Support truly
independent journalism

Find out more

Close

Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.

Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.

Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.

Louise Thomas

Editor

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is underway at the United Center in Chicago, with some of the party’s heavyweights slated to headline the four-day gathering between August 19-22

While the DNC is first and foremost a presidential nominating convention, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz are already officially on the party’s ticket after a five-day round of online voting from delegates wrapped on August 5.

As many as 50,000 visitors have since descended on the Steven Spielberg-coordinated convention in the Windy City, including 5,000 delegates from 50 states and territories, plus 15,000 members of the media and tens of thousands of guests.

The convention has been organized around four distinct themes, one for each day: Monday’s was “For the People”, examining the Biden administration’s accomplishments in the White House and how a future Harris Cabinet could continue its work, Tuesday’s is “A Bold Vision for America’s Future”, Wednesday’s will be “A Fight for Our Freedoms” and Thursday’s will be “For Our Future”.

Here is what we know about who’s speaking when.

Monday

President Joe Biden headlined opening night and received a rapturous reception from delegates and a four-minute ovation on a highly emotional evening.

Introduced by First Lady Dr Jill Biden and his daughter Ashley Biden, the commander-in-chief, 81, ran through his accomplishments in the White House, from the Covid-19 recovery, the economy, healthcare and infrastructure, before making a forceful case against Donald Trump.

Denying that he was angry about having to step away from pursuing a second term after his disastrous debate performance against Trump on June 27, Biden explained: “I love my job, but I love my country more.”

Also speaking was Hillary Clinton, the former first lady, secretary of state who was the party’s 2016 presidential nominee, who was met with ironic chants of “Lock him up!” when she mentioned Trump and spoke of her desire to see the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” smashed with the election of a first female American president.

“This is when we break through,” she said. “The future is here.”

Delegates also heard from representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jim Clyburn, Jasmine Crockett, Robert Garcia, Grace Meng and Jamie Raskin, senators Raphael Warnock and Chris Coons, governors Andy Beshear and Kathy Hochul, Democratic National Committee  chair Jaime Harrison and United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain.

Tuesday

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are each set to deliver separate speeches on Tuesday August 20.

The Obamas first endorsed Harris four days after Biden’s departure on July 26, news delivered in a phone call that was filmed and went viral when posted by Harris’s campaign team on X.

They said Harris possesses the “strength that this critical moment demands”.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker are also due to speak on Tuesday.

Wednesday

As is customary, Harris’s running mate will take to the podium on day three: August 21.

Tim Walz will formally accept the party’s nomination just 15 days after he was unveiled as Harris’s pick.

The day’s other high-profile speakers will include 42nd president Bill Clinton, former House speaker Nancy Pelosi and transport secretary and former Harris VP hopeful Pete Buttigieg.

Thursday

As is tradition, Kamala Harris will wrap up the final day of the convention on Thursday night as she formally accepts the nomination to be the Democratic party’s 2024 presidential candidate.

In addition to Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries are also expected to speak, as is former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger.

How to watch

Read More