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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, 10:11 PM EDT

New Mexico governor focuses on health care

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham drew a contrast between Harris and Trump on health care.

"Donald Trump and JD Vance want to dismantle our health care system, repeal the Affordable Care Act, and eliminate protections for preexisting conditions. Either these guys don’t get it, or they don’t care," she said. "You know who gets it? Kamala Harris gets it and she cares."

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks on stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, 2024 in Chicago.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Harris, she said, has fought to improve the health care system, including working to get Medicare the ability to negotiate lower drug prices. She said that Trump, meanwhile delivered "junk plans, higher premiums and abortion bans."

If voters don't think a second term would under Trump would be worse, "then I've got a box of Trump Steaks to sell you," she said to laughs.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham drew a contrast between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on health care.
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New Mexico governor focuses on health care at the DNC

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham drew a contrast between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on health care.
ABCNews.com

Aug 20, 2024, 10:04 PM EDT

'These guys aren’t just weird, they’re dangerous': Pritzker

Pritzker repeated comments made by Democrats calling Trump and other Republicans "weird" over their rhetoric and actions.

He took the sentiment further citing instances when Black or brown-skinned Americans are "derided as a DEI hire for the sin of being successful while not white."

"Let's be clear, it's not 'woke' that limits economic growth, it's 'weird,'" the governor said.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks on stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 20, 2024 in Chicago.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

"These guys aren't just weird, they're dangerous," Pritzker added.

The "weird" labeling of Republicans was first adopted by Walz and used widely as a tactic to label the party's platforms and attacks.

Speaking during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker said MAGA Republicans "aren't just weird, they're dangerous."
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Pritzker hits at Trump for being 'rich' in 'stupidity' at the DNC

Speaking during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker said MAGA Republicans "aren't just weird, they're dangerous."
ABCNews.com

Aug 20, 2024, 9:57 PM EDT

Former AMEX CEO backs Harris on the economy -- one of her biggest vulnerabilities

Business executive Ken Chenault speaks during Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 20, 2024.
Mike Segar/Reuters

Kenneth Chenault, who led American Express for 17 years, voiced support for Harris' economic platform.

"Kamala Harris’s vision for the economy serves us all. She has demonstrated throughout her career that she wants to serve all people, and wants all Americans to have the opportunity to work to achieve their own share of the American dream," he said. "Our economy goes up and down. But the reason America is the strongest nation in the world is because of our commitment to something bigger than ourselves."

His remarks come as polls show the economy is a weak point for Harris, who currently trails Trump on the issue. Trump leads Harris by 9 points, 46-37%, in trust to handle the economy, a recent ABC News survey found.

Aug 20, 2024, 9:54 PM EDT

Pritzker fires back at Trump over Chicago comments

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker took jabs at Trump over the former president's frequent attacks about Chicago.

"To quote a great Chicagoan who won six world championships on these very grounds, 'We take that personally,'" the governor said paraphrasing a viral Michael Jordan quote.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks on stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, 2024 in Chicago.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Pritzker touted the state's economic policies that he said brought jobs and helped working-class residents, such as eliminating a grocery tax and investing in green jobs.

"More than anything, Democrats want economic policies that are kind, not cruel. But Trump chooses cruelty every time," he said.

Pritzker is a rising star in the party who has tapped into his vast personal wealth to support Democratic causes. He was once among the list of Harris' potential vice presidential picks.