DNC 2024 Day 1 live updates: Biden lays out choice to 'save democracy' with Harris

Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, who was a member of the House's Jan. 6 committee, warned about the "banana Republicans who have converted Lincoln's party into a dangerous cult of personality."

Raskin recalled the violence and destruction caused that day by Trump's supporters and the former president's push of election falsehoods.

"All of this after Trump was defeated by more than 7 million votes by the great Joe Biden," he said.

Raskin also took note that the rioters chanted to hang former Vice President Mike Pence, who he noted is not supporting Trump this election.

"By the way, JD Vance, do you understand why there was a sudden job opening for running mate on the GOP ticket?" he said. "They tried to kill him because he would not follow Trump's plan to destroy and nullify the votes of millions of Americans."

Raskin also pointed out Trump's comments about possibly pardoning the insurrectionists and pushed Americans to support Harris.

"Let's make it a landslide so big that Donald Trump and his kangaroo court, Supreme Court justices, cannot even try to steal it," he said.

5:16

Jamie Raskin notes horrors of Jan. 6 while speaking at DNC

Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, who was a member of House's Jan. 6 committee, warned about the "Banana Republicans who have converted Lincoln's party into a dangerous cult of personality."

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

"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.

"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.

1:21

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.

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