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, 9:19 PM EDT

Harris gets raucous ovation in brief appearance

Harris sent the crowd into a frenzy when she walked onto the stage at the United Center, with attendees jumping to their feet in surprise.

Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024 in Chicago.
Win Mcnamee/Getty Images

"It is so good to be with everyone this evening in this hall and everyone at home. This is going to be a great week," she said to more applause.

Harris also gave Biden his flowers, sparking chants of "USA!"

"And I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden, who will be speaking later tonight," she said. "We are forever grateful to you."

Harris walked off to her campaign anthem, Beyonce's hit song "Freedom."

Vice President Kamala Harris entered the arena ahead of President Joe Biden's keynote address on opening night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
2:32

Kamala Harris enters the arena on opening night of the DNC

Vice President Kamala Harris entered the arena ahead of President Joe Biden's keynote address on opening night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
ABCNews.com

Aug 19, 2024, 9:13 PM EDT

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul slams Trump

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul made several jabs at former President Donald Trump during her speech at the convention.

Hochul cited Trump's history of stiffing workers, sexually harassing women and his recent conviction in a Manhattan court.

"Donald Trump was born a New Yorker, but ended up a fraud, a philanderer and a felon," she said.

"New Yorkers are sick of it. It's no wonder he had to flee to Mar-A-Lago. Sorry about that, Florida," Hochul added.

The governor touted Harris' work in bringing new jobs to New York state and stressed Americans must vote to protect the middle class and abortion rights.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul made several jabs at former President Donald Trump during her speech at the convention.
5:43

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul slams Trump

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul made several jabs at former President Donald Trump during her speech at the convention.
ABCNews.com

Aug 19, 2024, 9:06 PM EDT

Jason Isbell 2nd performer of the night

Grammy-winning Americana singer-songwriter Jason Isbell performed his song "Something More Than Free," about the struggle of blue-collar life, for the evening's second performance.

Jason Isbell performs on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

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.