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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, 8:54 PM EDT

A cameo-filled ceremonial roll call

The lively ceremonial roll call has so far featured some surprise cameos alongside more expected political leaders from their respective states.

Actor Sean Astin (C) joins the Indiana delegation to cast their votes during the Ceremonial Roll Call of States on the second day of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, 2024 in Chicago.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Standing among the Indiana delegates was actor Sean Astin of "The Goonies" and "Rudy" fame, while Louisiana native Wendell Pierce, an actor known for "The Wire," joined his state's delegates as they cast their votes for Harris.

Actor Wendell Edward Pierce, center, speaks during roll call and is joined by members of the Louisana delegation at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP

New York saw director Spike Lee alongside political leaders from the state, while Texas saw actress Eva Longoria of "Desperate Housewives" fame.

Director and producer Spike Lee (C) poses for a selfie during the second day of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, 2024 in Chicago.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The crowd was also treated to a surprise performance by Lil Jon when Georgia delegates cast their votes.

Standing along Indiana delegates was actor Sean Astin of "Hoosiers” fame, while Louisiana native Wendell Pierce, known for "The Wire," joined his state's delegates as they cast their votes for Harris.
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A cameo-filled ceremonial roll call at the DNC

Standing along Indiana delegates was actor Sean Astin of "Hoosiers” fame, while Louisiana native Wendell Pierce, known for "The Wire," joined his state's delegates as they cast their votes for Harris.
ABCNews.com

Aug 20, 2024, 8:10 PM EDT

Lil Jon makes appearance as Georgia delegates cast votes: 'We're not going back'

The crowd at the United Center was treated to a surprise appearance by Lil Jon when Georgia delegates cast their votes for Kamala Harris.

Lil Jon performs during the roll call on Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 20, 2024.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

The rapper sang "Turn Down for What" to a roaring crowd, adding extra lines that repeated the theme: "We're not going back."

Aug 20, 2024, 8:00 PM EDT

Harris' Milwaukee rally asked to 'bring the energy' for DNC broadcast

At Harris' rally in Milwaukee, the campaign announced in the arena that the vice president will be broadcast into the DNC and that they want the crowd here to "bring the energy."

"I'm really going to need this energy when they broadcast this live, right?" said Jaliah Jefferson, Wisconsin deputy organizing director, Milwaukee. "VP Harris will be beamed into TVs all across the country."

A crowd of people wait to enter a DNC watch party and rally with Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic vice-presidential candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at Fiserv Arena in Milwaukee, Aug. 20 2024.
Justin Lane//EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

"So when it's our moment, we need to get loud and leave no doubt that Wisconsin is going to send Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to the White House," she added.

Crowds have been waiting for hours to enter the Fiserv Forum -- where the RNC was held last month. The arena is packed with people and it's a party vibe. The music has been pumping loudly, people are dancing and waving their light-up wristbands. The bass in the music is so loud the floor is vibrating.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrive in Milwaukee, for a campaign rally, Aug. 20, 2024.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP

-ABC News' Selina Wang and Will McDuffie

Aug 20, 2024, 7:57 PM EDT

Harris' stepson talks about how she became 'Momala'

Kamala Harris' stepson Cole Emhoff paid tribute to his father, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, and how the vice president became part of their blended family, in a video posted on social media ahead of Emoff's DNC speech tonight.

"In 2014, Kamala became Momala," Cole Emhoff said. "She took over Sunday night dinners and taught Doug how to actually cook."

"Our blended family wasn't used to politics or the spotlight, but when Kamala became senator, we were all excited to step up -- especially my dad," Cole Emoff added. "Then, Kamala became vice president. It felt like Doug was a bit out of place on Capitol Hill. I thought: 'What is my goofy dad doing here?'"

-ABC News' Fritz Farrow