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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.

Last Updated: August 20, 2024, 12:12 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:
10 hours and 0 minutes ago

Biden discusses Ukraine, Gaza wars

President Biden, after touting accomplishments at home, turned to his handling of conflicts around the globe.

On Ukraine, Biden praised the strength of Kyiv and of NATO in the face of Russia's aggression.

"Just as no commander in chief should ever bow down to a dictator, the way Trump bows down to Putin, I never have," Biden said. "And I promise you, Kamala Harris will never do it, will never bow down."

Biden also discussed the Israel-Gaza war, saying he is working tirelessly to get his peace plan for the Middle East approved by all sides to bring an end to the conflict and to bring hostages home.

"Those protesters in the street have a point," he said. "A lot of innocent people being killed on both sides."

10 hours and 3 minutes ago

'Donald Trump is going to find out the power of women in 2024': Biden

Biden brought up reproductive rights as a key election issue this November. He noted that in the Dobbs decision in which the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade, the court's majority wrote that women are not without electoral or political power.

"No kidding," Biden said. "MAGA Republicans found out the power of women in 2022. And Donald Trump is going to find out the power of women in 2024. Watch."

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

10 hours and 5 minutes ago

Biden slams Trump over treatment of veterans

The president slammed his predecessor over his rhetoric on veterans and armed service members.

Biden, whose son Beau served in the military, chastised Trump over reports that he called fallen soldiers "suckers and losers."

"They're not the words of a person not worthy of being commander in chief. Period," he said.

10 hours and 9 minutes ago

Biden pushes for universal background checks, ban on assault rifles

The president turned his attention to the rising gun violence in the country citing stats that showed firearm deaths were the leading cause of deaths among children.

"More died from a bullet than cancer, accidents or anything else in the United States, in America. My God," he said.

Biden spoke about his and Harris' gun control polices and again pushed for a ban on assault rifles and universal background checks.

"If we care about public safety, we need to prevent gun violence," he said.