DNC lineup: Who’s speaking and what to expect

Written on 08/19/2024
Alex Haynes, Editor-at-Large

The Democratic National Convention is set to commence this Monday in Chicago, featuring a headline address by President Biden during the prime-time session as he endorses Vice President Kamala Harris.

The convention schedule was unveiled early Sunday morning, highlighting the nightly themes and roster of speakers. Axios confirmed earlier today that First Lady Michelle Obama is now scheduled to appear on Tuesday.

Here’s a breakdown of the key speakers and themes for each day:

  • Monday, “For the People”: Speeches by President Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with an opening address by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
  • Tuesday, “A Bold Vision for America’s Future”: Presentations by former President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, introduced by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
  • Wednesday, “A Fight for Our Freedoms”: Vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz will give his acceptance speech. Preceding him will be former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, according to CNN.
  • Thursday, “For Our Future”: Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept her nomination for president. Additional speeches will be delivered by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Additional speakers include Jason Carter, representing his grandfather, former President Carter, who has expressed a desire to live long enough to cast his vote for Harris.

Event Extras: A motivational message, “History Is In Your Hands,” quoting President Biden’s Oval Office address on July 24, will greet the delegates at the entrance stairs.

Monday’s Speaker Line-up:

  • Minyon Moore, Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee
  • Jaime Harrison, Chair of the Democratic National Committee
  • Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago
  • Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota
  • Representative Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.)
  • Rich Logis, introduced as a former Trump supporter
  • Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.)
  • Joint session featuring top union leaders like Lee Saunders, April Verrett, and others
  • Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Mich.)
  • Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo
  • Governor Kathy Hochul of New York
  • Shawn Fain, President of the United Auto Workers
  • Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)
  • Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State
  • Representative James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.)
  • Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.)
  • Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas)
  • Representative Grace Meng (D-N.Y.)
  • Amanda and Josh Zurawski of Texas, amongst others, in a joint address
  • Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky
  • Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia
  • Senator Chris Coons of Delaware
  • First Lady Jill Biden
  • Ashley Biden, daughter of President Biden
  • President Biden is set to conclude the evening’s addresses.

This comprehensive lineup is designed to unify and energize the Democratic base while propelling the party’s vision forward into the upcoming election cycle.

How to Watch

The DNC is scheduled to take place August 19 through August 22. The convention will be in Chicago, just 90 miles south of Milwaukee, where the Republican National Convention was recently held.
The convention will air live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.
Watch live coverage in the BLKALERTS app or at blkalerts.com. A live WATCH link is in our bio!