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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Aug 19, 2024, 7:49 PM EDT

'We're not going back' chants erupt at DNC

Rep. Lauren Underwood wrapped up her remarks about COVID and health care by praising the work of the Biden-Harris administration.

"Four years ago, it was not safe to hold a convention like this. But tonight, thousands have gathered in this arena in my home state of Illinois to make sure Kamala Harris is the next president of the United States," Underwood said. "We have come so far these past four years and we're not going back."

The crowd immediately erupted in cheers of, "We're not going back!"

The phrase has been a hallmark of Harris' campaign so far, often arising when she is criticizing aspects of Trump's record.

Attendees wave USA signs on Day one of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Mike Blake/Reuters

Aug 19, 2024, 7:48 PM EDT

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan touts Democrats' fight against COVID

Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota's lieutenant governor, returned to the stage to tout Gov. Tim Walz after he was confirmed as the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

Flanagan, who would become the first Indigenous governor if Harris wins the election, talked about her upbringing as a citizen of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, and how it shaped her values.

Peggy Flanagan, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota speaks during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention, at the United Center in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

"The role of our clan is to ensure that we never leave anyone behind. That's why I am supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to be the next president and vice president of the United States," she said.

Flanagan got emotional when she talked about her late brother, who was one of the first Minnesota residents to die from COVID-19 in 2020.

She said former President Donald Trump "was playing games" during his COVID-19 response.

"Our country was brought to the brink by his failure to respond. But the Biden-Harris administration stepped in with quick and decisive action," Flanagan said.

Aug 19, 2024, 7:36 PM EDT

Walz confirmed as Democratic vice presidential nominee

Gov. Tim Walz was ceremonially confirmed as the Democratic vice presidential nominee during a voice vote.

"USA" chants broke out again in the stadium after the vote.

Walz will deliver his acceptance speech on Wednesday at the DNC.

Aug 19, 2024, 7:32 PM EDT

Delegates adopt party platform, 'USA' chants break out

Democratic National Committee delegates passed the party’s 2024 platform in a voice vote.

A full, 92-page draft platform was unveiled by the party late on Sunday night. The document, which was written before President Joe Biden left the 2024 race, was voted upon by the DNC's Rules Committee in July. It was not updated significantly since Harris replaced him at the top of the ticket.

"USA" chants broke out in the stadium after the platform was adopted.