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.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Meredith Deliso, Ivan Pereira, Brittany Gaddy, and Mark Guarino
Last Updated: August 20, 2024, 12:32 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.

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Here's how the news is developing:
Aug 19, 2024, 10:06 AM EDT

DNC kicks off with celebration of President Joe Biden’s legacy

The Democratic National Convention kicks off this morning in Chicago. According to party officials, 50,000 total visitors are expected throughout the week, including roughly 5,000 delegates and alternates and 15,000 members of the news media.

The DNC has not released a full rundown of the evening schedule but the marquee speech during convetnion programming (5:30 - 10:00 pm local time, 6:30-11:00 p.m. ET) is President Joe Biden. First lady Jill Biden and former Secretary of State – and 2016 candidate – Hillary Rodham Clinton are also set to speak tonight. Additional speakers will be announced today.

Monday's theme is "For the People." Officials say tonight's programing will highlight "the accomplishments and results President Biden delivered for people" – "with [Harris] by his side."

Delegates are also set to vote on the 2024 Democratic Party platform this evening.

-ABC News' Isabella Murray and Gabriella Abdul-Hakim

Campaign buttons are for sale as preparations continue ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, on Aug. 18, 2024.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images