Barack Obama and Michelle Obama will address the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Tuesday – one day after President Joe Biden delivered an emotional opening night 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.
He received a rapturous reception as he officially passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, who also made a surprise early appearance to thank Biden on the DNC stage.
Hillary Clinton, who was met with chants of “Lock him up!” about Trump, spoke of the push to smash the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” by electing the first female president.
“This is when we break through,” she said. “The future is here.”
Delegates also heard from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Raphael Warnock, Andy Beshear, Jasmine Crockett and Jamie Raskin.
Key Points
Barack and Michelle Obama to take stage today
10:05 , Joe Sommerlad
Both Barack Obama and Michelle Obama will address the DNC in Chicago on Tuesday.
This was how the 44th president paid tribute to his old deputy on social media last night as he moved to brush aside rumours of ill-feeling lingering between them over the pressure campaign to compel Biden to step aside last month.
What I admire most about Joe is his decency, his resilience, and his unshakable belief in the promise of our country. Over the last four years, those are the values America has needed most. I am proud to call him my president, and I’m so grateful to call him my friend. pic.twitter.com/7eI4pc5VOQ
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 20, 2024
Here’s a look at the convention’s schedule.
DNC schedule: When Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, Michelle Obama and more will speak
Joe Biden begins long goodbye to rally DNC around Kamala Harris
09:51 , Joe Sommerlad
President Joe Biden delivered an emotional opening night 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.
He received a rapturous reception as he officially passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden: Join me in promising your whole heart to this effort. Where my heart will be. I promise I will be the best volunteer Harris and Walz have ever seen. pic.twitter.com/1bSjKE4W6a
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 20, 2024
Here’s Andrew Feinberg and Alex Woodward’s report on a momentous evening.
Joe Biden begins his long goodbye to politics as he rallies Democrats around Harris
Good morning and welcome!
09:38 , Joe Sommerlad
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the second day of the Democratic National Convention for Chicago.
Kamala Harris put in her first appearance on Day One as delegates bid a fond and highly emotional farewell to President Joe Biden and witnessed rousing speeches from Hillary Clinton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Raphael Warnock, Andy Beshear, Jasmine Crockett and Jamie Raskin, among others
