Topline
President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, are expected to be joined on stage Monday night by Vice President Kamala Harris on the first night of the Democratic National Convention, kicking off a series of appearances by high profile Democrats—and a few Republicans.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama participate in the unveiling of … [+]
Key Facts
The convention’s first day, themed “For the People,” will include one of the most high-profile appearances for the Bidens since the president dropped out of the race for re-election and lifted up his second-in-command to replace him.
Ashley Biden, Joe and Bill Biden’s daughter, will introduce her parents at the convention Monday.
Former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., will also speak opening night—when musician Jason Isbell is set to perform his song “Something More Than Free.”
Former Democratic president Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, are reportedly slated to speak Tuesday, the theme of which is “A Bold Vision for America’s Future,” alongside second gentleman Doug Emhoff.
Former President Bill Clinton will reportedly speak on Wednesday, the same evening vice presidential nominee Tim Walz delivers his candidate acceptance speech.
Harris will take the stage Thursday night, the last evening of the convention.
A group of four celebrities are each expected to host one night of the convention—actor Tony Goldwyn, Republican political commentator Ana Navarro, comedian Mindy Kaling and actress Kerry Washington will each host one evening, in that order.
On Wednesday, eight female Democratic governors will participate in a panel hosted by Emmy-winning “Veep” actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
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Who Else Is Speaking At The Dnc?
Other anticipated speakers expected to take the stage in Chicago this week include former President Jimmy Carter’s grandson Jason Carter, local politicians, cabinet members and high-profile members of the Senate and House. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will welcome Hillary Clinton and the Bidens on Monday, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is expected to welcome the Obamas and Emhoff Tuesday. Wednesday, the theme of which is “A Fight for Our Freedoms, will see Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi take the stage. When exactly Carter, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will speak is still unclear. Others expected to speak at some point include retired Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, a Capitol police officer injured during the Jan. 6 insurrection; Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas; and the “Tennesse Three,” state Reps. Justin Jones, Justin Pearson and Gloria Johnson.
What Republicans Are Scheduled To Speak At The Dnc?
Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger is expected to appear Thursday, according to CNN. Kinzinger, who did not seek reelection and left Congress in 2023 after voting to impeach Donald Trump in 2021, endorsed Biden for president earlier this year and is a member of the ‘Republicans for Harris’ group that announced their support of the vice president earlier this month. A speech from conservative commentator Rich Logis is scheduled to be broadcast at the convention Monday, according to NPR. Logis, a self-described “ex-MAGA activist,” is expected to endorse Harris after telling convention goers “I made a grave mistake. But it’s never too late to change your mind.” Navarro, who will host the second night of the DNC, is a conservative political commentator who rose to fame during the 2016 election for her criticism of Trump. Novarro said as recently as 2021 that she was still a member of the Republican party, but has been vocal in her disdain for its nominee. She has since endorsed Harris.
How Can Viewers Watch The Democratic National Convention?
C-SPAN will carry the entire convention, uninterrupted, for all four days and all major news networks will also carry some degree of special coverage, including ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, NBC and MSNBC. Some events will also be carried on the Democratic National Convention Youtube channel.
What Time Will Joe Biden Speak At The Dnc?
Exactly what time the Bidens will take the stage is still unclear, but keynote speeches are expected to begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT Monday and run until 11 p.m. The highest-profile speeches are typically scheduled toward the end of the night, during primetime on the East Coast.
Key Background
The Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago Monday through Thursday. Party conventions are usually the place for delegates to formally nominate their candidates for president and vice president—as Republicans did with Trump and JD Vance last month—but Democrats tapped Harris in a virtual roll call earlier this month. Instead, a ceremonial roll call will take place Tuesday. Harris was nominated early to avoid complications with an Ohio law that requires nominees to be confirmed at least 90 days before the election.