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, 11:51 PM EDT

Biden touts accomplishments, paints them as Harris' wins too

Biden took time to tout his administration's work on COVID, the economy and health care.

"Because of you, we've had one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period. And when I say 'we,' I mean Kamala and me," Biden said.

Biden pointed to the recent agreement reached by the government and Medicare to lower the prices of 10 commonly used prescription drugs -- a result of the Inflation Reduction Act.

"And guess who cast the tie breaking vote? Vice President, soon to be President Kamala Harris," Biden said.

Aug 19, 2024, 11:47 PM EDT

'We came together in 2020 to save democracy': Biden

Biden reiterated his reasons for running for president in 2020 citing the Unite the Right rally in 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia, as a turning point in the country.

"I ran with a deep conviction," he said.

President Joe Biden speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024 in Chicago.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

"Because of all of you in this room and others, we came together in 2020 to save democracy," Biden added. "As your president, I've been determined to keep America moving forward, not going back. To stand against hate and violence in all its forms, to be a nation where we not only live with, but thrive on diversity," Biden added.

Aug 19, 2024, 11:39 PM EDT

'Stop arming Israel' banner spotted in crowd before lights cut

A protest banner was spotted in the crowd during Biden's remarks, reading, "Stop arming Israel."

Delegates appeared to be trying to cover it up with "We heart Joe" signs, but the banner was briefly visible in the back of the lower bowl before the lights were turned off in that section.

Aug 19, 2024, 11:37 PM EDT

Biden: 'Are you ready to vote for freedom?'

President Joe Biden speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024 in Chicago.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Biden kicked off his remarks after a long standing ovation from the crowd peppered with cheers of "We love Joe!" and "Thank you, Joe!"

He thanked his daughter for her introduction and gave shout-outs to his family, especially their "rock" first lady Jill Biden.

"My dad used to have an expression for real. He'd say, 'Joey, family is the beginning, the middle and the end.' And I love you all. And America, I love you," he said to loud applause.

"Let me ask you, are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?" Biden continued.

Biden kicked off his DNC remarks after a long standing ovation from the crowd peppered with cheers of "We love Joe!" and "Thank you, Joe!"
1:55

Biden: 'Are you ready to vote for freedom?'

Biden kicked off his DNC remarks after a long standing ovation from the crowd peppered with cheers of "We love Joe!" and "Thank you, Joe!"
ABCNews.com