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.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing:
Aug 19, 2024, 5:25 PM EDT

Biden says he's ready to pass the torch during DNC walk-through

During a walk-through at the United Center ahead of his speech tonight, President Joe Biden said he was ready to pass the torch.

"Are you ready to pass the torch, sir?" a reporter asked from the floor while Biden did his stage check.

"I am," Biden answered from the podium, where he'll speak later tonight.

In response to questions about his message, he said: "You'll hear it tonight."

President Joe Biden does a stage check before the start of the first day of the Democratic National Convention, in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

-ABC News' Cheyenne Haslett

Aug 19, 2024, 5:24 PM EDT

Rep. Phillips reflects on his early call for Biden to exit 2024 race

Rep. Dean Phillips, a former 2024 Democratic presidential candidate who was the first congressional Democrat to question Biden's candidacy, appeared on ABC News Live to discuss the state of the election since Biden dropped out of the race.

ABC News' Kyra Phillips asked the Minnesota congressman if he felt like he deserved an apology for being the first to say Biden should leave this race.

"Just walking into this room today ... that's the only apology I needed," he replied, adding: "It's the energy, the excitement. I was just begging for a party to listen. ... I don't need an apology. What I need is for us to win, and it feels pretty darn good here today."

Rep. Phillips said this convention "is a passing of the torch to the new generation. I think people want to leave here feeling something."

The Minnesota lawmaker didn't receive much praise for calling on President Joe Biden to end his re-election campaign. He joins the show to discuss what's occurred since Biden dropped out of the race.
9:29

Rep. Dean Phillips was 1st congressional Democrat to question Biden candidacy

The Minnesota lawmaker didn't receive much praise for calling on President Joe Biden to end his re-election campaign. He joins the show to discuss what's occurred since Biden dropped out of the race.
ABCNews.com

-ABC News' Isabella Meneses

Aug 19, 2024, 4:58 PM EDT

Biden does stage check ahead of his keynote speech

President Joe Biden was seen doing a stage check Monday afternoon at the United Center in preparation for his opening night speech.

President Joe Biden does a stage check before the start of the first day of the Democratic National Convention, in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

President Joe Biden does a stage check before the start of the first day of the Democratic National Convention, in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Mike Blake/Reuters

Aug 19, 2024, 4:36 PM EDT

March on the DNC starts

A march organized in support of Palestinians in Gaza during the DNC has started, hours before its first night of programming kicks off.

Organizers with the Coalition to March on the DNC, which represents more than 200 activist organizations, said about 15,000 people were present for a rally held in Union Park, near the convention site, ahead of the march.

Demonstrators prepare for start of the "March on the DNC" during the first day of the Democratic National Convention Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.
Scott Olson/Getty Images