Democrats are turning their focus to the future under a potential Kamala Harris administration in the second day of the party’s national convention after spending the opening night honoring the legacy of its old guard as it turns toward younger leadership.
Much of the first night was focused on remembering the previous generations of Democratic leaders that brought the party to where it is today, with President Joe Biden delivering the keynote address on the opening night to wrap up a star-studded list of speakers that praised his leadership of the country and accomplishments in office.
Biden gave an enthusiastic endorsement of Harris and running mate Tim Walz in a lengthy and emotional speech that included seeking to cement his legacy and criticizing Trump for what the president has described as threats to democracy. He also thanked Americans for supporting him over his 50 years in public office.
“America, I gave my best to you,” Biden said. “For 50 years, like many of you, I’ve given my heart and soul to our nation and I’ve been blessed, a million times in return, with the support of the American people.”
Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic nominee, also gave a primetime speech where she propped Harris up as the person to break through the “hardest, highest glass ceiling” that her campaign “put cracks in” in her campaign against Trump that came up short.
Harris also made a surprise appearance on stage, speaking briefly to thank Biden for his 50 years of public service as a senator, vice president and president of the United States.
“Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you’ll continue to do,” she said. “We are forever grateful to you.”
On the second day of the DNC, speakers will shift their focus toward the future under the theme of “A Bold Vision for America’s Future.”
The main attraction on Tuesday night is a speech by former President Barack Obama, who has remained among the most popular figures within the party eight years after leaving office. He and former first lady Michelle Obama are both slated to speak during Tuesday’s program.
Obama put his name on the national map in a speech 20 years ago as the party nominated John Kerry to be its nominee, an event that helped catapult him into the White House just four years later as a first-term senator from Illinois.
Second gentleman Doug Emhoff is also expected to address the crowd. Emhoff would make history as the first male spouse to occupy the White House and has been a frequent presence on the campaign trail for Biden before leaving the race and since his wife became the party’s nominee after the president decided to step back. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is also expected to speak with more names being released later Tuesday.