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, 6:31 PM EDT

The history of political conventions in Chicago

Greetings from the Windy City -- or, as Chicago should be called, the City of Conventions. Chicago has hosted more political conventions than any other city in America. Before the 26th major-party political convention in Chicago history kicks off, watch this video my colleagues and I made this morning to familiarize yourself with the history of the other 25.

538’s Nathaniel Rakich takes a look at the history of political conventions in the Windy City.
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Greetings from the 2024 DNC in Chicago

538’s Nathaniel Rakich takes a look at the history of political conventions in the Windy City.
ABCNews.com

-538's Nathaniel Rakich

Aug 19, 2024, 5:44 PM EDT

Rep. Suozzi says he's happy with how Harris has handled immigration

Rep. Tom Suozzi, a moderate Democrat who flipped a New York district held by ousted Rep. George Santos, campaigned heavily on immigration and messaging that the Democrats should be tougher on the issue.

But Suozzi told ABC News on Monday he's happy with how Vice President Kamala Harris has handled the key 2024 issue so far.

"She came out early in this campaign and continues to talk about how she would have supported the bipartisan Senate deal to secure the border. Now, I think we're going to hear more and more details about securing the border, fixing the asylum system and helping those people that have been here for decades, that have played by the rules to try and lift them up," Suozzi said.

When asked if he's spoken with Harris since she began her presidential bid, Suozzi said he has not but has spoken with her team. Suozzi is also set to speak at the convention this week.

On the ticket as a whole, Suozzi told ABC News: "I feel great. I'm so excited about this ticket. I'm excited by the enthusiasm I see from the voters, not only in my district, but throughout the country."

-ABC News' Oren Oppenheim

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.
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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