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DNC 2024 Day 2 live updates: 'Yes, she can': Obama endorses Harris, blasts Trump

Obama praised President Biden and offered support for Harris.

Last Updated: August 21, 2024, 12:05 AM EDT

Vice President Kamala Harris officially became the official Democratic presidential nominee during the second night of the Democratic National Convention.

The night included a lively and upbeat roll call vote of delegates that featured a DJ, some celebrities and energetic speeches. Also, Harris, who campaigned in Milwaukee, thanked the crowd in a live-streamed message.

Second gentleman Doug Emoff talked about his long relationship with Harris and touted her vision for the country.

But the night's biggest headline was the return of former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama to the DNC stage. Both stressed what's at stake in this election and pushed Americans to come together to bring the country to a better future.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Aug 20, 2024, 6:48 PM EDT

Jason Carter says Harris 'carries my grandfather's legacy'

Jason Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, was the first speaker of the night.

"Kamala Harris carries my grandfather's legacy," he said. "She knows what is right and she fights for it. She understands that leadership is about service, not selfishness."

Former President Jimmy Carter's grandson Jason Carter speaks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 20, 2024.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Jimmy Carter, who is in hospice care and is nearing his 100th birthday in October, told his family he wants to make it to vote for Harris in November, Jason Carter said.

"Papa is holding on. He is hopeful, and though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever," Jason Carter said.

Former president Jimmy Carter's grandson spoke during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
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Jason Carter at the DNC: 'Harris carries my grandfather's legacy'

Former president Jimmy Carter's grandson spoke during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
ABCNews.com
Aug 20, 2024, 6:46 PM EDT

Patti LaBelle performs during in memoriam

Patti LaBelle performs during the second day of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, 2024 in Chicago.
Win Mcnamee/Getty Images

Patti LaBelle, renowned as the "Godmother of Soul," took to the stage to sing "You Are My Friend" while an in memoriam played behind her.

Those remembered included former first lady Rosalynn Carter and California Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Aug 20, 2024, 6:33 PM EDT

Night 2 of the DNC kicks off

The second night of the DNC is officially underway in Chicago.

Tonight's theme is "A bold vision for America's future" and will feature a keynote address by former President Barack Obama.

Co-Chair and Committee Co-Chair Mitch Landrieu appears on stage on Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 20, 2024.
Mike Segar/Reuters

The convention will also hold a ceremonial roll call for Harris, who became the official Democratic presidential nominee following a virtual roll call earlier this month.

Aug 20, 2024, 6:22 PM EDT

Israeli American Council hosts 'Hostage Square' art exhibition just blocks from United Center

A group of Israeli and American artists showcased their work throughout the day Tuesday to draw attention to the more than 100 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza.

The Israeli American Council (IAC), a nonprofit organization that advocates for the Israeli American community, held the pop-up exhibition it called "Hostage Square" in an empty lot about five blocks east of the United Center, where the DNC is being held through Thursday.

A person holds a representation of milk carton with hostage photos as the Israeli-American Council hosts an event to launch "Hostage Square Chicago", in Chicago, Aug. 20, 2024.
Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

All the art was created in response to the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, said Jeff Aeder, a Chicago-based real estate investor who put the exhibition together over the last four weeks.

The show "is a much more effective way at looking at a different narrative, opposed to two groups yelling at each other, to highlight the plight of the hostages and the trauma that has been felt by the Jewish world," he said. "Art is a good way for people to tell these stories."

Throughout the day Tuesday, about a thousand people visited the exhibition, according to Aeder, including Michael Herzog, Israeli ambassador to the U.S., and families of several hostages.

Aeder said he is determining if the art will travel to different locations. He said he is realistic, knowing "it's very hard" to summon change through artwork. But he hopes the exhibition is one of "a thousand different points of contact" with the public to create awareness about the plight of the hostages and their families.

"We need to continually do everything we can to bring attention to it, because we never know what’s going to touch somebody," he said. "Being silent is not an option."

-ABC News' Mark Guarino