Democratic National Convention Kicks Off in Chicago with Major Speakers

The Democratic National Convention started in Chicago with speeches from President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and others. The event will also feature affected voices from stricter abortion laws and focus on passing the torch to Kamala Harris, who is set to accept the presidential nomination.

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) commenced its first night in Chicago, featuring key speakers such as President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, CNN reported. Biden's primetime speech celebrated his administration's achievements and emphasized the importance of Vice President Kamala Harris defeating former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November elections.

Additional remarks were delivered by New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock. Monday night's session also included testimonies from individuals affected by stricter abortion laws after the reversal of Roe vs Wade, including Kentucky's Hadley Duvall, whose story has appeared in Democratic campaign ads. The convention, themed 'For the People, For Our Future,' expects nearly 50,000 visitors and approximately 4,000 delegates.

Though the official schedule has not yet been released, DNC officials confirmed that President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden would speak Monday night. Biden expressed his readiness to 'pass the torch' to Kamala Harris, as he steps on stage as a supporter rather than a presidential nominee. He has been meticulously refining his speech with close aide Mike Donilon, marking one of the last significant addresses of his tenure. Biden emphasized that this is not a farewell but a 'memorable' moment.

Former President Barack Obama is set to speak on Tuesday, highlighting 'A Bold Vision for the Future,' followed by former President Bill Clinton and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday under the theme 'A Fight for Freedom.' Other speakers during the week include Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Mike Waltz, Harris's running mate, will officially accept the vice-presidential nomination on Wednesday, and Harris will accept the presidential nomination on Thursday under the theme 'For the Future.' Harris will arrive at the event following a bus tour through Pennsylvania and a rally in Milwaukee on Tuesday, the same location where Trump accepted the Republican nomination last month.

Typically, the convention features a roll call vote to formally nominate the presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Harris secured her nomination earlier this month via a virtual roll call to avoid ballot access issues in Ohio. Despite this, a ceremonial roll call will still take place. The DNC had to significantly revise its programming after President Biden exited the race in late July and endorsed Harris as his ticket successor.

(With inputs from agencies.)