC that even though “the torch has been passed” to Harris, the work for Democrats is not yet done.“For all the incredible energy we’ve been able to generate over the last few weeks, this will still be a tight race in a closely divided country — a country where too many Americans are still struggling and don’t believe government can help,” he said.“Make no mistake, it will be a fight,” Obama said. For all the energy and memes and rallies, he said, “this will still be a tight race in a closely divided country.”The last election was decided by 40,000 votes across three statesObama heaps praise upon his former running mateObama is highlighting Biden’s record in one of the only significant discussions of his accomplishments since he turned over the convention to Harris on Monday night.He praised Biden for being “selfless enough to do the rarest thing there is in politics: putting his own ambition aside for the sake of the country.”“History will remember Joe Biden as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger,” Obama said. “I am proud to call him my president, but even prouder to call him my friend.”Barack Obama takes the stage at the DNC Former President Barack Obama sought to recapture the energy of his 2008 run for office and lend it to Harris’ campaign effort this time around. “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling fired up! I’m feeling ready to go,” Obama said. “I’m feeling hopeful because this convention has always been pretty good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible.”Michelle Obama made a series of not-so-subtle jabs at Donald TrumpWithout mentioning Trump’s name, Michelle Obama made mention of what she called his “privilege” to “failing forward.”“We will never benefit from the affirmative action of gender, race or wealth,” she said. “We don’t have the luxury of whining or cheating others to get ahead.”Obama tweaked Trump for his history of attacking her and her husband, drawing rave applause from Democrats.“His limited and narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who also happened to be Black,” she said.“Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those “Black jobs?”'America, hope is making a comeback,' Michelle Obama says at the DNC Michelle Obama was greeted by a long standing ovation from the crowd at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago before she spoke about the “contagious power of hope” and said that the country is at “the cusp of a brighter day.” "America, hope is making a comeback,” she said. The former first lady said that America has “the chance to vanquish the demons of fear, division and hate that have consumed us and continue pursuing the unfinished promise of this great nation, the dream that our parents and grandparents fought and died and sacrificed for.” Obama is making good on a pledge she made in a video alongside her husband last month, in which the two endorsed Kamala Harris. “We got your back,” she said. She also said she is proud of Harris and expects the upcoming election to be historic. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff says Harris was there for their family — and will be there for the country Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband and the second gentleman, highlighted their family at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He said that his wife rises to the occasion “wherever she’s needed” and has done that for their family. Harris’ stepson, Cole Emhoff, introduced his father in a video message. Both Cole and Doug Emhoff’s participation highlights what Harris often describes as her “blended family.” “And now that the country needs her, she’s showing you what we already know. She is ready to lead,” Emhoff said. Emhoff’s first wife, Kerstin Emhoff, was also sitting in the VIP box. “Hello to my big, beautiful blended family up there. I love you so much,” he said at the beginning of his remarks. It comes as the vice president is trying to quickly introduce herself to the American public following President Joe Biden’s decision to end his own reelection bid last month He would become the country’s first “first gentleman” come January if Harris is elected.Mesa, Arizona's Republican mayor says Americans must put ‘country first’John Giles, the mayor of Mesa, Arizona, and a registered Republican addressed the Democratic convention and explained why he was rejecting his party’s presidential nominee, Trump.“I have a confession to make, I’m a lifelong Republican,” Giles said, before adding. “But I feel more at home here than in today’s Republican Party.”Mesa is Arizona’s third largest city, a Phoenix suburb with more than 500,000 people. It was settled by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who remain influential even as the city’s Latino and Asian population has grown rapidly.Giles said, “We all need an adult in the White House” and that the country saw when Trump was elected in 2016 what it was like not to have one.The mayor said Biden and Harris reached across the aisle and pushed policies that benefitted his city. He said he was like the majority of the Americans, in the political middle: “Let’s put our country first.”Gov. JB Pritzker laces into TrumpJB Pritzker, the deep-pocketed governor of Illinois who was instrumental in bringing the Democratic convention to Chicago, used most of his speech to slam Trump.Pritzker started by noting that Harris “spent some of her early life” in Illinois, which has produced past presidents including Barack Obama.“We claim her too,” Pritzker declared, before pivoting to evoking hometown hero and basketball legend Michael Jordan in slamming Trump.Pritzker said the former president “claims to be very rich. But take it from an actual billionaire, Trump is rich in only one thing, stupidity.”“These guys aren’t just weird,” Pritzker said. “They’re dangerous.”New Mexico governor touts Harris’ record on health careNew Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is using her time at the DNC podium to argue for Harris’ ability to deliver on campaign promises, specifically when it comes to issues related to health care.Lujan Grisham focused much of her remarks around arguing that Harris as president can lower drug costs and protect abortion rights for women.“Either these guys don’t get it, or they just don’t care,” the two-term Democrat said, of Trump and Vance and their take on such issues’ importance. Bernie Sanders plays the hitsIt’s a new convention, but much of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ messaging is the same he’s been delivering for several political cycles. A one-time Democratic challenger to both Biden and Harris, Sanders appeared on the DNC stage Tuesday to chants of his name by convention goers.In his 2016 presidential campaign, Sanders often ranted against billionaires and promised that he’d aim to implement policies that would somewhat even out the economy, a message he returned to in his remarks.Sanders also called in large part for the removal of big money from election funding.“Billionaires in both parties should not be able to buy elections, including primary elections,” he said.The Vermont progressive also laid out a series of liberal policy goals for the party if Harris were to win the president and Democrats control Congress next year. The list included expanding Medicare and raising the national minimum wage.“I look forward to working with Kamala and Tim to pass this agenda,” Sanders said. “And let’s be clear. This is not a radical agenda.”Ana Navarro rallies the pet loversPolitical commentator Ana Navarro evoked a now familiar Democratic political attack line against Republicans, sticking up for the nation’s pets.“Kamala Harris, she likes dogs. And my dog ChaCha likes her,” Navarro said as a picture of Harris with her dog flashed on the convention floor screen. To loud cheers, she continued, “Dogs are good judges of character. So are cats.”That was a reference to Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, once deriding “childless cat ladies,” a past remark that has roiled the GOP campaign since he was chosen.“We cannot elect a president who does not like dogs or hangs around with people who shoot them,” Navarro deadpanned. That was an allusion to Trump, who doesn’t have any pets, and to another leading Republican, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem who killed a dog, detailing it in her own memoir.Harris makes surprise video appearance as roll call wrapsIt was never really in doubt, but after the celebratory roll call, Rea confirmed Harris’ nomination as Democrats’ top-of-the-ticket pick. Harris was officially nominated earlier this month in a virtual roll call of delegates.Following the roll call, Rea tossed to incoming video from Harris’ and Walz’s campaign appearance in Milwaukee, where the two are on stage in the same arena that hosted Republicans last month for their convention. They entered the stage to Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” which has become an anthem for the campaign.“I thank everyone there and here for believing in what we can do together,” Harris said.That split screen moment created a powerful visual for Harris: two arenas simultaneously full of her supporters.Green Bay Packers shoutout met with boos in ChicagoWhen Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers took his turn at the mic during Democrats roll call vote Tuesday, he name-checked the Green Bay Packers football team.That did not sit well in Chicago, the DNC’s host city, where utterances of support for the Packers are often taken as fighting words by long-suffering Chicago Bears fans.Evers was showered with boos after name-checking the Packers.In their long-running Midwestern rivalry, the Packers routinely best the Bears, winning 107 games to the Bears’ 95.Delegates nominate Harris, WalzDelegates from all 50 states have voted to make Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz the Democratic presidential ticket in a ceremonial roll call.Harris to talk about Roe v. Wade in MilwaukeeHarris plans to draw attention to Trump saying Monday he had “no regrets” about appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the constitutional right to abortion, according to an excerpt of the speech she plans to give in Milwaukee.“That’s because he hasn’t had to face the consequences,” Harris plans to say. “Women and families have. Well, we will make sure he does face the consequence at the ballot box this November.”As they awaited Harris’ speech, her supporters listened to the Chicago convention’s roll call blasting from the arena speakers.Video below: Hadley Duvall speaks about abortion rights at DNCThe odd coupleThey may be a somewhat unlikely pair, but DNC Secretary Jason Rae and DJ Cassidy are tag-teaming the celebratory roll call of states.Rae calls out the states and territories as they come up in the voting order, and Cassidy chimes in with occasional commentary as he flips from track to track for each batch of delegates.Why California and Minnesota passed during the roll callCalifornia and Minnesota, the home states of Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, have passed during the convention roll call — letting the party roll on.This year’s roll call has been unlike any in political history. But one tradition held, the one mandating that the home state of the nominee generally passes, then goes near the end to pass the deciding vote to formally clinch the nomination.This year, Minnesota, where Walz is governor, could get the count close and let Harris’ California and its motherlode of delegates put her over the top as the Democratic nominee.Sean Astin joins Indiana delegationActor Sean Astin, best known for playing the titular Notre Dame football player in “Rudy,” joined the Indiana delegation to help cast its 86 delegates for Harris and Walz.“I want what’s best for Indiana and that means electing Kamala Harris the first woman president of the United States of America,” Astin said. Delegates show off their home-state tunesDecked out in blue satin, DJ Cassidy is spinning a special song for each state in the roll call at the Democratic Convention.Alabama, obviously, got “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Alaska announced their backing of Vice President Harris to “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man, a band from Wasilla. Florida committed its delegates to “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty, who was born in Gainesville. The rapper Lil Jon appeared over the music of DJ Snake’s “Turn Down for What” ahead of Georgia awarding its delegates to Harris.Lil Jon makes a surprise appearance during Harris roll callIn a surprise appearance, rapper Lil Jon joined the Georgia delegation to help deliver its 123 votes for Harris. The rapper’s hit song ‘Get Low’ has became a sort of rally cry for the Harris-Walz campaign in the last few weeks.‘Present’Under Democratic Party rules, only Harris garnered enough signatures to be entered into nomination. Votes for any other person or uncommitted votes were tallied as “present” during the virtual roll call earlier this month. Tuesday night’s “celebratory” vote is following that earlier’s roll calls vote total.The roll call beginsDemocrats are holding a “celebratory” roll call vote to nominate Harris on the second night of their convention in Chicago. The party held a virtual vote on Aug. 6 that made her the party’s official nominee. Tuesday’s vote is taking place with a DJ and light show in the United Center arena.Teamsters members make DNC appearance absent President Sean O’BrienWhile Teamsters President Sean O’Brien chose to speak at the Republican convention at Trump’s invite, members of his union decided to appear at the Democratic convention to say they’re with Vice President Harris. It was another jab at Trump for claiming to back workers even as his administration tried to restrict the power of organized labor, a sign of how Harris hopes to diminish his backing from blue-collar voters.“If they win, working people like my friends here from the Teamsters will pay the price,” said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., with several Teamsters by his side.Kenneth Stribling, a retired Teamster, then explained how the Biden administration had helped rescue the financially troubled pensions of union members like himself as part of its pandemic aid.“They got it done without one single Republican vote in Congress,” Stribling said. “They saved over 1 million pensions.”Democrats highlight former Trump voters who switched to supporting HarrisFor the second in as many nights, the Democratic convention has frequently featured stories from ordinary voters, who talked about voting for Trump in 2016 or 2020 or both, but said they wouldn’t do so again.The voters, filmed in what to be in their homes in states around the country, described being fed up with Trump’s criminal conviction, his frequent lying for political gain and his leading a mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.The effort recalled Republicans, who during their convention featured frequent videos of “everyday Americans” to fire up their own crowd last month in Milwaukee.Trump’s former press secretary backs HarrisTrump’s former White House press secretary says she used to be a “true believer” who spent holidays with the Trump family, but now she’s backing Harris.Stephanie Grisham told Democratic delegates that Trump “mocks” his supporters behind closed doors and “has no empathy, no morals and no fidelity to the truth.”This fall, Grisham said she’s backing Harris because the Democrat “tells the truth, she respects the American people and she has my vote.”Grisham resigned from her White House post following the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, the first senior staffer to do so that day.She held no press briefings as Trump’s press secretary, explaining “unlike my boss, I never wanted to stand behind that podium and lie.”Common feels ‘fortunate’ to have Kamala HarrisRapper Common performed his hit song “Fortunate.” In the second verse, he changed the lyrics to say, “Fortunate, yo, we got the gold in Paris, we fortunate, y’all, for Kamala Harris.” The Chicago native also added in several ad-libs about “Chi Town” as the host city of the DNC.“I thank God for this moment in time where Kamala Harris will change the world for the better with love, hope and grace,” he said as he introduced the song. Grammy-winning gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds joined Common on stage, singing some of his song “God is God” between verses and vocalizing to “Fortunate.”Common, a Grammy and Oscar-winning musician and actor, is no stranger to political advocacy. He endorsed Biden in 2020 and performed at his rallies and had previously supported Obama’s campaigns. He also performed poetry at an event at the White House in 2011 at Obama’s invitation.The performance, which was followed by a funky instrumental rendition of “Tell Me Something Good,” signaled the convention’s shift out of its country music moment Monday into a focus on R&B and hip-hop.Democrats throw the book at Trump (again)One of Democrats’ favorite new political props, a massive book labeled Project 2025, made a repeat appearance at the second night of the DNC.On Tuesday, Malcolm Kenyatta, a Pennsylvania state representative and rising Democratic star, totted the book out onto the convention stage before roasting Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance.“Usually Republicans want to ban books, but now they are trying to shove this down our throats,” Kenyatta said.In a sign of how unpopular Project 20205 is with the public, Trump has disavowed the effort. Still, it was crafted by many leading conservatives who would likely hold influential positions in a future Trump administration.The book made its first appearance on Monday when Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow walked on stage and dropped the hefty tome on the top of the speaking lectern.Presidential grandsons stump for HarrisGrandsons of former Presidents Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy cast Vice President Haris in the same image as their famous family members.“Kamala Harris carries my grandfather’s legacy,” said Jason Carter. “She knows what is right.”He said the 99-year-old former president wishes he could be in attendance. “His body may be weak tonight, but his spirit is stronger than ever,” Carter said. “My grandfather can’t wait to vote for Kamala Harris.”Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy’s grandson, said like when his grandfather was elected in 1960, “Once again, the torch has been passed to a new generation,” he said. “She believes in America like my grandfather did — that we do things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”Patti LaBelle performs ‘You Are My Friend’The DNC crowd didn’t get James Taylor singing “You’ve Got a Friend” but they did get another music legend — R&B star Patti LaBelle — singing “You Are My Friend.”LaBelle sang the stirring number during a memorial segment as the proceedings began for the evening. “God bless America, Kamala Harris!” she called out at the end.This isn’t the first time at the DNC for LaBelle — she wowed the crowd two decades ago at the 2004 convention with her rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”Last month, LaBelle kicked off her 8065 Tour at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles — “80 years of life, 65 years in music.” And in June, she sang “Oh, People” on the White House lawn for President Joe Biden’s Juneteenth concert, joined by Gladys Knight among other artists.Day 2 of the DNC has begunThe second day of the convention has officially been gaveled in. Day 2 speakers:Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy CarterJack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. KennedyState Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, of PennsylvaniaKyle Sweetser, former Trump voterStephanie Grisham, former Trump White House press secretaryNabela Noor, content creatorSen. Gary Peters, of MichiganKenneth Stribling, retired TeamsterAna Navarro, television personality and political strategist Sen. Chuck Schumer, of New YorkSen. Bernie Sanders, of VermontGov. JB Pritzker, of IllinoisKen Chenault, business executiveGov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, of New MexicoAngela Alsobrooks, U.S. Senate nominee in MarylandMayor John Giles, of Mesa, ArizonaDouglas Emhoff, second gentleman of the United StatesMichelle Obama, former first lady of the United StatesFormer President Barack Obama
CHICAGO — Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention took place Tuesday.
Former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and second gentleman Doug Emhoff spoke at the DNC, a day after the unofficial farewell for President Joe Biden, who served eight years as Obama’s vice president. Biden won’t be in the hall to see his former running mate speak, as he departed Chicago Monday after delivering his own speech.
With President Biden having addressed delegates, the week’s full focus now turns to Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov Tim Walz.
Read live updates from Day 2 of the DNC below.
Day 2 has ended
The second day of the Democratic National Convention has concluded.
Obama warns about the danger of polarization
Obama pleads for civility and community in the nation’s coarse public and online discourse, warning, “We chase the approval of strangers on our phones; we build all manner of walls and fences around ourselves and then wonder why we feel so alone.”
Appealing to Americans to make meaningful connections, he said, “We don’t trust each other as much because we don’t take the time to know each other — and in that space between us, politicians and algorithms teach us to caricature each other and troll each other and fear each other.”
Obama sneaks in some Easter eggs
The former president is bringing back some of his signature campaign lines, including a “Fired up, Ready to go” call, talk of “hope” and an instruction to voters — “Do not boo, vote” — when the crowd jeered a reference to Trump.
Obama heralds the ‘fight’ ahead
The former president warned the crowd at the DNC that even though “the torch has been passed” to Harris, the work for Democrats is not yet done.
“For all the incredible energy we’ve been able to generate over the last few weeks, this will still be a tight race in a closely divided country — a country where too many Americans are still struggling and don’t believe government can help,” he said.
“Make no mistake, it will be a fight,” Obama said. For all the energy and memes and rallies, he said, “this will still be a tight race in a closely divided country.”
The last election was decided by 40,000 votes across three states
Obama heaps praise upon his former running mate
Obama is highlighting Biden’s record in one of the only significant discussions of his accomplishments since he turned over the convention to Harris on Monday night.
He praised Biden for being “selfless enough to do the rarest thing there is in politics: putting his own ambition aside for the sake of the country.”
“History will remember Joe Biden as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger,” Obama said. “I am proud to call him my president, but even prouder to call him my friend.”
SAUL LOEB / AFP
Former US President Barack Obama speaks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 20, 2024.
Barack Obama takes the stage at the DNC
Former President Barack Obama sought to recapture the energy of his 2008 run for office and lend it to Harris’ campaign effort this time around.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling fired up! I’m feeling ready to go,” Obama said. “I’m feeling hopeful because this convention has always been pretty good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible.”
Michelle Obama made a series of not-so-subtle jabs at Donald Trump
Without mentioning Trump’s name, Michelle Obama made mention of what she called his “privilege” to “failing forward.”
“We will never benefit from the affirmative action of gender, race or wealth,” she said. “We don’t have the luxury of whining or cheating others to get ahead.”
Obama tweaked Trump for his history of attacking her and her husband, drawing rave applause from Democrats.
“His limited and narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who also happened to be Black,” she said.
“Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those “Black jobs?”
'America, hope is making a comeback,' Michelle Obama says at the DNC
Michelle Obama was greeted by a long standing ovation from the crowd at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago before she spoke about the “contagious power of hope” and said that the country is at “the cusp of a brighter day.”
"America, hope is making a comeback,” she said.
The former first lady said that America has “the chance to vanquish the demons of fear, division and hate that have consumed us and continue pursuing the unfinished promise of this great nation, the dream that our parents and grandparents fought and died and sacrificed for.”
Obama is making good on a pledge she made in a video alongside her husband last month, in which the two endorsed Kamala Harris. “We got your back,” she said. She also said she is proud of Harris and expects the upcoming election to be historic.
Second gentleman Doug Emhoff says Harris was there for their family — and will be there for the country
Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband and the second gentleman, highlighted their family at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
He said that his wife rises to the occasion “wherever she’s needed” and has done that for their family.
Harris’ stepson, Cole Emhoff, introduced his father in a video message. Both Cole and Doug Emhoff’s participation highlights what Harris often describes as her “blended family.”
“And now that the country needs her, she’s showing you what we already know. She is ready to lead,” Emhoff said.
Emhoff’s first wife, Kerstin Emhoff, was also sitting in the VIP box.
“Hello to my big, beautiful blended family up there. I love you so much,” he said at the beginning of his remarks.
It comes as the vice president is trying to quickly introduce herself to the American public following President Joe Biden’s decision to end his own reelection bid last month
He would become the country’s first “first gentleman” come January if Harris is elected.
Mesa, Arizona's Republican mayor says Americans must put ‘country first’
John Giles, the mayor of Mesa, Arizona, and a registered Republican addressed the Democratic convention and explained why he was rejecting his party’s presidential nominee, Trump.
“I have a confession to make, I’m a lifelong Republican,” Giles said, before adding. “But I feel more at home here than in today’s Republican Party.”
Mesa is Arizona’s third largest city, a Phoenix suburb with more than 500,000 people. It was settled by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who remain influential even as the city’s Latino and Asian population has grown rapidly.
Giles said, “We all need an adult in the White House” and that the country saw when Trump was elected in 2016 what it was like not to have one.
The mayor said Biden and Harris reached across the aisle and pushed policies that benefitted his city. He said he was like the majority of the Americans, in the political middle: “Let’s put our country first.”
Gov. JB Pritzker laces into Trump
JB Pritzker, the deep-pocketed governor of Illinois who was instrumental in bringing the Democratic convention to Chicago, used most of his speech to slam Trump.
Pritzker started by noting that Harris “spent some of her early life” in Illinois, which has produced past presidents including Barack Obama.
“We claim her too,” Pritzker declared, before pivoting to evoking hometown hero and basketball legend Michael Jordan in slamming Trump.
Pritzker said the former president “claims to be very rich. But take it from an actual billionaire, Trump is rich in only one thing, stupidity.”
“These guys aren’t just weird,” Pritzker said. “They’re dangerous.”
New Mexico governor touts Harris’ record on health care
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is using her time at the DNC podium to argue for Harris’ ability to deliver on campaign promises, specifically when it comes to issues related to health care.
Lujan Grisham focused much of her remarks around arguing that Harris as president can lower drug costs and protect abortion rights for women.
“Either these guys don’t get it, or they just don’t care,” the two-term Democrat said, of Trump and Vance and their take on such issues’ importance.
Bernie Sanders plays the hits
It’s a new convention, but much of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ messaging is the same he’s been delivering for several political cycles. A one-time Democratic challenger to both Biden and Harris, Sanders appeared on the DNC stage Tuesday to chants of his name by convention goers.
In his 2016 presidential campaign, Sanders often ranted against billionaires and promised that he’d aim to implement policies that would somewhat even out the economy, a message he returned to in his remarks.
Sanders also called in large part for the removal of big money from election funding.
“Billionaires in both parties should not be able to buy elections, including primary elections,” he said.
The Vermont progressive also laid out a series of liberal policy goals for the party if Harris were to win the president and Democrats control Congress next year. The list included expanding Medicare and raising the national minimum wage.
“I look forward to working with Kamala and Tim to pass this agenda,” Sanders said. “And let’s be clear. This is not a radical agenda.”
Ana Navarro rallies the pet lovers
Political commentator Ana Navarro evoked a now familiar Democratic political attack line against Republicans, sticking up for the nation’s pets.
“Kamala Harris, she likes dogs. And my dog ChaCha likes her,” Navarro said as a picture of Harris with her dog flashed on the convention floor screen. To loud cheers, she continued, “Dogs are good judges of character. So are cats.”
That was a reference to Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, once deriding “childless cat ladies,” a past remark that has roiled the GOP campaign since he was chosen.
“We cannot elect a president who does not like dogs or hangs around with people who shoot them,” Navarro deadpanned. That was an allusion to Trump, who doesn’t have any pets, and to another leading Republican, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem who killed a dog, detailing it in her own memoir.
Harris makes surprise video appearance as roll call wraps
It was never really in doubt, but after the celebratory roll call, Rea confirmed Harris’ nomination as Democrats’ top-of-the-ticket pick. Harris was officially nominated earlier this month in a virtual roll call of delegates.
Following the roll call, Rea tossed to incoming video from Harris’ and Walz’s campaign appearance in Milwaukee, where the two are on stage in the same arena that hosted Republicans last month for their convention. They entered the stage to Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” which has become an anthem for the campaign.
“I thank everyone there and here for believing in what we can do together,” Harris said.
That split screen moment created a powerful visual for Harris: two arenas simultaneously full of her supporters.
Green Bay Packers shoutout met with boos in Chicago
When Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers took his turn at the mic during Democrats roll call vote Tuesday, he name-checked the Green Bay Packers football team.
That did not sit well in Chicago, the DNC’s host city, where utterances of support for the Packers are often taken as fighting words by long-suffering Chicago Bears fans.
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
Wisconsin delegates cast their vote during the ceremonial roll call vote on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 20, 2024.
Evers was showered with boos after name-checking the Packers.
In their long-running Midwestern rivalry, the Packers routinely best the Bears, winning 107 games to the Bears’ 95.
Delegates nominate Harris, Walz
Delegates from all 50 states have voted to make Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz the Democratic presidential ticket in a ceremonial roll call.
Harris to talk about Roe v. Wade in Milwaukee
Harris plans to draw attention to Trump saying Monday he had “no regrets” about appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the constitutional right to abortion, according to an excerpt of the speech she plans to give in Milwaukee.
“That’s because he hasn’t had to face the consequences,” Harris plans to say. “Women and families have. Well, we will make sure he does face the consequence at the ballot box this November.”
As they awaited Harris’ speech, her supporters listened to the Chicago convention’s roll call blasting from the arena speakers.
Video below: Hadley Duvall speaks about abortion rights at DNC
The odd couple
They may be a somewhat unlikely pair, but DNC Secretary Jason Rae and DJ Cassidy are tag-teaming the celebratory roll call of states.
Rae calls out the states and territories as they come up in the voting order, and Cassidy chimes in with occasional commentary as he flips from track to track for each batch of delegates.
Why California and Minnesota passed during the roll call
California and Minnesota, the home states of Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, have passed during the convention roll call — letting the party roll on.
This year’s roll call has been unlike any in political history. But one tradition held, the one mandating that the home state of the nominee generally passes, then goes near the end to pass the deciding vote to formally clinch the nomination.
This year, Minnesota, where Walz is governor, could get the count close and let Harris’ California and its motherlode of delegates put her over the top as the Democratic nominee.
Sean Astin joins Indiana delegation
Actor Sean Astin, best known for playing the titular Notre Dame football player in “Rudy,” joined the Indiana delegation to help cast its 86 delegates for Harris and Walz.
“I want what’s best for Indiana and that means electing Kamala Harris the first woman president of the United States of America,” Astin said.
Delegates show off their home-state tunes
Decked out in blue satin, DJ Cassidy is spinning a special song for each state in the roll call at the Democratic Convention.
Alabama, obviously, got “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Alaska announced their backing of Vice President Harris to “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man, a band from Wasilla. Florida committed its delegates to “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty, who was born in Gainesville. The rapper Lil Jon appeared over the music of DJ Snake’s “Turn Down for What” ahead of Georgia awarding its delegates to Harris.
Lil Jon makes a surprise appearance during Harris roll call
In a surprise appearance, rapper Lil Jon joined the Georgia delegation to help deliver its 123 votes for Harris. The rapper’s hit song ‘Get Low’ has became a sort of rally cry for the Harris-Walz campaign in the last few weeks.
Chip Somodevilla
Rapper Lil Jon (R) performs with the Georgia delegation during the Ceremonial Roll Call of States on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois.
‘Present’
Under Democratic Party rules, only Harris garnered enough signatures to be entered into nomination. Votes for any other person or uncommitted votes were tallied as “present” during the virtual roll call earlier this month. Tuesday night’s “celebratory” vote is following that earlier’s roll calls vote total.
The roll call begins
Democrats are holding a “celebratory” roll call vote to nominate Harris on the second night of their convention in Chicago. The party held a virtual vote on Aug. 6 that made her the party’s official nominee. Tuesday’s vote is taking place with a DJ and light show in the United Center arena.
Teamsters members make DNC appearance absent President Sean O’Brien
While Teamsters President Sean O’Brien chose to speak at the Republican convention at Trump’s invite, members of his union decided to appear at the Democratic convention to say they’re with Vice President Harris. It was another jab at Trump for claiming to back workers even as his administration tried to restrict the power of organized labor, a sign of how Harris hopes to diminish his backing from blue-collar voters.
“If they win, working people like my friends here from the Teamsters will pay the price,” said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., with several Teamsters by his side.
(Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
US Senator from Michigan Gary Peters (L) speaks alongside retired teamsters on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 20, 2024.
Kenneth Stribling, a retired Teamster, then explained how the Biden administration had helped rescue the financially troubled pensions of union members like himself as part of its pandemic aid.
“They got it done without one single Republican vote in Congress,” Stribling said. “They saved over 1 million pensions.”
Democrats highlight former Trump voters who switched to supporting Harris
For the second in as many nights, the Democratic convention has frequently featured stories from ordinary voters, who talked about voting for Trump in 2016 or 2020 or both, but said they wouldn’t do so again.
The voters, filmed in what to be in their homes in states around the country, described being fed up with Trump’s criminal conviction, his frequent lying for political gain and his leading a mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.
The effort recalled Republicans, who during their convention featured frequent videos of “everyday Americans” to fire up their own crowd last month in Milwaukee.
Trump’s former press secretary backs Harris
Trump’s former White House press secretary says she used to be a “true believer” who spent holidays with the Trump family, but now she’s backing Harris.
Stephanie Grisham told Democratic delegates that Trump “mocks” his supporters behind closed doors and “has no empathy, no morals and no fidelity to the truth.”
This fall, Grisham said she’s backing Harris because the Democrat “tells the truth, she respects the American people and she has my vote.”
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Former Trump White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham speaks on stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Grisham resigned from her White House post following the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, the first senior staffer to do so that day.
She held no press briefings as Trump’s press secretary, explaining “unlike my boss, I never wanted to stand behind that podium and lie.”
Common feels ‘fortunate’ to have Kamala Harris
Rapper Common performed his hit song “Fortunate.” In the second verse, he changed the lyrics to say, “Fortunate, yo, we got the gold in Paris, we fortunate, y’all, for Kamala Harris.” The Chicago native also added in several ad-libs about “Chi Town” as the host city of the DNC.
“I thank God for this moment in time where Kamala Harris will change the world for the better with love, hope and grace,” he said as he introduced the song. Grammy-winning gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds joined Common on stage, singing some of his song “God is God” between verses and vocalizing to “Fortunate.”
Common, a Grammy and Oscar-winning musician and actor, is no stranger to political advocacy. He endorsed Biden in 2020 and performed at his rallies and had previously supported Obama’s campaigns. He also performed poetry at an event at the White House in 2011 at Obama’s invitation.
The performance, which was followed by a funky instrumental rendition of “Tell Me Something Good,” signaled the convention’s shift out of its country music moment Monday into a focus on R&B and hip-hop.
Democrats throw the book at Trump (again)
One of Democrats’ favorite new political props, a massive book labeled Project 2025, made a repeat appearance at the second night of the DNC.
On Tuesday, Malcolm Kenyatta, a Pennsylvania state representative and rising Democratic star, totted the book out onto the convention stage before roasting Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance.
“Usually Republicans want to ban books, but now they are trying to shove this down our throats,” Kenyatta said.
In a sign of how unpopular Project 20205 is with the public, Trump has disavowed the effort. Still, it was crafted by many leading conservatives who would likely hold influential positions in a future Trump administration.
The book made its first appearance on Monday when Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow walked on stage and dropped the hefty tome on the top of the speaking lectern.
Presidential grandsons stump for Harris
Grandsons of former Presidents Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy cast Vice President Haris in the same image as their famous family members.
“Kamala Harris carries my grandfather’s legacy,” said Jason Carter. “She knows what is right.”
He said the 99-year-old former president wishes he could be in attendance. “His body may be weak tonight, but his spirit is stronger than ever,” Carter said. “My grandfather can’t wait to vote for Kamala Harris.”
Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy’s grandson, said like when his grandfather was elected in 1960, “Once again, the torch has been passed to a new generation,” he said. “She believes in America like my grandfather did — that we do things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”
Patti LaBelle performs ‘You Are My Friend’
The DNC crowd didn’t get James Taylor singing “You’ve Got a Friend” but they did get another music legend — R&B star Patti LaBelle — singing “You Are My Friend.”
LaBelle sang the stirring number during a memorial segment as the proceedings began for the evening. “God bless America, Kamala Harris!” she called out at the end.
This isn’t the first time at the DNC for LaBelle — she wowed the crowd two decades ago at the 2004 convention with her rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”
Last month, LaBelle kicked off her 8065 Tour at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles — “80 years of life, 65 years in music.” And in June, she sang “Oh, People” on the White House lawn for President Joe Biden’s Juneteenth concert, joined by Gladys Knight among other artists.
(Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
US singer and actress Patti LaBelle performs on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 20, 2024.
Day 2 of the DNC has begun
The second day of the convention has officially been gaveled in.
Day 2 speakers:
- Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter
- Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy
- State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, of Pennsylvania
- Kyle Sweetser, former Trump voter
- Stephanie Grisham, former Trump White House press secretary
- Nabela Noor, content creator
- Sen. Gary Peters, of Michigan
- Kenneth Stribling, retired Teamster
- Ana Navarro, television personality and political strategist
- Sen. Chuck Schumer, of New York
- Sen. Bernie Sanders, of Vermont
- Gov. JB Pritzker, of Illinois
- Ken Chenault, business executive
- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, of New Mexico
- Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Senate nominee in Maryland
- Mayor John Giles, of Mesa, Arizona
- Douglas Emhoff, second gentleman of the United States
- Michelle Obama, former first lady of the United States
- Former President Barack Obama