Live
Yahoo News
Second gentleman Doug Emhoff is also expected to address the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Yahoo News Staff
Updated
The Democratic Convention kicked off on Monday with fiery speeches from President Biden, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — and surprise remarks from Vice President Kamala Harris.
Night one's theme was "For the People." Tuesday night, given the theme "A Bold Vision for America's Future," will feature speeches from former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and second gentleman Doug Emhoff.
Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, won't be attending tonight's events. Instead, they're hosting a campaign rally and DNC watch party in Milwaukee.
Each night of the DNC, which will run through Thursday, will be streamed on YouTube, and you can watch it on cable or streamers like Hulu, Paramount+, Peaco*ck and Max.
Yahoo News will live-blog primetime speeches and provide analysis and key takeaways afterward. Our extensive partner network will also provide breaking news and analysis. Stick with us for full coverage.
Live86 updates
Kate Murphy
'Hoops for Harris' announces Sept. 4 fundraising call with former NBA, WNBA players
NBA Hall of Fame coach George Karl has announced a "Hoops for Harris" fundraising call that will include former NBA and WNBA players, coaches and announcers coming together on Sept. 4 at 8 p.m. ET for a fundraising call in support of Vice President Kamala Harris.
The announcement comes after various groups like Black Women for Harris, Black Men for Harris, Latinos for Harris, White Women for Harris and White Dudes for Harris were established to support the Democratic nominee.
As of 1:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 20, the @hoopsforharris account on X was "temporarily restricted" due to some "unusual activity from this account." For context, Elon Musk, who owns the X platform, has publicly endorsed former President Trump.
Harris already received an endorsem*nt from Golden State Warriors and Team USA coach Steve Kerr, who spoke on the first night of the Democratic National Convention.
Yahoo News Staff
Carlos Eduardo Espina, Deja Foxx, Nabela Noor among social media influencers speaking at DNC
Yahoo News' Donnavan Smoot reports:
While politicians, delegates and campaign staff are often already familiar with the convention floor, this will be the first time the DNC has welcomed influencers and content creators as credentialed members of the media.
Over 200 social media personalities received credentials for the convention, which runs through Aug. 22. Several are on their way to see Kamala Harris formally accept the party’s nomination for president and have an opportunity to create content with unprecedented access, but a select few have been invited to get onstage and give speeches.
Among the influencers in attendance include Carlos Eduardo Espina, who posts about immigrant rights; Deja Foxx, who covers abortion access; Olivia Julianna, who covers climate change, reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights; and Nabela Noor, who posts about home, lifestyle and immigration.
Click for a more in-depth look at the influencers speaking this week: Carlos Eduardo Espina, Deja Foxx, Nabela Noor among social media influencers speaking at the 2024 DNC
Kate Murphy
Security perimeter near DNC beefed up after fencing knocked down by protesters
Security near the Democratic National Convention venue is being reinforced on Tuesday after protesters broke through a security fence near the United Center in Chicago on Monday.
While a larger group of protesters marched peacefully, four people were arrested.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters on Monday: “We have no idea what they would have done had that gotten on to the other side. But as I’ve said before, we’re not going to tolerate anyone that is going to vandalize things in our city. We are not going to tolerate anyone who are going to commit acts of violence.”
According to Chicago's WGN-TV, "a second layer of fencing, concrete barriers and brackets to ensure the fences remain secure and cannot be easily dismantled" were added to the perimeter.
Dylan Stableford
Chicago police made 13 arrests during DNC protests Monday
At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said police made 13 arrests on Monday during protests outside of the Democratic National Convention, bringing the total to 15.
Two people were arrested Sunday ahead of the four-day convention.
Snelling also said that some of the officers who responded when demonstrators breached a fence near the United Center on Monday night were struck by objects and hit with pepper spray, but that there were "no major injuries."
"Our officers showed great restraint," Snelling said.
Kate Murphy
South Asian immigrants rally in support of Harris
Sumathi Madhure is a physical therapist, a mother of two — and a New Hampshire delegate who immigrated to the U.S. from South Asia when she was 20 years old. Madhure and hundreds of other voters of South Asian descent are excited to see Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also South Asian, run for president.
The Los Angeles Times reports:
Madhure and hundreds of other “Desis,” as South Asians living abroad often refer to themselves, came together at a community center before Monday's main convention session — responding with enthusiasm as politicos with similar roots described how their election had marked a first for their own communities in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Arizona and other states.
"It doesn’t matter which color and which race you are, you still have to prove you are capable and worthy of the job," said Madhure, a delegate from New Hampshire. "To me, Kamala has proven she is capable and she can handle this job. But she needs to keep proving it."
Click here to read more from the Los Angeles Times: 'Desis' take Chicago: Kamala Harris' Indian American political family is thrilled
Yahoo News Photo Staff
'We ❤️ Joe' signs, Project 2025 and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr — a look at night 1 in photos
The Democratic Party's convention kicked off at the United Center in Chicago Monday night.
Kate Murphy
What's behind the empty seats on the first night of the DNC?
Conservatives were quick to jump on the number of apparent empty seats at Chicago's United Center as the Democratic National Convention kicked off on Monday night.
The venue is designed to hold 23,500 people, but photos of the half-empty venue spread quickly online.
"Look at all the empty seats at the DNC," one X user wrote. "The Democrat Party is over! RIP."
What was really behind the empty seats? The Wall Street Journal reported that the pro-Palestinian demonstrations happening outside of the venue delayed at least 20 buses carrying delegates that were stuck about a half mile from the United Center, resulting in many convention-goers arriving late.
The Secret Service also said Tuesday, according to CNN, that two other bus incidents added to those delays: one bus accidentally struck a security gate, while another had mechanical issues.
Nicole Darrah
Democrats rolling out the 'blue carpet' for social media influencers
The Democratic National Convention Committee said it brought a "blue carpet" to the United Center this week for influencers to deliver live coverage from the scene in Chicago.
Per the Daily Beast:
“From day one of our planning, we’ve set out to bring the convention experience beyond the halls of the United Center,” Nora Keefe, Democratic National Convention Committee Director of Surrogate Communications said in a press release shared first with the Daily Beast. The United Center is the convention hall in Chicago where festivities are set to kick off on Monday.
One of the most high profile influencers who will be working his magic on the carpet is comedian and impressionist Matt Friend, a Daily Beast contributor, who performed at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Friend will serve as a Blue Carpet correspondent for Snapchat along with Peter Hamby, host of Snapchat’s Good Luck America.
Nicole Darrah
Night 2 theme: 'A Bold Vision for America's Future'
The DNC opened on Monday with the theme "For the People." Tuesday night's theme will highlight "A Bold Vision for America's Future."
The Obamas, second gentleman Doug Emhoff and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker are set to speak. The View'sAna Navarro will host tonight's events.
Colin Campbell
Trump says Harris team passed on Fox News debate
Former President Donald Trump wrote on social media late Monday night that Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign said it would decline his proposed Sept. 4 debate hosted by Fox News.
“Rather than the debate on September 4th, I have agreed to do a Tele-Town Hall, anchored by Sean Hannity," he wrote on Truth Social.
Both campaigns have so far agreed to a single debate, on Sept. 10, hosted by ABC News. Trump, who initially backed out of the ABC News event, later reversed course and endorsed two additional debates: the Fox News one on Sept. 4 and another hosted by NBC News on Sept. 25.
Their vice presidential candidates, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, have also agreed to their own debate on Oct. 1 hosted by CBS News.
Nicole Darrah
The Obamas are scheduled to headline night 2 of the DNC
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, along with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, are set to headline night two of the convention.
The 44th president posted on X Monday evening: "It's good to be home in Chicago."
USA Today reports:
Two decades ago, Obama, a barely 40-something Illinois Senate candidate, launched himself into America's history books with a speech that's still talked about.
...
The 44th president said he looks forward to joining party faithful to "share what's at stake in this election," and why Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Walz, her running mate, should be elected.
"President Obama believes this is an all-hands-on-deck moment, and is committed to doing all he can to elect Vice President Harris and Democrats across the country," Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to Obama said in a statement.
"His strategy this fall will be driven by where he can move the needle with Democrats and persuadable voters, especially in states with key races. That is why he will continue to engage in traditional and creative tactics to reach voters where they are and mobilizing the electorate in advance of Nov. 5."
Nicole Darrah
Harris to hold rally in Milwaukee tonight as DNC continues in Chicago
Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to host a campaign rally in Milwaukee on Tuesday night as the Democratic National Convention's second night kicks off at the United Center in Chicago.
Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will speak at the Fiserv Forum, where former President Donald Trump spoke at the Republican National Convention last month.
According to the Harris campaign, tonight's event in Milwaukee will be both a rally and a DNC watch party. Harris and Walz are expected to watch the convention alongside the crowd at the Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Nicole Darrah
Night 1 takeaways: The torch has been passed
Night one of the convention has ended, and President Biden bid farewell to his political career. He "passed the torch" to his vice president, Kamala Harris, as those in attendance chanted, "Thank you, Joe!"
And former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — who received a rousing ovation as she took the stage — said she predicts Harris will break the "highest, hardest glass ceiling."
Yahoo News' Andrew Romano has more takeaways from last night's session. Click here to read.
Ed Hornick
Poll: What did you think of Biden's DNC speech?
Colin Campbell
DNC night 1 closes
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan took a voice vote to close out Monday night at the Democratic convention. The vote occurred at about 11:30 p.m. local time in Chicago.
The Democratic National Convention resumes Tuesday night.
David Knowles
Harris and Walz join the Bidens on stage
At the conclusion of his speech to the Democratic National Convention, President Biden was joined on stage by his wife, Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
That "pass the torch" moment capped the first night of the DNC.
Colin Campbell
Biden says Gaza protests 'have a point' as he urges ceasefire
President Biden briefly addressed Israel's war in Gaza during his keynote speech on Monday, saying the pro-Palestinian protesters outside the convention hall "have a point."
"A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides," said Biden.
Biden, a staunch supporter of U.S. military aid to Israel, elicited cheers from the crowd as he strongly urged a ceasefire and touted humanitarian efforts.
"We'll keep working to bring hostages home and end the war in Gaza and bring peace and security to the Middle East. As you know, I wrote a peace treaty for Gaza," he said. "A few days ago, I put forward a proposal that has brought us closer to doing that than we've done since Oct. 7. We're working around the clock ... to prevent a wider war and reunite hostages with their families, and surge humanitarian health and food assistance into Gaza now. To end the civilian suffering of the Palestinian people, and finally — finally, finally — deliver a ceasefire and end this war!"
David Knowles
Biden says picking Harris as his vice president was 'the best decision I made my whole career'
Biden repeatedly praised Harris in his speech Monday at the DNC.
"Selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made ... when I became our nominee," Biden said, "And it was the best decision I made in my whole career."
"She's tough," he continued, "She's experienced and she has enormous integrity."
Dylan Stableford
Biden dismisses reports he's angry at people who wanted him to step aside
Near the end of his speech, President Biden addressed reports that he is angry at Democratic officials, like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others, who publicly and privately urged him to drop his reelection bid.
"I love my job, but I love my country more," Biden said. "And all this talk about how I'm angry at all those people who said I should step down, that's not true.
"I love my country more and we need to preserve our democracy," he added. "In 2024, we need you to vote. We need you to keep the Senate. We need you to win back the House of Representatives. And above all, we need you to beat Donald Trump."
David Knowles
Biden's speech has some stumbles
During his speech at the DNC on Monday, President Biden made an impassioned case for what he had accomplished during his term in office. But his delivery also had some unsteady moments that served to remind his audience of his much-criticized debate performance against Donald Trump that ultimately led Democrats to pressure him to exit the race.
Perhaps the most glaring example came when he reflected on the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and send the question of whether to outlaw abortion to the states.
"The decision overturning Roe v. Wade, that you heard earlier tonight, the United States Supreme Court majority wrote the following: Quote, women are not without electrical, are not, not allowed, are not without electoral or political power. No kidding," Biden said, before regaining his footing.
