DNC 2024 Live: Pro-Palestine Protesters In Chicago Set Fire To An American Flag As Obamas Set To Speak
‘Democracy has prevailed’, Joe Biden tells Democratic National Convention in emotional opening night speech
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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.
1724205611JB Pritzker skewers Trump during DNC remarks: ‘take it from an actual billionaire’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!”
Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker (REUTERS)Mike Bedigan21 August 2024 03:00
1724205011Watch: Kamala Harris makes second surprise appearance at DNC virtually from Milwaukee rally Kamala Harris makes second surprise appearance at DNC virtually from Milwaukee rallyMike Bedigan21 August 2024 02:50
1724204413Sanders rails against the ‘radical agenda’ of Donald Trump and Project 2025In 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.”
(MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
(Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)Mike Bedigan21 August 2024 02:40
1724204013Bernie Sanders takes the stage at the DNCBernie 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.”
(REUTERS)Mike Bedigan21 August 2024 02:33
1724203811More pictures: The DNC in Chicago
A convention goer holds up a sign during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois (Getty Images)
North Carolina delegation cast their vote during the ceremonial roll call vote on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois (AFP via Getty Images)
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)Mike Bedigan21 August 2024 02:30
1724203211Harris campaign raises half a billion dollars in first four weeksKamala 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.
Mike Bedigan21 August 2024 02:20
1724203031Gavin Newsom pushes Harris over the lineCalifornia 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.
California Governor Gavin Newsom attends Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 20, 2024. REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer (REUTERS)Mike Bedigan21 August 2024 02:17
1724202761Walz’s former student helps declare state of Minnesota for HarrisOne 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.
Mike Bedigan21 August 2024 02:12
1724202311Spike Lee joins New York delegates at DNC as state backs Harris
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 20: Director and producer Spike Lee (C) poses for a selfie during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her party’s presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) (Getty Images)Mike Bedigan21 August 2024 02:05
1724202011Watch: Rapper Lil Jon makes surprise appearance at DNC day twoRapper Lil Jon makes surprise appearance at DNC day twoMike Bedigan21 August 2024 02:00