Updated as of 6:58 p.m. on Aug. 21 to include video of main programming speakers.
2:21 a.m.
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama closed out day two of the DNC with messages of hope for the future of the nation.
“Hope is making a comeback,” said Michelle as she expressed her encouragement of Vice President Kamala Harris and warned of the long road ahead. “She is one of the most qualified people to ever seek the office of president.”
The Obamas warned that the fight would not be easy, but Democratic goals can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
“If we each do our part over the next 77 days, if we knock on doors, if we make phone calls, if we talk to our friends, if we listen to our neighbors, if we work like we’ve never worked before, if we hold firm to our convictions, we will elect Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States and Tim Walz as the next Vice President of the United States,” Barack said.
Other notable speakers of the evening included Senators Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer and Tammy Duckworth.
11:35 p.m.
Former Trump White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham and Mesa, Arizona, Mayor — and self-proclaimed “lifelong Republican — John Giles made remarks this evening at the Democratic National Convention.
Their goal: sending a message that this election transcends party lines.
“I love my country more than my party,” Grisham said in her remarks against her former boss. She resigned in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 insurrection and has publicly disagreed with Trump since.
Grisham expressed her pride in casting a vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, who she believes will “defend our freedoms and represent our nation with honesty and integrity.”
Giles remarked on the discrepancies between the Republican Party of today and “John McCain’s Republican Party,” which he described as “gone.”
Republican mayor of Mesa, Arizona John Giles speaks on Aug. 20 at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Former President Donald Trump “couldn’t deliver," Giles said in his remarks.
And during the past four years, Giles said he feels the Biden Administration “reached across the aisle, and they delivered.”
“I feel more at home here than in my own party,” Giles said.
8:11 p.m.
Delegates from each state are announcing their nominations for Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate for this November.
4:15 p.m.
On the second day of the Democratic National Convention, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was welcomed to the Women’s Caucus with “coach” chants.
Walz credited his success in office because of the women he works with everyday.
“I surround myself with competent women,” Walz said.
Walz went on to describe Vice President Kamala Harris — who is currently campaigning to be the first-ever female president of the U.S. — as “a leader of decency, of vision, of compassion.”
“You go with us, and we’re gonna be there for your family,” Walz said. “You go with us, we’ll help your kids get fed, you go with us, we’ll get you an education, you go with us, we’ll leave you alone to make your own decisions.”
A group of pro-Palestine protesters attempted to interrupt Walz, holding up banners while chanting, “Stop killing women in Gaza.” The chants were drowned out by other attendees chanting “USA” attempting to silence the protesters. Despite their efforts, the protestors were removed from the caucus.
12:54 p.m.
As the Democratic National Convention gathers to do something never-before done — elect a woman as President of the United States — hundreds of women came together for day one of the Women’s Caucus. The caucus is a space for women to gather, celebrate progress and prepare for the future.
“We’re here to celebrate all our women pioneers throughout the years,” 10-year-old DJ Lily Jade Goodwin (@thelilyjadeshow) said as she showed off her skills to the delegates and guests entering the event.
The caucus aims to celebrate and empower women of all ages, including Goodwin, who posted a video to her Instagram this morning. As she stood behind a podium onstage, she stated that her first act as President of the United States would be “no homework.”
11:09 a.m.
During a press briefing on Tuesday morning, Harris-Walz Communications Director Michael Tyler emphasized that the Harris-Walz campaign is focused on actively earning votes rather than expecting them.
“We’re not taking a single vote or a single community for granted,” Tyler said.
Today, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are set to campaign in Milwaukee, just an hour and a half away from the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago.
U.S. California Rep. and Harris-Walz National Advisory Board Member Robert Garcia, speaking during the same briefing, highlighted the week’s focus on contrasting former President Donald Trump with Vice President Kamala Harris.
“It’s a convicted felon vs. a prosecutor who wants to move us forward,” Garcia said.
According to Alex Hornbrook, executive director of the Democratic National Convention Committee, the following individuals are expected to speak at the United Center later this evening:
- Sen. Bernie Sanders
- Sen. Tammy Duckworth
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker
- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
- Mayor John Giles
- Former President Barack Obama
- Former first lady Michelle Obama
- Second gentleman Doug Emhoff
Last evening there were scheduling conflicts which scrapped a planned performance by James Taylor and also pushed President Joe Biden’s speech outside of primetime. To address this, tonight’s activities will start earlier in the evening at 5:30 p.m. CST.
9:54 a.m.
Chicago, Ill. - As the Democratic National Convention transitions into its second day, the theme shifts from ‘For the People’ to ‘A Bold Vision for America’s Future.’
Today’s focus will spotlight the contrasting visions for the nation’s future, with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz presenting their forward-looking agenda in supposed contrast to former President Donald Trump.
The United Center will remain the hub of evening activities, featuring key speeches from former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Their addresses will seek to build on the momentum from day 1, which included impactful speeches from former U.S. Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and President Joe Biden.
In his address on Aug. 19, Biden reflected on the achievements of his administration and the progress made during his tenure. He also passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, expressing his optimism for the future.
“I’m more optimistic about the future now than I was when I was elected a 29-year-old senator,” Biden said.