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.
Attendees burst into laughter as the DNC started playing a video spooking the hit show "Law & Order," starting with the familiar narration, "in the criminal justice system," before delving into details of Trump's 34 felony convictions.
The video was largely comedic -- but also signaled an eagerness by Democrats to go on offense.
"I'm just glad we're fighting back. I'm so tired of taking the high road," one attendee said as the video played.
Aug 19, 2024, 10:22 PM EDT
Clyburn calls Project 2025 'Jim Crow 2.0'
South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn called Project 2025 "Jim Crow 2.0" during his remarks while drawing a comparison between Trump and Harris.
"While Trump falsely pleads ignorance of Project 2025, which in my opinion is Jim Crow 2.0, Kamala has been offering the American people enlightened proposals and visionary leadership," he said.
Rep. James Clyburn speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024 in Chicago.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The DNC earlier took aim at the conservative policy blueprint, which has become a flashpoint in the 2024 election, in a video that aired earlier in the night and remarks by Mallory McMorrow, a Michigan state senator.
5:42
Clyburn calls Project 2025 'Jim Crow 2.0' in DNC Speech
South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn called Project 2025 "Jim Crow 2.0" during his remarks while drawing a comparison between Trump and Harris.
ABCNews.com
Aug 19, 2024, 10:14 PM EDT
Hillary Clinton gets standing ovation as she fires up crowd
The crowd at the United Center got on their feet when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took the stage where she supported Harris and applauded Biden.
"There is a lot of energy in this room -- just like there is a lot of energy in this country," she said.
Clinton saluted Biden, calling him "democracy's champion," and praising his years of service.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attends Day one of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Mike Segar/Reuters
"He brought dignity, decency and competence back to the White House," she said.
Clinton talked about the long history of bringing women's voices heard and the number of glass ceilings that were broken, including her 2016 presidential nomination.
"I wish my mother and Kamala's mother could see us. They would say, 'Keep going,'" she said.
The crowd chanted "Keep going," in response.
She also took a jab a Trump, joking that he fell asleep during his own trial. The crowd shouted "lock him up," turning the tables on the chant used at Trump rallies against Clinton.
Clinton smiled as the crowd chanted.
Clinton said that as president, Harris would be a fighter for all Americans, and cares about America.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stands onstage during Day one of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
"I know what it takes, and I can tell you, as commander in chief, Kamala won't disrespect our military and our veterans," she said.
Clinton told the crowd that they are still needed to fight for every vote and not just depend on the poll numbers.
"When a barrier falls for one of us, it falls and clears the way for all of us. So for the next 78 days, we need to work harder than we ever have," she said.
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Hillary Clinton thanks Joe Biden for a 'lifetime of service' during DNC speech
A 'thank you Joe' chant broke out during the former Secretary of State's speech.
ABCNews.com
Aug 19, 2024, 10:08 PM EDT
Crowd chants 'lock him up' during Hillary Clinton speech
The crowd erupted in chants of "lock him up" during Hillary Clinton's speech after she highlighted the history that was made with his 34 felony convictions in New York.
After trying to continue her speech at the start of the chants, Clinton smiled and nodded before carrying on with her remarks.
Trump famously encouraged "lock her up" chants during his 2016 run against Clinton, accusing her of criminal wrongdoing though she never faced a single charge.
