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, 12:32 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, 6:42 PM EDT

1st night of the DNC kicks off

The first night of the DNC is underway in Chicago, with the convention officially called to order.

Tonight's theme is "For the people" and the evening is being hosted by actor Tony Goldwyn -- who famously played a president on TV in the ABC series "Scandal."

Chairs of the Democratic National Committee Jaime Harrison and Minyon Moore speak on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Aug 19, 2024, 6:41 PM EDT

4 arrested after some protesters breach security fence: Police

Four people were arrested after several protesters broke through an outer security fence outside the United Center during the pro-Palestinian rally "March on the DNC," police said.

There is a heavy police presence outside the venue, where the DNC will soon kick off.

The inner perimeter fence was not breached, police said.

People break through a fence as they take part in a rally "March on the DNC" on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention, in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Riot police officers scuffle with demonstrators during the rally "March on the DNC" on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Aug 19, 2024, 6:41 PM EDT

Biden touts accomplishments in video prominently featuring Harris ahead of DNC speech

President Joe Biden posted a video on social media touting his accomplishments and prominently features Vice President Kamala Harris just ahead of his speech at the DNC on Monday evening.

"Thank you, America, for keeping the faith," Biden wrote in a post on X.

Throughout the video, images of Harris flash on the screen, including of her meeting with Parkland shooting victims' parents, meeting with world leaders and sharing a moment with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

-ABC News' Fritz Farrow, Gabriella Abdul-Hakim and Will McDuffie

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