CHICAGO (AP) — The Democratic National Convention goes into the second day on Tuesday.
After President Joe Biden addressed the delegates, the entire focus of the week now turns to Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, the governor of Minnesota. Tim Walzwhile the party and its leaders want to argue why their new candidate is better suited for the White House than the Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump.
Here’s what you can see on the second day:
The Obamas will speak on Tuesday evening
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama return to the city they once called home to take the stage to show their support for Harris’ nomination.
The Obamas are expected to headline the second night of the convention, a day after the unofficial farewell to Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president for eight years. Biden will not be in the hall to watch his former running mate’s speech, having left Chicago after his own speech.
According to the Harris campaign team Michelle Obama is expected to explain why Harris’ experience and values make her a good fit for president. Her husband, Harris campaign officials said, will focus on what Democrats need to do to defeat Trump in the general election.
In addition to the Obamas, Harris’ husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoffis also scheduled to give his speech on Tuesday evening. Emhoff, the country’s first Second Gentleman, would also be the first man to become First Gentleman if Harris is elected president.
The Governor of Illinois is also on the agenda. JB Pritzkera potential future presidential candidate whose name was mentioned for a time as a possible running mate for Harris.
“A bold vision for America’s future”
According to convention organizers, the theme of Tuesday’s events is “A Bold Vision for America’s Future,” a clear turn to a new generation of Democrats and their leadership. After a Monday night that highlighted Harris’s possibilities but also praised Biden’s legacy and decades of accomplishments, convention organizers now appear ready to tackle the next leg of their journey.
In unveiling their plans for the week, convention organizers on Tuesday night described it as a way to contrast Harris’ forward-looking strategy with Trump’s less positive view of America’s future.
As on Monday, the Democrats plan to bring “ordinary Americans” and some artists to the stage each evening in addition to elected officials and party leaders.
Further protests are planned near the DNC
Further protests are planned near the DNC websitewhere on Monday a few dozen protesters who had split from a larger group expressing opposition to the war in Gaza tore down sections of the security fence in several areas near the convention sites. Some protesters, dressed in black and with their faces covered, dragged sections of the fence back to a park near the United Center, where the convention is being held.
Several protesters who managed to get through the fence were arrested and handcuffed by police.
Thousands of activists are expected to gather in Chicago to protest abortion rights, economic injustice and the War in the Gaza Strip. Demonstrations are expected every day of the congress, and although their agendas vary, many activists agree on an immediate ceasefire in the War between Israel and Hamas has priority.
Trump’s counter-programming continues
As on Monday, Trump and his running mate, the Senator from Ohio, JD Vancecontinue their separate journeys in the contested states to prevent the Democrats from having the political spotlight all to themselves.
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Trump is traveling to Howell, Michigan, for an event on crime and safety, while Vance is hosting a similar event in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As on Monday, Trump’s campaign team and surrogates – including Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida – are planning a press conference on the sidelines of the DNC in Chicago with the theme of the day being “Make America Safe Again.”
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You can reach Meg Kinnard at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP
