Democratic National Convention Lineup For Monday: Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Karen Bass And AOC Among Speakers
The highlight of tonight’s Democratic National Convention will be a speech by President Joe Biden in what is expected to be an emotional moment following his decision to step aside.
First Lady Jill Biden also is expected to make remarks, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also is in the lineup.
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Others who will speak include Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), UAW President Shawn Fain, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY). There also will be a focus on those who have been impacted by the state abortion bans.
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The theme of the night is “For the People.”
Biden’s speech is not a farewell, but will, like his campaign, highlight his accomplishments. There is a buzz that Vice President Kamala Harris will make an appearance, in a kind of “pass the torch” moment.
“I think it’s important for him to answer those age old questions of, ‘What have you done for me lately? Why bother to go out and vote?’ And so he has to remind people of the successes that the Biden Harris agenda had, the fact that so many people came out in historic numbers in the last election and put them in office,” Cedric Richmond, senior adviser for the DNC, said at a media briefing.
He added, “I think you will see a very proud president that, throughout his entire career, has always made sure that he was thinking about the people.”
Tony Goldwyn will serve as the host of the evening, and there will be a musical performance.
Other plans are still be worked out for the rest of the week.
“Some of the kinks are still being worked out, so I hope you will give us grace and patience,” said Minyon Moore, the convention chair.
The first major pro-Palestinian protest is expected to start at noon CT at Union Park, blocks away from the United Center. Security has been clearly stepped at the venue and at other convention locations.
On Sunday night, several hundred demonstrators marched down Michigan Avenue, surrounded by lines of Chicago Police Department officers on bicycles.
Later today, Republicans plan to counter with a press briefing at Trump International Hotel and Tower, featuring Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL). On Sunday, the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz names were projected on the side of the building, along with references to Project 2025 and other messages.