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, 8:52 PM EDT

DNC takes aim at Project 2025

A video just aired at the convention criticizing Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint that has become a flashpoint in the 2024 election.

Mallory McMorrow, a Michigan state senator, then walked on stage and slammed a giant book on the podium.

"You are going to hear a lot about what is in this 900-page document," McMorrow said of Project 2025. "Why? Because this is the Republican blueprint for a second Trump term."

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow speaks during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Mike Segar/Reuters

It includes expanding presidential power and eliminating the Department of Education and other federal agencies, McMorrow noted. She said that's how it works in "dictatorships" and that Democrats believe in the separation of powers and the rule of law.

Read more about Project 2025 here. Trump has tried to distance himself from the blueprint, even though several of the former president's current and former advisers and appointees have authored or supported it.

Aug 19, 2024, 8:31 PM EDT

Mickey Guyton is first entertainer of the night

Mickey Guyton, a Black country music artist, is the first entertainer of the night.

Guyton is performing her song "All American" on stage.

Other performers to come this convention include Jason Isbell and James Taylor.

Mickey Guyton performs during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
Aug 19, 2024, 8:13 PM EDT

'Union yes!' chant breaks out

A chant of "Union yes!" broke out as AFSCME President Lee Saunders took to the podium while joined by other union leaders on the stage.

Delegates and attendees cheer as they hold "Union Yes!" signs on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Aug 19, 2024, 8:11 PM EDT

Sen. Dick Durbin lauds Democrats' policies to help working class Americans

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin chastised former President Donald Trump's economic policies citing what he said were the millions of jobs lost during his term.

Durbin touted the Biden-Harris administration's work to bring back more manufacturing jobs to several parts of the country.

"These investments mean a strong economy, growing public schools and well-funded well-staffed first responders," he said. "These investments mean hope. That's what Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for."

Senator Dick Durbin, Democrat from Illinois, speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Durbin talked about his parents and how they were helped by a union.

"We worked not just to get by, but to get ahead," he said.