Top line
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic candidacy as the first black woman to lead a major party’s presidential nomination in his opening remarks Monday at the start of the Democratic National Convention in his city. President Joe Biden will headline the first night of the event.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in … (+)
Key data
Johnson said Harris will “defeat the MAGA Republicans and move our country forward, not backward” and be an inspiration to black girls like his daughter, who, according to Johnson, under a Harris presidency “will not only see a reflection of themselves in the White House, but … will experience the deepest American values.”
Convention Chairman Minyon Moore and Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison opened the convention on Monday evening immediately before Johnson’s speech.
President Joe Biden is expected to speak later Monday along with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Democrats are also expected to adopt their 2024 platform sometime Monday night – a 92-page document written before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race that outlines a continuation of his policies.
When does Biden speak tonight?
The President will be the final keynote speaker of the evening, with his address scheduled to be delivered at 10 p.m. EDT. He will be introduced by his daughter, Ashley Biden.
What you should pay attention to
Vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is scheduled to speak on Wednesday, and Harris is expected to close the convention on Thursday.
Important background
Democrats come to Chicago this week with the party having gained new momentum from Harris’ candidacy since Biden dropped out of the race on July 21, less than a month after his disastrous June 27 debate performance effectively ended his campaign. More than 99% of Democratic delegates voted to nominate Harris and Walz in a virtual roll call earlier this month – a formality normally reserved for the convention – although delegates are also expected to hold a ceremonial vote this week.
More information
Here are the biggest DNC speakers – Bidens, Obamas, AOC and these Republicans (Forbes)
What to know about the Democratic National Convention starting tomorrow: Key speeches, protests and more (Forbes)
Polls on Trump vs. Harris 2024: Harris leads in 2 important polls – 6 points more than in 1 poll (Forbes)
