On Monday night, the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) started in Chicago, with a very long evening that was closed by President Joe Biden delivering a 50-minute speech that celebrated his tenure and paved the way for Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee.
Harris has recently taken the lead over Republican Donald Trump in the latest US election betting odds at the top-rated sportsbooks, but it still remains a tight race. The Democrats are hoping to see a boost from the DNC, which continues through Thursday night with acceptance speeches to be delivered by Harris and her running mate Tim Walz.
We have recapped Monday’s speakers as well as the tentative schedule for the rest of the DNC.
Monday: Joe Biden’s Swansong
The late switch from a 2nd Biden term to Harris gave the Democrats only a few weeks to replan the DNC. Things may have run extra long for that reason on opening night, but there were also too many speakers to try fitting into the schedule.
That’s why Biden did not take the stage until after 11:25 PM with his speech carrying past midnight. At least he was well awake and sounded strong in delivering it as he defended his record while giving Harris credit and support going forward.
Biden closed his speech by quoting an old song, then driving its point home that “I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you.”
Other speakers who were received well were Hillary Clinton, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, and a powerful segment by abortion advocates.
Kamala Harris also made a surprise appearance during the middle of the show. But the night ran so long that they blasphemously cut the musical performance by the great James Taylor.
Tuesday: The Obamas
Expectations should be for a shorter 2nd night with briefer speeches, but the highlight should be former President Barack Obama, who made Biden his vice president pick in 2008. Obama still has a lot of pull within the party, and his wife Michelle will also be one of Tuesday night’s key speakers.
Another anticipated speech will be from Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff, the current Second Gentleman.
J.B. Pritzker is the Governor of Illinois, and with the DNC taking place in Chicago, he will be a top speaker on Tuesday evening as well.
Wednesday: Waltz With Tim Walz
For Wednesday evening, you can expect a celebration of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as he formally accepts the nomination for vice president. Walz was a surprise pick over favorite Josh Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania, but Walz had a huge impact with his “weird” line of attack he popularized against Republicans that has skyrocketed his fame in the last few weeks.
But before Walz is expected to close the night, there are some other heavyweight Democrats who will take the stage, including Pete Buttigieg, Nancy Pelosi, and former President Bill Clinton.
Thursday: Kamala Harris’ Moment
Finally, Thursday night’s finale will be Kamala Harris giving the most important speech of her career as she accepts the Democratic nomination for president, only the 2nd time ever it has gone to a woman.
It is unclear which other big Democrats will speak Thursday night as Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders should both fit in somewhere between Tuesday and Thursday. Maura Healey, the Massachusetts Governor, is also slated for Thursday.
But Thursday night has to belong to Harris as she makes the case to the American people that she can do the job of President of the United States.
