DNC 2024 Day 1 live updates: Biden lays out choice to 'save democracy' with Harris

"I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you," Biden said.

Last Updated: August 20, 2024, 12:03 AM EDT

Democrats kicked off their convention Monday with a who's who of guests who all touted Vice President Kamala Harris' run for the White House.

Several topics came up during the night including the future of reproductive rights and Project 2025.

Harris made a surprise appearance after several Democratic VIPS took the stage, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The main stars of the night were some of the Democrats' longstanding figures including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

But the main spotlight came as President Joe Biden spoke to the cheering crowd, reflecting on his four years as president and his decision to "pass the torch" to Harris.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing:
Aug 20, 2024, 12:03 AM EDT

Biden pushes for universal background checks, ban on assault rifles

The president turned his attention to the rising gun violence in the country citing stats that showed firearm deaths were the leading cause of deaths among children.

"More died from a bullet than cancer, accidents or anything else in the United States, in America. My God," he said.

Biden spoke about his and Harris' gun control polices and again pushed for a ban on assault rifles and universal background checks.

"If we care about public safety, we need to prevent gun violence," he said.

Aug 20, 2024, 12:02 AM EDT

Biden goes after Trump on the border, immigration issues

President Biden is continuing his criticism of his predecessor, accusing him of "lying" about the border.

"Here's what he won't tell you: Trump killed the strongest bipartisan border deal in the history of the United States," Biden said.

President Joe Biden speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024 in Chicago.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Biden went on to slam Trump for his rhetoric toward immigrants, saying Democrats "will not demonize immigrants, saying they're poisoning the blood of America."

He reiterated the party's support for legal immigration and protections for "Dreamers."

Aug 19, 2024, 11:57 PM EDT

Biden on Trump: 'He's the loser'

Biden had pointed words for Trump.

"Donald Trump calls America a failing nation. He says we're losing," Biden said. "He's the loser. He's dead wrong."

"America's winning, and the world's better off for it," Biden continued.

President Joe Biden delivers the keynote address on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Aug 19, 2024, 11:51 PM EDT

Biden touts accomplishments, paints them as Harris' wins too

Biden took time to tout his administration's work on COVID, the economy and health care.

"Because of you, we've had one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period. And when I say 'we,' I mean Kamala and me," Biden said.

Biden pointed to the recent agreement reached by the government and Medicare to lower the prices of 10 commonly used prescription drugs -- a result of the Inflation Reduction Act.

"And guess who cast the tie breaking vote? Vice President, soon to be President Kamala Harris," Biden said.