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.

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Aug 20, 2024, 12:29 AM EDT

Biden joined by Jill Biden, Kamala Harris after speech

US President Joe Biden raises hands with US Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at the United Center in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Eva Hambach/AFP via Getty Images

After giving remarks for roughly an hour, Biden was joined by first lady Jill Biden on stage as the song "Higher Love" blared throughout the stadium.

They were soon joined by Vice President Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, both of whom exchanged hugs with Biden.

Other Biden family members also embraced him, including his son Hunter Biden and several of his grandchildren.

At one point, Harris and Biden clasped their hands together and raised them in the air.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden greet Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Vice President Kamala Harris during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024 in Chicago.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Aug 20, 2024, 12:17 AM EDT

Scene inside United Center as Biden speaks

All around the stadium, attendees held up vertical "We love Joe" signs echo the shape of the delegation signposts. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was seen on the convention floor with the sign.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her daughter Christine Pelosi hold "We Love Joe" signs as he speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention, in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Others held up cards that read, "Thank you Joe."

Delegates hold up signs reading "Thank you Joe" as President Joe Biden speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

In their box, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz sat with their spouses listening to Biden's speech. Walz was emotional throughout much of the president's remarks.

PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, vice presidential candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Gwen Walz applaud as U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, vice presidential candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Gwen Walz applaud as U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024.
Cheney Orr/Reuters

Aug 20, 2024, 12:14 AM EDT

DNC program over planned time

Monday night's DNC programming was scheduled to wrap over an hour ago, by 11 p.m., as Biden continues his keynote speech.

DNC officials addressed the length, blaming the "raucous applause" for going over the time.

"Because of the raucous applause interrupting speaker after speaker, we ultimately skipped elements of our program to ensure we could get to President Biden as quickly as possible so that he could speak directly to the American people," convention officials said in a statement. "We are proud of the electric atmosphere in our convention hall and proud that our convention is showcasing the broad and diverse coalition behind the Harris-Walz ticket throughout the week on and off the stage."

Aug 20, 2024, 12:12 AM EDT

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."