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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 20, 2024, 11:08 PM 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.

10:26 PM EDT

Sen. Tammy Duckworth gets personal about IVF journey

The future of reproductive rights was again a strong topic at the convention with several speakers discussing their personal struggles with having children or finding an abortion.

Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, expressed anger at Trump, Vance and Republicans over their proposals to limit fertility options and ban abortions.

"I take it personally when a five-time draft-dodging coward like Donald Trump tries to take away my rights and freedoms in return -- especially when it concerns my daughters," she said.

Duckworth a veteran and double amputee, was candid about IVF treatments used to conceive her daughters.

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) speaks during Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 20, 2024.
Mike Segar/Reuters

"My struggle with infertility was more painful than any wound I earned on the battlefield," she said.

The senator spoke directly to would-be parents and said she would fight any attempts to restrict reproductive rights.

"We’ll send a message to Trump: Stay out of our doctors’ offices -- and out of the Oval Office, too," she said.

Reproductive rights are a key voter issue that both Harris and Trump are working to speak to voters about as November approaches.

Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed anger at Donald Trump, JD Vance and Republicans over their proposals to limit fertility options and ban abortions.
Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed anger at Donald Trump, JD Vance and Republicans over their proposals to limit fertility options and ban abortions.

10:18 PM EDT

Maryland Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks praises Harris' mentorship

Angela Alsobrooks, who is taking on popular former Gov. Larry Hogan in Maryland's Senate race, spoke about her friendship with Harris and how she looked up to her as a mentor.

Alsobrooks said when she ran for state's attorney in 2009, she discovered Harris' work as district attorney piloting a program to help low-level offenders get job training, GED help and more.

"After reading about this super-bad district attorney, I talked non-stop about her on the campaign trail," she said. "Two days after I won the election, my phone rings. It’s Kamala Harris, calling to congratulate me and ask how she could help. She helped me bring Back on Track to Maryland. Crime went down, and economic growth went up. Back on Track is now a national model."

Alsobrooks went on to tout Harris' prosecutorial record against big banks, gangs and more.

"Kamala Harris knows how to keep criminals off the streets," she said. "And come November, with our help, she’ll keep one out of the Oval Office."

After her remarks, the crowd erupted in "Angela" chants.

Alsobrooks' race against Hogan is a high-stakes where Maryland could alter which party has control in the Senate.

Maryland’s Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate spoke about her friendship with Kamala Harris and how she looked up to her as a mentor.
Maryland’s Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate spoke about her friendship with Kamala Harris and how she looked up to her as a mentor.

10:16 PM EDT

Crowd gets subdued after roll call

Following roaring and upbeat moments during the roll call, the mood at the United Center became more subdued as several speakers, including Sens. Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders and Govs. J.B. Pritzker and Michelle Lujan Grisham.

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