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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.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, Meredith Deliso, and Brittany Gaddy
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, 7:15 PM EDT

Former Trump official Stephanie Grisham speaks in favor of Harris

The DNC is highlighting several former supporters of former President Donald Trump this week, including everyday Americans who previously voted for him who are now backing Harris.

But Grisham, a former White House press secretary, is the first of several former Trump officials slated to speak at the convention. She described herself not only as a former supporter of Trump but as a "true believer" who has since changed her tune.

The DNC is highlighting several former supporters of former President Donald Trump this week who are now backing Harris.
1:07

Former Trump official Stephanie Grisham speaks in favor of Harris at the DNC

The DNC is highlighting several former supporters of former President Donald Trump this week who are now backing Harris.
ABCNews.com

"He has no empathy, no morals and no fidelity to the truth," she said of Trump.

"When I was press secretary, I got skewered for never holding a White House briefing," Grisham added. "It's because, unlike my boss, I never wanted to stand at that podium and lie. Now, here I am behind a podium advocating for a Democrat. And that's because I love my country more than my party."

Former Trump White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham speaks on stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, 2024 in Chicago.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Aug 20, 2024, 7:03 PM EDT

Common performs: 'Be fortunate, y'all, for Kamala Harris'

Rapper Common and gospel musician Jonathan McReynolds took to the stage.

Common changed up the lyrics to his song "Fortunate" for the DNC, rapping, "Be fortunate, y'all, for Kamala Harris."

Rapper Common performs during the second day of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, 2024 in Chicago.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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.