Barack Obama and Michelle Obama will address the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Tuesday night – shortly after state representatives jubilantly pledged their delegates for Kamala Harris.
Famous faces including Spike Lee, Lil Jon and Sean Astin joined representatives in pledging delegates, while DJ Cassidy provided state-appropriate tracks to hype up the crowds.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was the last to pledge his state’s 496 delegates, crowning Harris as the official Democratic presidential candidate.
Former president Obama is due to address the convention at 10pm, after his wife, second gentleman Doug Emhoff and Bernie Sanders.
On Monday, president Joe Biden delivered an emotional speech, in which he denied being angry with his party for pushing him to step aside from the 2024 race.
The president – introduced by First Lady Jill Biden and his daughter Ashley Biden – 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.
“I love my job, but I love my country more,” he said.
Delegates also heard from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Raphael Warnock, Andy Beshear, Jasmine Crockett and Jamie Raskin.
Key Points
- DNC day two livestream
- Who is speaking at the DNC today?
- Who is performing on day two of the Democratic convention?
- Barack and Michelle Obama to take stage at DNC today
- Police investigating after bomb threats at several Chicago hotels
JB Pritzker skewers Trump during DNC remarks: ‘take it from an actual billionaire'
03:00
Mike Bedigan
Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker took multiple swipes at Donald Trump and his wealth during his remarks at the DNC.
“Donald Trump thinks we should trust him on the economy because he claims to be very rich,” he said. “But take it from an actual billionaire, Trump is rich in only one thing... stupidity!”
Pritzker, an American businessman, politician, philanthropist, and attorney, is worth around $3.5 billion, according to Forbes.
He continued: “More than anything, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz want a country where we can all live with a little serenity... and if there’s one thing I know about Donald Trump, he’s not bringing anyone any kind of serenity.
“We have a choice America, between the man who left our country a total mess and the woman who has spent four years cleaning it up, and I think it’s time we stop expecting women to clean up messes without the the authority and the title to match the job!”
With a flouris, Pritzker concluded: “Vice president was a good title for Kamala Harris, but you know an even better one? President of the United States of America. Let’s go gettem!”
Watch: Kamala Harris makes second surprise appearance at DNC virtually from Milwaukee rally
02:50
Mike Bedigan
Sanders rails against the ‘radical agenda’ of Donald Trump and Project 2025
02:40
Mike Bedigan
In his remarks, Sanders railed against the “radical agenda” of Donald Trump and the controversial Project 2025 plan
“My friends, we won’t let that happen. Fellow Americans, in the last three-and-a-half years, working together, we have accomplished more than any government since FDR. But much, much more remains to be done,” he said.
“We must have the courage to stand up to wealth and power and deliver justice for people at home and abroad.”
Sanders called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.
“On November 5th, let us elect Kamala Harris as our president. And let us go forward to create the nation we know we can become.”
Bernie Sanders takes the stage at the DNC
02:33
Mike Bedigan
Bernie Sanders took to the DNC stage shortly before 8.30pm local time in Chicago. The Vermont Senator recapped the early achievements of the Biden-Harris adminstration in the face of multiple crises faced in the US.
“It’s an honor to be with you tonight as we lay the groundwork for Kamala Harris to become the next President of the United States,” he said.
“Remember where we were three-and-a-half years ago — in the midst of the worst public health crisis in 100 years, and the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
“3,000 Americans were dying every day as our hospitals were overwhelmed with Covid patients. All across the country, businesses were shutting down. Unemployment was soaring... People were being evicted from their homes... Children were going hungry.
“That was the reality the Biden-Harris Administration faced as they entered the Oval Office: a nation suffering — a nation frightened — and people looking to their government for support.
“And, within two months of taking office, our government DID respond.”
More pictures: The DNC in Chicago
02:30
Mike Bedigan
Harris campaign raises half a billion dollars in first four weeks
02:20
Mike Bedigan
Kamala Harris’ campaign has raised around $500 million since she entered the race four weeks ago, sources have told Reuters.
The sources described the milestone as an “unprecedented campaign cash haul” in such a short amount of time.
Gavin Newsom pushes Harris over the line
02:17
Mike Bedigan
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared the delegates for his state, the final tranche, officially crowning Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for president.
“Alright” and “Not Like Us” played while Newsom spoke.
Harris then gave brief remarks, in which she thanked attendees in Chicago, via video feed from Wisconsin, where she has been campaigning on Tuesday.
Walz's former student helps declare state of Minnesota for Harris
02:12
Mike Bedigan
One of Tim Walz’s former students, Hans Storvick, along with former NFL player John Randle, and senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar cast the votes for Minnesota.
Walz worked as a geography teacher and football coach at Mankato West High School in Minnesota, where his wife Gwen Walz is from.
He joined the school’s coaching staff as a defensive coordinator and helped the team won its first state championship in 1999.
As the votes for Minnesota were declared, DJ Cassidy played “1999” by Prince – a Minnesota native.
Spike Lee joins New York delegates at DNC as state backs Harris
02:05
Mike Bedigan
Watch: Rapper Lil Jon makes surprise appearance at DNC day two
02:00
Mike Bedigan
Former Planned Parenthood president declares Texas delegates for Harris
01:57
Mike Bedigan
Former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards is delivering the votes for Texas with Kate Cox, among several abortion patients who have sued the state over its expansive anti-abortion laws and restrictions on emergency care.
Read more abotu Cox’s own story here:
‘Tennessee Three’ lawmaker declares state for Harris
01:54
Mike Bedigan
Tennessee state representative Justin Pearson of Memphis, one of the “Tennessee Three” lawmakers who was expelled from the state legislature for joining gun control protests on the floor, delivered the votes for Harris, to the tune of Dolly Parton’s “Nine to Five.”
In pictures: The Democrat delegate roll call
01:51
Mike Bedigan
Josh Shapiro leads Pennsylvania in exuberant pledge for Harris and Walz
01:46
Mike Bedigan
Josh Shapiro led Pennsylvania representatives in an exuberant casting of state votes.
“Together Pennsylvania casts 178 votes for the next madam president of the United States, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” he said, to roars from the DNC crowd.
Pennsylvania was teed up by DJ Cassidy with Boyz II Men’s “Motown Philly” and then Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow.”
North Carolina’s delegates pledged by youngest state Democratic party chair
01:42
Mike Bedigan
North Carolina’s delegates were pledged by, Anderson Clayton, the youngest state Democratic party chair in the US.
Read more about Clayton here. Words by Ariana Baio.
“Cole and Ella here. We love you, Dad."
01:40
Mike Bedigan
Cole and Ella here. We love you, Dad. pic.twitter.com/9pE30PhKzy
— Doug Emhoff (@DouglasEmhoff) August 21, 2024
Spike Lee joins NY governor Kathy Hochul in pledging state delegates
01:37
Mike Bedigan
New York Governor Kathy Hochul was flanked by director Spike Lee and NY Attorney General Letitia James as she pledged her state’s delegates for Kamala Harris.
DJ Cassidy duly obliged by playing what has become New York City Mayor Eric Adams’s walk-out song for virtually every event: “New York Srate of Mind” as the delegates were pledged.
Large-scale mural of Kamala Harris painted outside DNC hall
01:30
Mike Bedigan
A large-scale mural of Vice President Kamala Harris has been painted on the United Center for the Democratic National Convention, in a show of support for her presidential campaign.
The mural, created by EMILYs List, will be on display throughout the duration of the DNC. The mural was carried out by Teamsters union members and Carpenters union members assembled and will disassemble the mural by the end of the week.
EMILYs List President Jessica Mackler said: “Vice President Kamala Harris is the best and most qualified candidate to lead this country.
“She is an accomplished and battled-tested leader, and a tireless advocate for our fundamental freedoms, including reproductive rights. EMILYs List has supported Harris from the beginning of her political career, endorsing her for each of her previous offices, and we could not be more excited and determined to help her make history as the next president of the United States.”
EMILYs List is the nation’s largest resource for women in politics and works to elect Democratic pro-choice women up and down the ballot and across the country.
Actor Wendell Pierce declares Louisiana for Harris
01:25
Mike Bedigan
The next famous face to appear in the roll call was actor Wendell Pierce who declared his home state of Louisiana for Kamala Harris.
Pierce is known for his performances as Bunk Moreland on The Wire and Antoine Batiste on Treme, and a New Orleans native from Gentilly’s Ponchartrain Park.
Watch: Democratic Party chair asked when Beyonce is performing...
01:25
Mike Bedigan
Alex Wagner tries to sneak a Beyoncé question to Democratic Party chair Jaime Harrison (and doesn't get a no!). pic.twitter.com/0GgEJLTLI9
— Alex Wagner Tonight (@WagnerTonight) August 20, 2024
DJ Cassidy: the man behind the wild musical roll call at the DNC
01:20
Mike Bedigan
Cassidy Durango Milton Willy Podell – known by his stage name of DJ Cassidy – is in charge of the musical backing for the roll call vote.
Podell has been doing this for a while having played a similar role at the 2012 Democratic convention in Charlotte for former President Barack Obama’s re-election.
Cassidy already had a long history with Obama, helping to coordinate music for the inaugural balls in 2009.
Watch: Trump calls supporters ‘basement dwellers’, claims former press sec Stephanie Grisham
01:15
Mike Bedigan
Lil Jon Turns Down for What?
01:07
Mike Bedigan
US rapper just gave a short rendition of his hit song Turn Down For What? as he helped the state of Georgia pledge their delegates to Kamala Harris.
Ok, that was pretty awesome!
Michigan Senator tells DNC that union members ‘will pay the price’ if Trump wins in November
01:05
Mike Bedigan
Senator Gary Peters of Michigan slammed Donald Trump and JD Vance, saying that if they win, union members “will pay the price.”
He added that their Project 2025 agenda is the “same old, same old – gut overtime pay, cut health care programs, and give billions in tax breaks to billionaires.”
“We cannot let that happen, and we will not let that happen,” Peters said.
The senator said he grew up in a “union household” with a father who worked as a teacher and a mother who was a nurse’s aide.
“Kamala Harris and Tim Walz grew up just like me, I know they will fight for all of us,” he said.
The Independent’s Alex Woodward notes:
Senator Peters had introduced retired Teamster Kenneth Stribling — a bit of contrast to Teamsters president Sean O’Brien speaking at the RNC. Rank-and-file Teamsters members have been invited to the DNC, but O’Brien didn’t get the invite after he was the first-ever union boss to address the RNC last month.
In his remarks, Stribling, wearing a signature satin Teamsters jacket, said that after his pension was reduced, his wife was battling cancer. Stribling said he promised her to “never quit until we made this right.” She died in 2019.
“As president, I know Kamala Harris will have our backs. She will fight for our retirement, Social Security and Medicare,” Stribling said.
Democrat ceremonial delegate roll call begins
Wednesday 21 August 2024 00:56
Mike Bedigan
The Democrats’ ceremonial delegate roll call has begun!
The roll call involves delegates from all states pledging themselves to a particular nominee who they wish to be the party candidate for president.
Kamala Harris already secured the requisite number of delegates to clinch the nomination on August 6 during a virtual roll call.
But this is fun...
Trump’s former White House press secretary speaks at Democratic convention
Wednesday 21 August 2024 00:55
Mike Bedigan
Donald Trump’s former White House press secretary spoke on the second night of the Democratic National Convention.
Stephanie Grisham, who held the role from July 2019 to April 2020, is one of several Republican figures invited to the convention in Chicago to denounce the “extremism” of the former president and his campaign.
Read more here:
Who is performing on day two of the Democratic convention?
Wednesday 21 August 2024 00:35
Mike Bedigan
The opening night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) saw performances from country singer Mickey Guyton and Americana artist Jason Isbell.
James Taylor had also been expected to perform but his set was reportedly cut due to time restraints after the show overran and it came time for President Joe Biden to take the stage.
Kevin EG Perry looks at who is expected to perform on night two:
Former Trump press secretary tells DNC former president has ‘no fidelity to the truth'
Wednesday 21 August 2024 00:25
Mike Bedigan
Donald Trump’s former White House press secretary-turned-nemesis told delegates at the DNC that she was now voting for Kamala Harris.
Stephanie Grisham, who held the role from July 2019 to April 2020, said the former president had “no empathy, no morals and no fidelity to the truth.”
“Behind closed doors Trump mocks his supporters, he calls them ‘basement dwellers’,” she said. “He has no empathy no morals and no fidelity to the truth... It does matter, what you say matters and what you don’t say matters.”
She added: “Kamala Harris tells the truth, she repsects the American people and she has my vote.”
Grisham is one of severalRepublican figures invited to the convention in Chicago to denounce the “extremism” of the former president and his campaign.
JFK’s grandson
Wednesday 21 August 2024 00:15
Mike Bedigan
Taking to the DNC stage on Tuesday night, Jack Schlossberg, the only grandson of President John F Kennedy, told crowds that the late president “my hero.”
“JFK was the youngest person ever elected president and the first Catholic. He sent a man to the moon, fought for civil rights, and navigated the Cuban Missile Crisis peacefully,” Schlossberg, the cousin of independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr, said.
Schlossberg, 31, said Kamala Harris “believes in America like my grandfather did, that we do things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”
“As President, she will fight for working families. She will expand investments in clean energy so that my generation will have clean air and good jobs,” he added.
“She will defend our freedoms, the freedom for women anywhere in America to make their own health care choices, the freedom to be safe from gun violence, the freedom to vote easily and without fear.”
Grandsons of Jimmy Carter and JFK praise Harris at DNC
Tuesday 20 August 2024 23:59
Mike Bedigan
Jason Carter, grandson of former president Jimmy Carter, praised Kamala Harris, telling crowds at the DNC that she “carries my gradfather’s legacy.
“My grandfather Jimmy Carter will have his 100th birthday on October, and I can tell you he wishes he was here tonight,” Carter told attendees, drawing cheers.
“For my grandfather it was never about fame, accolades and awards. His legacy is measured by the lives he touched and the good he has done.
“Kamala Harris has carried my grandfather’s legacy.”
He added: “My granfather can’t wait to vote for Kamala Harris in November - she reminds us theat the promise of America remains unchanged.”
Immediately after Carter, remarks were given by Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former president John F Kennedy.
He said the torch would be passed to a Democratic leader who “shares my grandfather’s energy, vision and optimism for our future.”
Schlossberg’s appearance at the DNC and endorsement of Harris is likely to be viewed as yet another snub to his cousin, Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is also running for president.
Watch live: Barack and Michelle Obama address Democratic National Convention day two
Tuesday 20 August 2024 23:45
Mike Bedigan
Doug Emhoff to tell DNC Harris is ‘a president who will all be proud of’
Tuesday 20 August 2024 23:39
Mike Bedigan
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will tell attendees at the DNC that Kamala Harris will be “a president who we will all be proud of.”
In excerpts of his speech, released ahead of time, Emhoff addressed his wife directly, telling her: “I love you and I’m so proud of how you’re stepping up for all of us.
“That’s who she is. Whenever she’s needed, however she’s needed, Kamala rises to the occasion. She did it for me and our family.
“Now that the country needs her, she’s showing you what we already know: she’s ready to lead, she brings both joy and toughness to this task, and she will be a great president who we will all be proud of.”
He will continue: “Kamala is a joyful warrior. It's doing for her country what she has always done for the people she loves. Her passion will benefit all of us when she's our President. Here’s the thing about joyful warriors: they’re still warriors. And Kamala is as tough as it comes.
“America, in this election, you have to decide who to trust with your family’s future.
“I trusted Kamala with our family’s future. It was the best decision I ever made.”
Doug Emhoff’s son to introduce him in video
Tuesday 20 August 2024 23:15
Mike Bedigan
Doug Emhoff will be introduced by his eldest son Cole in a video ahead of the second gentleman’s convention remarks.
According to NBC News which has obtained a portion of the video, the 30-year-old will discuss his parents’ divorce and the introduction of Kamala Harris into his life.
NBC News obtained a portion of the video, which features Cole Emhoff talking about his parent’s divorce when he was in middle school. The split was hard on the family, but it was made easier by the friendship his parents were able to maintain after, he says in the video.
“And then he met Kamala,” Cole Emhoff, 29, says in the video. “The blind date that would dramatically change all of our lives, forever.”
“In 2014, Kamala became Mamala,” he continues, referring to a family nickname for Harris. “She took over Sunday night dinners and taught Doug how to actually cook.”
Cole keeps more out of the public eye than his younger sister, Ella Emhoff. He works in the entertainment industry, following in the footsteps of his mother who is a film producer.
Secret Service and police say no credible bomb threats found
Tuesday 20 August 2024 23:00
Mike Bedigan
The US Secret Service and the Chicago Police Department said they were aware of “threats made to a number of locations in the Downtown area” Tuesday afternoon, but later announced that none were “credible.”
“Law enforcement personnel cleared these locations, and no credible threats were found,” a statement from the DNC 2024 Joint Information Center said.
“Law enforcement continues to assess and investigate all threats and reminds the public to report any suspicious activity directly by calling 911.”
It comes after a threat was sent to the Fox 32 newsroom on Tuesday, claiming that pipe bombs had been planted in several hotels in the area.
Full story: DNC night one ratings beat RNC by 21 percent despite late Biden speech
Tuesday 20 August 2024 22:45
Mike Bedigan
The first night of the ongoing Democratic National Convention in Chicago had signficantly better ratings than the opening of the Republican National Convention last month, according to overnight data.
The DNC had 11.4 percent of sampled households watching in 44 major metro areas across seven networks on Monday, compared with the RNC’s 9.4 percent rating, a difference of over 20 percent, according to TV analyst Michael Mulvihill, president of insights and analytics at FOX Sports, FOX Entertainment, and Tubi.
In a statement on X, the analyst warned that the data was just preliminary.
Josh Marcus reports.
Police investigating after bomb threats at several Chicago hotels
Tuesday 20 August 2024 22:30
Mike Bedigan
Chicago police are investigating an alleged bomb threat at several hotels on the Near West Side.
The threat, which was emailed to the Fox 32 Newsroom, said pipe bombs were placed in the Hotel Chicago West Loop and the Hyatt House Chicago in West Loop and the University District.
The threat mentioned the Democratic National Convention and also included anti-semitic statements.
Police are invetigating, according to the outlet.
Watch live: Delegates arrive at Chicago’s United Center as Obama set to speak on day two of DNC
Tuesday 20 August 2024 22:15
Mike Bedigan
Who is speaking tonight at the second day of the Democratic National Convention?
Tuesday 20 August 2024 22:10
Oliver O'Connell
The Democratic National Convention reconvenes soon with a high-profile roster of speakers including former president Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff.
Here’s what to expect on day two, themed as “A Bold Vision for America’s Future”:
Secret service and police say no credible bomb threats found
Tuesday 20 August 2024 22:53
Mike Bedigan
The US Secret Service and the Chicago Police Department said they were aware of “threats made to a number of locations in the Downtown area” Tuesday afternoon, but later announced that none were “credible.”
“Law enforcement personnel cleared these locations, and no credible threats were found,” a statement from the DNC 2024 Joint Information Center said.
“Law enforcement continues to assess and investigate all threats and reminds the public to report any suspicious activity directly by calling 911.”
It comes after a threat was emailed to the Fox 32 Newsroom on Tuesday, claiming that pipe bombs were placed in several hotels in the area.
At DNC, UAW head threatens strike against Stellantis
Tuesday 20 August 2024 21:50
AP
A high-profile spat between the United Auto Workers and Stellantis over reopening an Illinois factory complex has made its way into the race for U.S. president and could elicit a strike against the automaker.
In a speech at the Democratic National Convention Monday night, union President Shawn Fain accused the company of reneging on promises to restart a now-closed assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, just over an hour northwest of Chicago.
The union won the reopening in contract talks last fall after a six-week strike at multiple factories run by Jeep and Ram maker Stellantis, as well as General Motors, and Ford.
Continue reading...
RFK Jr’s running mate admits they’re considering joining forces with Trump
Tuesday 20 August 2024 21:20
Oliver O'Connell
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign is seemingly holding on by a thread with campaign spending outweighing donations and the number two on the ticket floating the idea of teaming up with Trump.
Recent filings with the Federal Election Commission indicate the campaign is struggling to keep up with its spending and combined with ballot access challenges, the campaign will need to make tough decisions.
Ariana Baio reports.
What’s worrying Trump? Kamala Harris’s speech ratings...
Tuesday 20 August 2024 20:50
Oliver O'Connell
With the Democratic National Convention underway in Chicago, Donald Trump is reportedly fretting over whether Kamala Harris’s Thursday speech formally accepting the nomination will draw more viewers than his did.
Two sources close to the campaign told Rolling Stone the former president has brought up the topic multiple times, though he’s sure to mention the “tremendous” viewership of his own nomination speech, which attracted a peak of 28.4 million viewers, according to Nielsen.
Josh Marcus reports.
Light up bracelets awaiting DNC delegates
Tuesday 20 August 2024 20:38
Oliver O'Connell
On the #DNC seats tonight — light up bracelets pic.twitter.com/IgrwDZzmVe
— Jay O'Brien (@jayobtv) August 20, 2024
Watch: Trump claims Democrats lied during convention ‘about things nobody has ever seen'
Tuesday 20 August 2024 20:30
Oliver O'Connell
Trump: They lied last night about things nobody has ever seen. They lied about soldiers at a gravesite. They lied about Charlottesville. pic.twitter.com/XCzzTpfY8b
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 20, 2024
Doug Emhoff slammed by Republicans for... [checks notes] hugging his daughter?
Tuesday 20 August 2024 20:20
Oliver O'Connell
Republicans are strangely bashing second gentleman Doug Emhoff for hugging his daughter Ella at the first night of the Democratic National Convention.
Kelly Rissman has the story.
Patti LaBelle performing soundcheck for night two of DNC
Tuesday 20 August 2024 20:12
Oliver O'Connell
Now doing her sound check at the United Center in Chicago ahead of night two of the Democratic National Convention: Patti LaBelle (she sounds good!) pic.twitter.com/C03xVhQlW2
— DJ Judd (@DJJudd) August 20, 2024
Harris super PAC president says internal polling numbers ‘are much less rosy’
Tuesday 20 August 2024 19:50
Oliver O'Connell
Those supporting Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign shouldn’t feel too confident about recent polling that put her ahead of Donald Trump, according to the president of one of the largest super political action committees (PAC) backing her.
Chauncey McLean, of Future Forward USA, told a group of people attending a panel hosted by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics that internal polling numbers are “much less rosy” than what the public sees.
Ariana Baio reports.
Tuesday 20 August 2024 19:46
Oliver O'Connell
Watch: Kinzinger responds to Trump accusation that Democrats replaced Biden by coup
Tuesday 20 August 2024 19:20
Oliver O'Connell
Here’s former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger, a major Trump foe, responding to the former president’s accusation that the Democratic Party pulled off a coup by replacing President Joe Biden with Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the presidential ticket.
.@AdamKinzinger on Trump accusing the Democrats of pulling off a coup by replacing President Biden:
— Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) August 20, 2024
"The only person in that equation that ever attempted a coup is Donald Trump." pic.twitter.com/N4wxkG6Fyb
Kinzinger will be speaking at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, ahead of Harris officially accepting the party’s nomination.
I can now report that I will be speaking Thursday at the Democratic National Convention.
— Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) (@AdamKinzinger) August 20, 2024
True conservatism has been replaced with a cult. I’ll be making that clear.
