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By Monica Sager, Courtney McGinley, Erin Keller, Alex Backus, Eileen Holliday, and Carlo Versano
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That's a wrap on Day 1 of the 2024 DNC. We'll be back Tuesday, where the Obamas are expected to be the main event in Chicago. Here's a look at our live coverage for Wednesday and live coverage for Thursday.
Aug 20, 2024 at 12:34 AM EDT
Night 1 Comes to a Close
The first night of the DNC has officially come to a close in Chicago. The convention will return Tuesday night.
Aug 20, 2024 at 12:27 AM EDT
Biden: ‘I Gave My Best to You’
President Joe Biden was met with an extended standing ovation to close out the first night of the Democratic National Convention — and a 50-year career in American politics.
"I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you," Biden said in his "farewell speech" at the DNC. "I went from being too young to be in the Senate, because I wasn't 30 yet, and too old to stay as President," Biden joked.
Biden has been a career politician for 50 years, sharing his hope for democracy and the work he has accomplished throughout his service during his speech at the DNC.
"No one else in the world could a kid with a stutter and modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania and Claymont, Delaware, grow up to sit behind the resolute desk in the Oval Office," he said.
The President discussed the bills he passed and support he has been able to provide the country, calling it one of the periods of the most prosperity ever. Biden noted progression away from Covid-19, job growth, the smallest racial wealth gap in 20 years and the record number of people on health insurance.
Biden announced on July 21 that he would not be seeking reelection in the 2024 presidential race. He immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and many other politicians and celebrities alike have backed her new campaign.
Harris made a special surprise appearance at the DNC tonight, saying she is "forever grateful" to Biden.
"Selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made before I became the nominee and it was the best decision I made in my whole career," Biden said.
"She's tough. She's serious. Her story represents the best of our country, and like many of the best presidents, she was also Vice President. She'll be a president our children can look up to... she'll be a president we can all be proud of"
Read more from Newsweek's Katherine Fung.
Aug 20, 2024 at 12:24 AM EDT
Biden: ‘We’re at a Battle for the Soul of America’
"We're facing an inflection point, one of those rare moments in history where the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come," Biden said. "That's not hyperbole. I mean it literally. We're at a battle for the soul of America."
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Aug 20, 2024 at 12:10 AM EDT
Biden: ‘I Love My Job, But I Love My Country More’
"I love my job, but I love my country more," President Joe Biden said. "All of this talk about how I'm angry that people said I should step down? It's not true. I love my country more and we need to preserve our democracy... We need you to beat Donald Trump."
During his remarks, Biden touted his administration's work on lowering the cost of prescription drug prices, the progression away from Covid-19, job growth, the smallest racial wealth gap in 20 years and the record number of people on health insurance.
"It's the job of the president to deliver to all of America," Biden said. "We both know there's more to do, but we're moving in the right direction."
Aug 20, 2024 at 12:04 AM EDT
Watch: Biden Met With Standing Ovation
Aug 20, 2024 at 12:03 AM EDT
Ashley Biden Calls President the ‘OG Girl Dad’
Ashley Biden shared what it was like growing up as Joe Biden's daughter as she delivered remarks at the DNC, including celebrating her eighth birthday with her family and her father, despite his busy work schedule.
"Joe Biden is the OG girl dad. He told me I could be anything and do anything," Ashley said. "As a child, I would sit on the leather chair in his office doing my homework, and he would sit next to me, doing his work, drafting the Violence Against Women Act."
Ashley shared how her father "never stops thinking about you" and the opportunities for the American people.
"In 2020, my dad picked Kamala Harris to beat Donald Trump, and he knows in 2024, she will beat Donald Trump again," Ashley said.
Aug 19, 2024 at 11:27 PM EDT
WATCH: An Emotional Joe Biden Takes the Stage
President Joe Biden has taken the stage at the Democratic National Convention, introduced by his daughter Ashley.
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President Joe Biden wiped away tears as he walked on stage to a loud crowd, chanting, "we love Joe!" Hundreds also hold signs reading, "We <3 Joe."
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During his remarks, President Joe Biden asked the DNC attendees if they are ready to vote for freedom and democracy. He spoke out against the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.
"You cannot say you love your country only when you win," Biden said, noting that "democracy has prevailed" and delivered. "Now democracy must be preserved."
Watch live here:
Aug 19, 2024 at 11:17 PM EDT
Jill Biden: ‘Kamala and Tim, You Will Win’
First lady Jill Biden has taken the stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Signs throughout the convention center read "Jill" as she reached the stage.
She recalled the small moments she "fell in love with Joe all over again," from reading stories to their children, to helping people in need.
Jill was adamant in her support of Vice President Kamala Harris while her husband was choosing a running mate four years ago. The two's relationship was formed from their connections to the late Beau Biden. Monday, Jill recalled Beau telling her "at the dinner table one night, 'Mom, she's special, someone to keep your eye on.'" Both women are also from hard-working backgrounds and are stepmothers.
She posted hearts on July 21 in a re-tweet of her husband's letter stating his withdrawal from the upcoming election. She called the decision and endorsement of Harris one of the other moments she loved him more.
"With faith and conviction, Joe knows that our nation's strength doesn't come from intimidation or cruelty," Jill said. "It comes from the small acts of kindness that heal deep wounds, from small acts of kindness to the communities that make us who we are, from love of a country that shines with promise and renewal. Kamala Harris knows that too."
Jill spoke of experiencing Harris' leadership first-hand.
"Kamala and Tim, you will win and you are inspiring a new generation," Jill said. "We are all part of something bigger than ourselves. It's going to take all of us and we cannot afford to lose."
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Aug 19, 2024 at 11:13 PM EDT
UAW President Shawn Fain’s ‘Trump’s a Scab’ Chant Goes Viral
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain called Kamala Harris a "fighter" for the working class and denounced former President Donald Trump as a "scab," a term that applies to workers who cross picket lines and defy union actions, during his speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday.
"It's getting hot in here, folks," Fain said, referencing a song by the rapper Nelly, before removing his suit jacket to show a T-shirt that read "Trump is a scab. Vote Harris."
Read more from Newsweek's Jesus Mesa.
Aug 19, 2024 at 11:12 PM EDT
Photo: Harris, Walz Watch DNC
Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz are seen in the VIP suite at the DNC ahead of President Joe Biden's keynote address.
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Aug 19, 2024 at 11:07 PM EDT
Biden to Speak Soon
According to the DNC schedule, President Joe Biden should take the stage for his keynote speech soon.
Delaware Sen. Chris Coons just took the stage. After Coons, first lady Jill Biden is scheduled to take the stage, followed by Ashley Biden, and finally, President Biden.
Aug 19, 2024 at 11:03 PM EDT
Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock Takes the Stage
Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock is speaking now. He thanked Americans for using their voices, noting how "together we've flipped the Senate, held the House and sent Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House." He is now calling on voters to elect Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz.
Georgia has solidified a status as a "critical" vote, particularly following the 2020 election when it narrowly flipped from former President Donald Trump to President Joe Biden. After voting Republican in six consecutive presidential elections, Georgia went to the Democrats for the first time since Bill Clinton won in 1992.
Adding to the complexity of Georgia's political environment are Trump's ongoing legal battles. Trump and 18 others have been indicted for alleged election interference in Georgia, accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 results there. While Trump denies any wrongdoing, the case adds a layer of uncertainty to the 2024 race.
Harris's first campaign stop was in Georgia after launching her presidential bid. The event on July 30, which featured a performance by rapper Megan Thee Stallion, drew a crowd of around 10,000 people. Meanwhile, Trump held a rally in Atlanta a few days later, where he spent 11 minutes of his speech insulting Georgia's popular Republican governor, Brian Kemp—a move many Republicans labeled as "risky" or worse.
"Are you ready to stand up in this moral moment, stand up for the best in the American covenant?" Warnock said. "We must choose against the promise of Jan. 5 and the peril of Jan. 6, a nation that embraces all of us, not just some of us."
Aug 19, 2024 at 10:55 PM EDT
Running Late
As we approach the 11 p.m. hour on the East Coast, we've still got a handful of speakers before President Biden takes the stage. That could bump his speech closer to midnight, meaning it won't make the late local news.
Aug 19, 2024 at 10:55 PM EDT
The Three Women Who Thrust Abortion Into Spotlight at DNC
Three women affected by restrictive abortion laws in the United States spoke at the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Amanda and Josh Zurawski, Kaitlyn Josua and Hadley Duvall shared their personal stories as part of the party's effort to capitalize on the ongoing anger over the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
"We see you. We hear you," Duvall said. "She will fight for every woman and every girl, even those who are not fighting for her."
Their testimonials, which have already featured in campaign ads, White House meetings, and political events, were given a key primetime speaking slot ahead of President Joe Biden's keynote speech.
Read more from Newsweek's Jesus Mesa.
Aug 19, 2024 at 10:50 PM EDT
Kerstin Emhoff Shows Support at DNC
Kerstin Emhoff, the ex-wife of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, is attending the night one of the DNC. She posted to Instagram a photo of herself in front of the crowd, saying "so excited for this week."
Kerstin is a film producer. She married Doug in 1992, and the couple had two children, Cole and Ella. The two divorced after 16 years of marriage.
She is now the founder and CEO of the L.A. production company Prettybird, and by all accounts, maintains a close relationship with her ex-husband.
Kerstin has recently defended Harris against sexist comments about the vice president not having any biological children of her own.
"These are baseless attacks. For over 10 years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I," she said in a statement. "She is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective, and always present. I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it."
Read more about the Emhoff family from Newsweek's Monica Sager.
Aug 19, 2024 at 10:45 PM EDT
Mark Kelly Attends DNC
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly is seen posing for pictures with an attendee on the first night of the DNC at the United Center in Chicago.
Kelly was previously considered a top contender for Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.
"I couldn't be more confident that Vice President Kamala Harris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future," Kelly wrote on X. "She has my support for the nomination, and Gabby and I will do everything we can to elect her President of the United States."
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Also in attendance tonight: Rep. Ilhan Omar.
She too endorsed Harris, writing on X: "thrilled to support Kamala Harris as our Democratic nominee and remain committed to working alongside her to defeat Donald Trump in November."
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Aug 19, 2024 at 10:35 PM EDT
‘Lock Him Up’
We have come full circle: a "Lock him up" chant briefly broke out on floor of the convention as Hillary Clinton delivered her speech. She gave a smile, but did not join in.
Aug 19, 2024 at 10:27 PM EDT
Steve Kerr Tells Trump ‘Night Night’
Golden State Warriors head coach and former Chicago Bull Steve Kerr returned to Chicago to deliver a speech on night one of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
"In the words of the great Steph Curry, we can tell Donald Trump, 'night, night,'" Kerr said, ending his speech.
Aug 19, 2024 at 10:18 PM EDT
Hillary Clinton Hands Baton to Kamala Harris: ‘The Future Is Here’
Hillary Clinton, the first woman nominated for president by a major American political party, passed that baton to Kamala Harris on the first night of the Democratic National Convention, endorsing the vice president and her goal to become the nation's first female head of state.
"Something is happening in America. You can feel it. Something that we've hoped and dreamed of for a long time," Clinton began her remarks in front of a packed house at Chicago's United Center.
"The future is here."
Read more from Newsweek's Katherine Fung.
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Aug 19, 2024 at 10:14 PM EDT
Donald Trump Would Sell US ‘For a Dollar,’ AOC Warns at the DNC
Democratic New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took a jab at former President Donald Trump during her speech on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, while highlighting Vice President Kamala Harris' promises to working class Americans.
"And Chicago, we have to help her win," Ocasio-Cortez said. "Because we know that Donald Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing the palms of his Wall Street friends."
Read more from Newsweek's Kaitlin Lewis.
Aug 19, 2024 at 09:55 PM EDT
Hillary Clinton Is Met With Cheers
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton takes the stage during Night 1 at the DNC. She is met with cheers.
"There's a lot of energy in this room, just like there is across the country," Clinton said. "Something is happening in America. You can feel it, something we've worked for a dreamed of for a long time."
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Aug 19, 2024 at 09:51 PM EDT
Harris’ Friends: Your Mom Would Be ‘So Proud’
Stacey Johnson-Batiste and Doris Johnson share stories of growing up with Vice President Kamala Harris.
"Kamala, your mom would be so proud of you," Doris ended the speech.
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Aug 19, 2024 at 09:50 PM EDT
AOC: “Kamala is For You”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez thanked Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden for their leadership. She discussed her own struggles as a working-class member.
"I know from that same cloth of hope and aspiration we will also elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz and president and vice president of America," Ocasio-Cortez said, calling Harris a "rare and special opportunity" of electing someone who "understands the middle class because she is from the middle class."
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Ocasio-Cortez spoke to Harris's work around reproductive health, price gauging and working toward a ceasefire in Gaza. She said "Kamala is for you" to seniors, immigrants and the working class.
"In Kamala Harris, I see a leader who understands. I see a leader with a real commitment to a better future for working families," Ocasio-Cortez said. "We will send a loud message that the people of this nation will not go back. We choose a new path and open the door to a new day, one that is for the people and by the people."
She said former President Donald Trump would sell out the country. She previously shared an article from Axios that notes a senior House Democrat said, "we've all resigned ourselves to a second Trump presidency." Ocasio-Cortez called for anyone who "feels this way" to retire to make room for those who will fight for the election.
"If you're a 'senior Democrat' that feels this way, you should absolutely retire and make space for true leadership that refuses to resign themselves to fascism," Ocasio-Cortez posted to X. "This kind of leadership is functionally useless to the American people. Retire."
Aug 19, 2024 at 09:46 PM EDT
Organizers Expected 30K DNC Protesters. On First Day, Far Fewer Showed Up
Hundreds of signs meant for protesters marching on the Democratic National Convention in Chicago were left piled on the ground, as organizers appeared to have greatly overestimated attendance for the main rally scheduled for the convention's opening day.
While the Chicago Police Department did arrest a handful of protesters after a segment of the security perimeter was breached, it was understood that organizers planned for over 30,000 people. It appeared only a few thousand showed up at Union Park.
Those behind the protest were seeking to highlight the divisions within the party over the Biden administration's support of Israel in its ongoing war in Gaza.
Read more from Newsweek's Dan Gooding.
Aug 19, 2024 at 09:43 PM EDT
Ella Emhoff in VIP Suite at DNC
Ella Emhoff, the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, is attending the first night of the DNC at the United Center in Chicago.
She is seen applauding and wearing the infamous camo Harris-Walz hat. The hat is on the Kamala Harris official store website and is sold for $40. The viral hat is American made and it was quickly sold out after its first debut.
According to a statement from the Harris-Walz campaign, within 24 hours of the hat's drop, the campaign sold out of their initial inventory and also received thousands of pre-orders for the hat, reaching nearly $1 million.
The hat went viral for its similarities with merch for pop star Chappell Roan, who has a camouflage hat with the phrase "Midwest Princess." The popularity with Roan sparked a meme with Gov. Tim Walz, who is from Missouri.
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Aug 19, 2024 at 09:39 PM EDT
Steve Kerr Returns to Chicago for DNC Speech
Basketball coach Steve Kerr took the stage at the DNC, recalling coaching the 2024 Olympic gold medal-winning team for Team USA in Paris. A few days later, the Golden State Warriors head coach was invited to a "different kind of arena."
"I know very well that speaking out about politics come with risks," Kerr explained. "But I also knew as soon as I was asked that it was too important as an American citizen not to speak up in an election of this magnitude."
Kerr, who used to play for the Bulls in Chicago, said that as a coach, player, father and grandfather, he believes in a "certain kind of leadership."
"I believe that leaders must display dignity," Kerr said. "I believe that leaders must tell the truth. I believe that leaders should be able to laugh at themselves. I believe that leaders must care for and love the people they are leading. I believe leaders must possess knowledge and expertise, but with a full awareness that none of us have all the answers."
Kerr said he sees these qualities in Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz.
Aug 19, 2024 at 09:29 PM EDT
AOC in Primetime
If you want a sense of how far Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has come within the Democratic Party, four years ago she was given 90 seconds at the virtual 2020 DNC to nominate Bernie Sanders. This year, she's doing a full 10 minutes in the middle of primetime.
Also notable that she was among the few heavy hitters in the party to publicly support Joe Biden in the weeks after his disastrous debate performance, and before he dropped out.
She's got the crowd at the United Center on its feet.
Aug 19, 2024 at 09:14 PM EDT
Watch: Harris Makes Surprise Appearance
Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on night one of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
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"I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden," Harris said. "Thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you."
Harris delivered brief remarks to an enthuastic crowd, delivering an optimistic message for the future.
"This November, we will come together and declare with one voice... we are moving forward, with optimism, hope, and faith."
Harris will travel from Chicago to Milwaukee tomorrow with her running mate Gov. Tim Walz to visit the Fiserv Forum, where the RNC was held last month.
Aug 19, 2024 at 09:12 PM EDT
Spike Lee Attends Opening Night
Filmmaker Spike Lee attends the first night of the DNC. Lee previously endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
"Once again a sista comes to da rescue," the director wrote on his Instagram account.
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Aug 19, 2024 at 09:11 PM EDT
Beyonce Alert
That voice you hear in this video is indeed that of Beyonce, who lent the Harris campaign the rights to her song "Freedom" for the campaign. We don't know whether Bey will show up for the convention or make a formal endorsement in the race, as she and her husband, Jay-Z, have in the past.
Aug 19, 2024 at 09:08 PM EDT
McMorrow Holds Giant Copy of Project 2025
Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow brought out a giant copy of Project 2025 as she took the DNC stage, calling the document the "Republican blueprint" for a second Trump term.
"They [Republicans] went ahead and wrote down all the extreme things that Donald Trump wants to do in the next four years... and then they just tweeted it out," McMorrow said.
Aug 19, 2024 at 09:02 PM EDT
Tim Walz Arrives to DNC
Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz has arrived to the Democratic National Convention ahead of President Joe Biden's remarks Monday night.
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The Minnesota governor made a special surprise appearance at the DNC's LGBTQ Caucus in Chicago earlier Monday, urging mobilization for his and Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign.
"It's [about] voting for a better future," he said. "It's voting for kindness."
The Minnesota governor has been vocal about his support for the LGBTQIA+ community since he joined as Harris's running mate. He has pointed to contentions with conservatives on transgender-related issues.
"Let's make sure that people are free to live their lives as they choose and we mind our own damn business," he said.
Walz and Harris will travel from Chicago to Milwaukee tomorrow to visit the Fiserv Forum, where the RNC was held last month.
Walz is expected to accept his vice-presidential nomination on Wednesday and deliver remarks. Former President Bill Clinton is expected to introduce him.
Aug 19, 2024 at 08:59 PM EDT
Behind Schedule
Political conventions are, above all else, highly choreographed TV shows. The big broadcast networks only carry the event live for an hour, from 10-11 p.m. ET, so the idea is to cram all the big speeches into that hour for maximum visibility. We could be a problem, given that the program appears to be running at least 15 minutes behind schedule.
There are also still big crowds of ticketed attendees waiting to get inside the United Center at this late hour — at least partially due to the heavy security surrounding the arena.
Aug 19, 2024 at 08:50 PM EDT
Schumer Received ‘Hundreds’ of Calls for Biden to Step Down
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he received calls from "hundreds" of people that President Joe Biden should step down following the presidential debate in June, according to the Associated Press.
Schumer reportedly was one of the many politicians to have made a case for Biden to end his 2024 presidential campaign. His office, however, put out a statement and called the reporting "idle speculation."
"Leader Schumer conveyed the views of his caucus directly to President Biden," the statement read.
Aug 19, 2024 at 08:46 PM EDT
What to Expect This Week
What's the tone going into the 2024 Democratic National Convention?
Newsweek's H. Alan Scott is joined by editors Jenni Fink and Jason Lemon to discuss what to expect from the Democratic party this week.
Aug 19, 2024 at 08:34 PM EDT
Singer Mickey Guyton Performs
Country singer Mickey Guyton sings her song "All American," featuring lyrics about how "we're different in a million ways," but still together.
Aug 19, 2024 at 08:31 PM EDT
LA Mayor Karen Bass Takes the Stage
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised Vice President Kamala Harris as she took the stage.
"When Kamala meets a young person, you can feel her passion, you can feel her heart and you can feel her fearlessness," Bass said. "That is what defines a commitment to children, being willing to fight fiercely for every child."
Harris previously served as San Francisco's district attorney and as California attorney general.
Aug 19, 2024 at 08:17 PM EDT
Where’s Sean O’Brien?
One very notable absence among the union leaders on stage: Sean O'Brien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the country's biggest and most diverse union.
O'Brien delivered a speech in support of former President Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention, which could very well explain it.
The teamsters told Newsweek they "have not received a response to our request for a speaking opportunity at the DNC."
Aug 19, 2024 at 08:11 PM EDT
Union Leaders Take the Stage
Lee Saunders, the president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were able to bring back the economy and put unions back to work "within weeks" of their time in the White House.
Representatives of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Service Employees International Union, Laborers' International Union of North America, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Communications Workers of America, and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations are among those in attendance.
"Every step of the way, Kamala Harris has been there for us," said Kenneth Cooper, the international president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. "She has come through for all of us and it is our turn to come through for her."
Aug 19, 2024 at 08:10 PM EDT
More DNC Outfits
More outfits from the DNC support abortion rights and sparkle red, white and blue.
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Aug 19, 2024 at 08:06 PM EDT
First JD Vance Mention of the Night
Rep. Joyce Beatty criticized her fellow member of Congress from Ohio, Sen. JD Vance, saying he has done "nothing" for the middle class he claims to represent.
"JD Vance likes to talk about how he's from Ohio but as soon as he could he ran away to Yale and Silicon Valley, cozying up with billionaires while trashing our communities," Beatty said of Vance, now former President Donald Trump's running mate. "JD has been our senators for 18 months and what has he done for hard working Americans? Nothing."
Aug 19, 2024 at 08:03 PM EDT
Protest Gets Bloody
A protester is treated after getting into an altercation with another protester after a rally during the Democratic National Convention
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Aug 19, 2024 at 08:00 PM EDT
Republicans for Harris Video
The DNC is sharing a video featuring Rich Logis, who previously voted for former President Donald Trump. Logis now works with the Republicans for Harris.
Read more from Newsweek's Monica Sager.
Aug 19, 2024 at 08:00 PM EDT
Trump: Harris’ Nomination ‘Not Fair’
Former President Donald Trump denounced Vice President Kamala Harris' nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate as "not fair," escalating his rhetoric as new polls show Harris gaining substantial ground in key battleground states.
In a fiery statement on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused the Democratic Party of staging "the first ever 'coup' in America."
"It's not fair, perhaps even another form of election interference," Trump wrote.
Read more from Newsweek's Adeola Adeosun.
Aug 19, 2024 at 07:59 PM EDT
Rep. Underwood: Trump Turned Covid ‘Crisis’ Into ‘Catastrophe’
Registered nurse and Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood slammed former President Donald Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"He took the Covid crisis and turned it into a catastrophe," Underwood said. "We can never let him be our president again."
Aug 19, 2024 at 07:58 PM EDT
Taylor Swift Represented on Convention Floor
Mississippi delegate and Taylor Swift fan Kelly Jacobs wears a hat that reads "Swiftie" and a shirt featuring Swift with the words "make a blue wave."
This comes on the heels of former President Donald Trump sharing a series of images on Truth Social Sunday that suggested the country singer and a group of her followers called "Swifties for Trump" had endorsed him ahead of the presidential election on November 5. He wrote in the caption, "I accept!"
Many of the images, including one of the singer-songwriter dressed as Uncle Sam with the caption "Taylor Swift Wants You To Vote For Donald Trump," appear to have been generated by artificial intelligence.
Read more from Newsweek's Lottie McGrath: Is 'Swifties for Trump' Real? What We Know
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Aug 19, 2024 at 07:57 PM EDT
Trump Counterprogramming DNC
It's typical during these conventions that the nominee of the other party lay low for the duration, giving the opposition its moment in the sun. That's not exactly what we're expecting from the Trump camp this week. The former president and his running mate, JD Vance, have a full campaign schedule during the four days of the DNC, hitting several swing states while the Democrats are in Chicago.
Trump also made some news in an interview with Reuters today, saying he would consider offering a cabinet post in his administration to Elon Musk.
Musk, for his part, has been unusually quiet tonight on X, the social platform he owns.
Aug 19, 2024 at 07:55 PM EDT
Watch: Democrats Honor Rev. Jesse Jackson
Democrats paid tribute to civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson during the opening night of the Democratic National Convention. Jackson was greeted with a loud, standing ovation as he entered the stage alongside Rev. Al Sharpton.
Aug 19, 2024 at 07:42 PM EDT
Lots of Empty Seats Inside United Center
Many former President Donald Trump supporters are posting to social media, sharing how the DNC is not filled with spectators. Overhead photos show many empty seats as the first night is well underway.
Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign trolled Trump last week with a video of empty seats at his recent rally in Montana.
Read more from Newsweek's Rachel Dobkin.
Aug 19, 2024 at 07:34 PM EDT
Four Protesters Arrested After Fench Breach
At least four people were arrested after breaching a security fence near the United Center Monday, Chicago police said.
"Demonstrators breached a portion of anti-scale fencing along the Democratic National Convention's outer perimeter," the DNC Public Safety Joint Information Center said in a statement. "At no point was the inner perimeter breached, and there was no threat to any protectees."
Newsweek reporter Isaiah Reynold reported that riot police have arrived to remove remaining protestors.
Aug 19, 2024 at 07:22 PM EDT
The DNC unanimously accepted the agenda for Gov. Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris to accept their nominations later in the week at the convention in Chicago.
Aug 19, 2024 at 07:12 PM EDT
Johnson: “Here to Do His Black Job”
Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP, said he is "here to do his Black job," referring to former President Donald Trump's comments in an interview with the National Association of Black Journalists.
"We must all understand Black history is American history," Johnson said. "In this historic moment, we will write the next chapter together."
Aug 19, 2024 at 07:11 PM EDT
Rep. Maxine Waters Makes DNC Appearance
California Rep. Maxine Waters makes an appearance at the DNC. In her remarks, the congresswoman shared about Fannie Lou Hamer and her demand for the right to vote.
"She didn't get the outcome she was hoping for in Atlantic City," Waters said. "Now here we are 60 years later, with Kamala Harris as our party's nominee. I know there is no better leader to marshal us into the future."
Aug 19, 2024 at 07:07 PM EDT
Chicago Mayor: “Kamala, She’s Got Us”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson praised Vice President Kamala Harris as he took the stage for opening night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
"Kamala, she's got us," Johnson said. "Together we can build a better brighter future and there's no better place to start that than the greatest frickin city in the world, the city of Chicago."
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Aug 19, 2024 at 06:59 PM EDT
Photos: Take a Look Inside Night 1
Aug 19, 2024 at 06:41 PM EDT
First Night of DNC Begins
Minyon Moore, the chair of the 2024 DNC committee, and Jaime Harrison, the chairman of the DNC, have called the first night of the Democratic National Convention to order in Chicago.
The night is off to a start with Zach Pahmahmie, the tribal council vice chair of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and Lorrie Melchoir, the secretary, sharing a land acknowledgement.
The Illinois State Police Honor Guard are presenting the colors, and William Harrison, 9, and Charles Harrison, 5, are signing the Pledge of Allegiance.
Watch live below:
Aug 19, 2024 at 06:34 PM EDT
Steve Kerr to Speak Tonight
Punchbowl News reporter Andrew Desiderio wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is speaking at the DNC tonight. He was not on the original list of speakers for Monday's event.
Kerr was also the 2024 Olympic gold medal-winning coach for USA. Team USA men's basketball star Stephen Curry and Kerr backed Vice President Kamala Harris for president while talking to reporters a few weeks ago.
"Kamala Harris is a great candidate and I will support her," Kerr said.
Harris, a longtime Warriors fan, met with Team USA while they were training in Las Vegas.
"I have been a Warriors fan all my life," Harris previously said. "This team has been a constant source of joy and pride, for me and for so many of us. Doug and I, the first second gentleman of the United States, together with our family who are here, have watched this team on television and in person."
Aug 19, 2024 at 06:29 PM EDT
Protesters Breach Fence
It appears in videos on social media that at least part of one of the security perimeters around the United Center has been breached.
The Chicago Police Department told Newsweek that "law enforcement personnel are currently on-scene and more information will be provided when available."
Earlier Monday, Chicago PD posted to Facebook that they had spoken with the organizers "throughout the route to successfully secure the area and demonstrators."
Aug 19, 2024 at 06:24 PM EDT
Protesters Tell Newsweek Who They’re Voting For
Newsweek asked some of the protesters gathered at Chicago's Union Park on Monday who they will be voting for in November's presidential election.
Here's what they told us.
Aug 19, 2024 at 06:12 PM EDT
Does Kamala Make an Appearance?
The chatter on cable news is that Kamala Harris will make a brief appearance tonight, which would not be unusual. The candidate often shows up ahead of the final night to juice the crowd. It was somewhat unusual last month when Donald Trump stuck around to watch the full four days of programming at the RNC.
Aug 19, 2024 at 06:02 PM EDT
Conservative Former Judge Endorses Harris
J. Michael Luttig, a retired Republican federal appeals court judge, announced that he is endorsing Kamala Harris, citing concerns over former President Donald Trump's candidacy.
"I will unhesitatingly vote for the Democratic Party's candidate for President, Vice President Kamala Harris," Luttig said in a message published by CNN on Monday.
Read more from Newsweek's Jesus Mesa.
Aug 19, 2024 at 05:55 PM EDT
Trump to Hold Press Conference in Chicago
The Trump campaign just announced a press conference in Chicago on Tuesday, the second day of the DNC, to "Make America Safe Again."
The campaign said its allies, specifically Rep. Byron Donalds, will "call out Kamala Harris' weak, failed record as vice president and dangerously liberal agenda from the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago."
The event is set to take place at 11 a.m. EST tomorrow.
"While Kamala Harris wants to walk back her record of putting criminals first and law enforcement last, she has repeatedly supported gutting law enforcement budgets while releasing violent criminals and rioters back into our communities," the campaign read.
Aug 19, 2024 at 05:44 PM EDT
Protesters March to DNC
Protesters marched to the Democratic National Convention at the United Center after holding a rally at Union Park earlier Monday. Some are holding flags, other demonstrators are painted in red, green, white and black. There are signs reading "stop the genocide" and "end U.S. aid to Israel."
Vice President Kamala Harris has heard chants of "Kamala, Kamala you can't hide! We won't vote for genocide" from some sections of her rallies.
The march stopped for a second round of speeches, just north of the United Center.
Aug 19, 2024 at 05:26 PM EDT
New Presidential Chopper Unveiled
If you look closely, you might notice that the helicopter that carried President Biden to the DNC on Monday looks a little different than the ones that have ferried him and past presidents. The White House says this is the first time the new Sikorsky VH-92A Patriot has been used as Marine One (the name for the military chopper when it has the president on board). The new model is said to be roomier for passengers.
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Aug 19, 2024 at 05:20 PM EDT
Jill Biden Does a Walkthrough of DNC Stage
First lady Jill Biden does a stage check ahead of the opening of the 2024 Democratic National Convention at Chicago's United Center. The first lady is among a long list of speakers scheduled for Monday night; she is set to address the crowd just before President Joe Biden.
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Aug 19, 2024 at 04:59 PM EDT
DNC Performers: Here’s the Musicians Set to Take the Stage
Singer-songwriter James Taylor, country singer Mickey Guyton, and folk/Americana star Jason Isbell will perform at the Democratic National Convention on Monday.
READ MORE from Newsweek's Erin Keller.
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Aug 19, 2024 at 04:58 PM EDT
Photos: President Joe Biden Rehearses DNC Speech
Aug 19, 2024 at 04:54 PM EDT
Biden says he’s ready to pass the torch
President Biden says he's ready to hand off leadership of his party to Vice President Harris.
Asked by reporters if he was ready to pass the torch, Biden responded, "I am."
-- The Associated Press
Aug 19, 2024 at 04:52 PM EDT
Police Block Near United Center
Police blockade along the march route near the United Center.
Aug 19, 2024 at 04:49 PM EDT
Biden arrives at the DNC
The president is doing a walkthrough at the United Center in Chicago ahead of his keynote speech this evening.
During his remarks on the event's opening night, he's expected to hand off leadership of his party to Vice President Harris
-- The Associated Press
Aug 19, 2024 at 04:36 PM EDT
Crowd Moves from Union Park to United Center
The crowd is preparing to march from Union Park to the United Center, where the DNC is taking place.
Aug 19, 2024 at 04:32 PM EDT
Trump closes Pennsylvania campaign event with jabs toward Harris
In his visit to a factory plant in York, Pennsylvania, Trump mostly stuck to the script, as he talked to workers and business people about his proposals to boost energy production. But toward the end he veered back to personal attacks against Harris that had more to do with her father's work.
"Her father is a Marxist professor," Trump said, before questioning what Democrats were thinking when uniting behind Harris.
"I wonder if they knew where she comes from, where she came from, what her ideology is," he said.
He took issue with Harris and her allies calling him and his running mate JD Vance "weird."
"I think we're extremely normal people," he said.
-- The Associated Press
Aug 19, 2024 at 04:23 PM EDT
Protesters calling for ceasefire between Israel and Hamas march toward DNC site
Thousands of activists calling for ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war have begun their march towards the United Center, where the Democratic National Convention is taking place.
The activists are participating in the Coalition to March on the DNC, an alliance of over 200 organizations. The activists waved Palestinian flags while chants and drumbeats reverberated through the crowd.
The route is approximately a mile long and will conclude at a park near the arena. Police have lined the streets where the march is taking place.
-- The Associated Press
Aug 19, 2024 at 04:22 PM EDT
Bill Clinton’s 78th Birthday
Former President Bill Clinton will celebrate his birthday at the Democratic National Convention, where his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is scheduled to take the stage on Monday night in Chicago.
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Aug 19, 2024 at 04:16 PM EDT
Democratic state legislators say they are more confident with Harris as party’s presidential nominee
Democrats in state houses are feeling more confident about their chances of defending their control of state legislative chambers and potentially flipping some chambers in November's elections with Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket.
"We now have energy and excitement that is at a greater level than it has been," said Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, which works to elect Democrats to state legislatures. "Our battleground states align really nicely with key presidential battlegrounds. I think in places like Michigan and Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and Arizona there's good overlap."
Williams said that the Harris campaign had also brought in a new wave of volunteers who could also aid candidates campaigning for local and state office. She added that the DLCC is focused on tailoring Democrats' national message on issues like abortion, inflation and climate to specific, local interests.
Williams also said that the DLCC candidates running are often more women and people of color than in previous years. Taken together, state and local Democrats are hoping newfound energy within the party that's on display in Chicago redounds to their races.
"I think that is our challenge: making sure that people feel good and educated and ready to vote down ballot," Williams said.
-- The Associated Press
Aug 19, 2024 at 04:09 PM EDT
WATCH: Day 1 Live on YouTube
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:59 PM EDT
WATCH: Pro-Palestine Protests Begin Ahead of DNC Despite Democrats Feeling ‘Good’
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:57 PM EDT
How To Watch Democratic National Convention
Viewers can watch the event both on television and through streaming platforms from home.
Network and cable channels including ABC, CBS, CNN, C-SPAN, Fox, NBC, MSNBC, PBS, Spectrum News and more will all broadcast coverage of the events. The conventions run all day, but TV coverage mainly highlights the primetime speeches and earlier events, with commentary from anchors and analysts in between.
In addition to TV streamers like Hulu Live TV and YouTube TV, streaming platforms such as Paramount Plus, Peacock, and Max, as well as news channels and publication websites, will broadcast the events.
Additionally, several live streams are available on YouTube and X, including those from official DNC channels.
The main programming will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:56 PM EDT
DNC Night 1 Performers Revealed
Singer-songwriter James Taylor, country singer Mickey Guyton, and folk/Americana star Jason Isbell will perform at the DNC on Monday, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:47 PM EDT
Indiana Rabbi Nachum Yehuda Joins Pro-Palestinian Rally, Criticizes Zionism
"Zionism is a political nationalism. Judaism is a religion which is a subservience and a belief in God and nothing else."
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:44 PM EDT
DNC Celebrity Hosts: See Who’s Taking the Stage Each Night
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) will feature a lineup of big-name celebrity guests, with Tony Goldwyn, Ana Navarro, Mindy Kaling, and Kerry Washington as the official hosts for the event, which kicks off on Monday in Chicago.
Each of these stars is set to host one night of the four-day event, organizers confirmed to Newsweek. They will begin the evening with opening remarks and continue to appear throughout the night, guiding the proceedings much like an awards show emcee.
READ MORE from Newsweek's Jesus Mesa
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:40 PM EDT
Biden’s daughter Ashley will introduce him before his DNC speech Monday night
The speech, which will follow remarks by first lady Jill Biden, is expected to serve as a sort of political farewell for the president, who abandoned his bid for a second term amid concerns about his age.
The rest of the speaking program, which is scheduled to last about five hours, will include a mix of Democratic Party stars and union leaders. Rep. James Clyburn and Sen. Chris Coons, two of Biden's closest allies, are slated to deliver remarks. So is Hillary Clinton, the former first lady and secretary of state who fell short in her own campaign for president.
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain will make a solo appearance while other labor chiefs will share the stage earlier in the evening.
As with any convention, there's the potential for lesser known politicians to seize their speaking slot to make a name for themselves. The line up includes California Rep. Robert Garcia, Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, New York Rep. Grace Meng and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
-- The Associated Press
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:32 PM EDT
On Air Force One Headed to the DNC
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Chicago that President Joe Biden "looks forward to addressing his party and the nation" as DNC's keynote speaker Monday evening.
"He's going to make the case of the moment that we're in," she said. "This is a fulfilling moment for him."
-- The Associated Press
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:28 PM EDT
WATCH: Protester At Chicago Union Park Explains March for DNC’s Demand
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:21 PM EDT
Kamala Harris to the DNC
Kamala Harris is headed to the Democratic National Convention, where she'll formally accept the party's nomination.
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:17 PM EDT
Protesters Gather in Union Park Ahead of a Planned March
Protesters gathered in Union Park as a series of speakers addressed the crowd Monday afternoon ahead of a planned march.
In between chants of "free free Palestine" and "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," protest leaders condemned American politicians across the political spectrum and listed their demands.
"The leading Democrats say a lot of nice words about the communities who helped them get elected," organizer Kobi Guillory yelled into a microphone. "But they prove through their actions that they serve the same corporate interests as the Republicans."
Andrew Josefchak told the crowd their movement must continue growing and building upon the momentum from widespread protests on college campuses in the spring.
"We should not have to choose whose lives we value in an election. And taking a stand against genocide should not be treated like a fringe issue, and we are going to make sure it is not treated like a fringe issue," he said. "Some people think social change is made by delegates in the DNC, but in reality it is made by us and it is made in the streets."
"We make it clear that we will not be casting any ballots for anybody who oversees the genocide, the indiscriminate murder of Palestinian children, families and futures," Sara Mahmoud with the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression told the group of protesters.
-- The Associated Press
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:15 PM EDT
Counter Protesters
Israeli protesters gather at Union Park ahead of a march to the Democratic National Convention.
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Aug 19, 2024 at 03:08 PM EDT
HAPPENING NOW: The March on the DNC
"They have made empty promises and continue to perpetuate violence against Black and brown communities in the U.S., while funding and fueling Israel's U.S. – backed genocide in Palestine."
A post shared by US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (@uscpr)
Aug 19, 2024 at 03:00 PM EDT
Frank Sinatra’s Daughter Offers Kamala Harris Campaign Her Famous Song
Nancy Sinatra, daughter of legendary singer Frank Sinatra, has made an offer to Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign.
Sinatra publicly proposed on social media that her iconic 1966 hit song, These Boots Are Made for Walkin', be used in Harris' presidential campaign.
Sinatra, 83, reached out directly to Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Jaime Harrison on X, formerly Twitter, saying, "Some of my Twitter friends and I are wondering if @KamalaHarris would be interested in using my song, These Boots are Made for Walking, during the campaign. I would be honored and thrilled if she would. It would be a slam dunk for her and the DNC."
READ MORE from Newsweek's Adeola Adeosun
Aug 19, 2024 at 02:57 PM EDT
Chicago Businesses Board Up Ahead of Potentially Violent DNC Protesters
Businesses in downtown Chicago, such as The Garland Building and Staples, boarded up in preparation for the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Newsweek reached out to Chicago Board Up Services and The Garland Building to determine whether the boarding up of businesses is purely precautionary or if there is a concern about potential violent protests. They have not yet responded.
Newsweek also contacted the Staples on North Wabash Avenue, however, they were not able to make a comment.
Activists began assembling in Chicago for protests outside the Democratic National Convention, aiming to spotlight issues like economic injustice, reproductive rights, and the war in Gaza. Many agree that advocating for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war is the primary focus of the demonstrations. They compare it to the Vietnam War of their generation.
READ MORE from Newsweek's Courtney McGinley
Aug 19, 2024 at 02:50 PM EDT
Photos From March On DNC
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Aug 19, 2024 at 02:39 PM EDT
DNC Night 1 Host Tony Goldwyn Completes Mic Check
Aug 19, 2024 at 02:27 PM EDT
Bidens Head To Chicago
Aug 19, 2024 at 02:17 PM EDT
Video: Actor Mark Hamill At DNC in Chicago
Aug 19, 2024 at 02:15 PM EDT
Live Performer Takes March On DNC Stage
Aug 19, 2024 at 02:07 PM EDT
Chicago Police On DNC Protesters: ‘We Will Not Tolerate Violence’
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling praised police and march organizers for a peaceful Sunday night protest that he said went off without any problems.
He said officers stood ready to ensure the demonstrations stay peaceful throughout the week. "The Chicago Police Department is here to protect everyone in this city," Snelling said. "What we will not tolerate is intimidation. We we will not tolerate violence."
Aug 19, 2024 at 02:03 PM EDT
Protest in Chicago’s Union Park
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Aug 19, 2024 at 02:00 PM EDT
NAAPR Frank Chapman Speaks Out
Executive Director of the NAAPR Frank Chapman, Jr takes the stage.
"We say, end the genocide now, stop all aid to Israel and keep on fighting back until we get what we want. Because you may not get all you fight for, but you gotta fight for all you get to."
Aug 19, 2024 at 01:58 PM EDT
March on DNC Opens with NAAPR and Palestinian Community Speakers
"We make it clear that we will not be casting any ballots for anybody who oversees the genocide, the indiscriminate murder of palestinian children, families and futures" said Sarah Mahmoud, NAAPR member from Florida said during opening speeches
Aug 19, 2024 at 01:50 PM EDT
More Protests In Chicago
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