DNC 2024 Day 3 live updates: Walz tells Democrats to 'leave it on the field'

Walz introduced himself to the country and touted his accomplishments.

Last Updated: August 21, 2024, 7:12 PM EDT

The third night of the Democratic National Convention continued the themes of joy and freedom.

A who's who of speakers, including a surprise speech from Oprah Winfrey, headlined the night aimed to showcase vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

"Coach Walz" brought his energy to the crowd touting his and Vice President Kamala Harris' vision for the future of the country.

    7:12 PM EDT

    Democrats jump on 'freedom' theme

    The DNC marks a culmination of decades of Democratic efforts to take back patriotism after years of Republicans owning messaging around "freedom" and the American flag.

    The word "freedom" is seemingly on the lips of every attendee and speaker -- and the name of Beyoncé's hit song and now-campaign anthem. Audience chants of "USA!" puncture speakers' remarks as they wave signs saying the same. Camo hats bearing the names of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz pockmark the crowd. And musician Jason Isbell performed the country hit song "Something More Than Free."

    An attendee stands for the National Anthem during Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 21, 2024 in Chicago.
    Brandon Bell/Getty Images

    Read more here about how Democrats have been running on this message, which has long been a staple in GOP messaging.

    -ABC News' Tal Axelrod

    7:06 PM EDT

    Project 2025 in focus again

    Project 2025, a playbook of controversial policy proposals intended to guide the next conservative administration, has been invoked again during the DNC, this time regarding reproductive rights.

    President of EMILYs List Jessica Mackler speaks on stage during Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 21, 2024 in Chicago.
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    Jessica Mackler, president of EMILYs List, the nation's largest resource for women in politics, called Project 2025 a "blueprint for banning abortion in all 50 states" that will give extremists "the power to monitor your pregnancy."

    "Make no mistake -- the threat of Project 2025 is very real," she told the crowd. "But so is our ability to stop it."

    6:52 PM EDT

    Reproductive rights at the forefront

    Day 3 of the DNC kicked off with a focus on reproductive rights -- featuring a video of women talking about the importance of the issue this election and speeches so far by Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, and Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood.

    President of Reproductive Freedom for All Mini Timmaraju arrives to speak during Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 21, 2024 in Chicago.
    Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

    6:48 PM EDT

    Cory Booker pays tribute to Bill Pascrell

    The New Jersey senator took a moment to reflect on Rep. Bill Pascrell, who died Wednesday at the age of 87. Pascrell served in Congress for 14 terms.

    "Today while we're heartbroken, we're all people who can hold loss and joy in our hearts because we are sad for his loss but we celebrate his life," Booker said. "Let's give him a round of applause."

    Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) speaks on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 21, 2024.
    Mike Segar/Reuters