Obamas, Doug Emhoff featured speakers for second night of Democratic National Convention

CHICAGO (TND) — The Obamas are headlining the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago as the party is turning its focus toward Vice President Kamala Harris leading them into the future as their nominee.

Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are the biggest names scheduled to speak Tuesday night after Democrats opened the convention with a night dedicated to honoring President Joe Biden after he dropped out of the race, allowing Harris to take his place and rejuvenating the party in the matchup against former President Donald Trump.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, who has also had a frequent public presence in the White House and on the campaign trial, is also scheduled to speak. Other notable figures in the lineup include Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, Republican mayor of Mesa, Arizona John Giles and Sen. Bernie Sanders, who fought fierce presidential primary campaigns against Clinton and Biden the last two cycles.

On the first night of the convention, Democrats tried to give Biden a warm send-off after he dropped his reelection bid over mounting concerns about his age and ability to continue to serve following a poor debate performance against Trump. He gave a lengthy speech to close Monday night where he relished in his accomplishments, criticized Trump and praised Harris as the country’s best option moving forward.

“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.”

The vice president made a surprise appearance Monday night to thank Biden for his service to the United States. She also joined him on stage at the conclusion of his speech with Emhoff.

“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.”

Harris spent the day campaigning in nearby Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Democrats are also defending Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s seat. Democratic Senate candidates have been outperforming the top of the ticket in polls for months, momentum that Harris is trying to capitalize on as she hopes to defeat Trump in November.

For Trump’s part, he continued his swing state tour of counterprogramming on Tuesday with a trip to Howell, Michigan for an event centered around public safety. He was in Pennsylvania on Monday and is planning a trip to North Carolina on Wednesday.