DNC Night 1: Biden delivers keynote address in Chicago

CHICAGO — Democrats are gathering in Chicago this week to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as their candidate to take on former President Donald Trump.

It’s been four weeks since President Joe Biden left the race.

Biden kicked off his remarks Monday night after a long standing ovation from the crowd.

“My dad used to have an expression for real. He’d say, ‘Joey, family is the beginning, the middle and the end.’ And I love you all. And America, I love you,” he said to loud applause.

“Let me ask you, are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?” Biden continued.

He reiterated his reasons for running for president in 2020 citing the Unite the Right rally in 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia, as a turning point in the country.

“I ran with a deep conviction,” he said.

First lady Jill Biden said she “saw him dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris.”

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, a former U.S. Senate candidate from South Carolina, talked about his personal story and how the week’s events can inspire others to be like him and Harris.

Congressman Jim Clyburn of eastern and central South Carolina addressed the crowd. Clyburn is credited for helping propel Joe Biden into the presidency. York County delegate Ryan Stephens says Rep. Clyburn is a great representative of the state on a national stage.

>>Watch government reporter Joe Bruno’s coverage from Chicago in the video at the top of this webpage.

The theme of the evening was “For The People.” Democrats will honor President Joe Biden and pay tribute to his 50 years of public service. First Lady Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are also speaking.

Vi Lyles in attendance

One of the delegates representing North Carolina is Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, who is in Chicago for her second Democratic National Convention. She’s there to support Vice President Kamala Harris and says the Biden-Harris administration has benefited Charlotte

“Harris has the kind of personality that people can connect with. When she says something, you believe it,” Lyles said. “Think about what the Biden-Harris administration has done in terms of clean air, clean water. We have buses now that carry people across the city without the exhaust of diesel.”

She says the 2024 election is coming at a crucial time as Charlotte talks about expanding its transit service. She’s hoping the city can once again tap into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.

As the mayor attends the DNC in Chicago, talks continue in Charlotte about the region’s ambitious sales tax increase proposal that would bring the Red Line, expanded bus routes, and improved roads to Charlotte.

Lyles says having Harris in the White House will make it easier for the city to get matching funds. For rail projects in the billions, those dollars are a must

“I know that in this administration, this Democratic administration, that they are willing to allow us to go to get federal matching funds, so that if we do get the opportunity to have any kind of long-range transit to serve our community, they’re going to match that money,” she said.

Speaker Lineup:

All times listed are central

5:15 PM - 10:15 PM

Call to Order:

• Minyon Moore, Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee
• The Honorable Jaime R. Harrison, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee

Remarks and Video Introduction - The Honorable Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

Confirmatory and Ceremonial Vote for the Vice Presidential Nomine - Minyon Moore, Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee

Welcome Remarks - The Honorable Peggy Flanagan, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota

Remarks - The Honorable Lauren Underwood, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Illinois

Video - Rich Logis, Former Donald Trump Voter

Remarks - The Honorable Robert Garcia, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, California

Joint Remarks:

• Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
• April Verrett, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
• Brent Booker, General President of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA)
• Kenneth W. Cooper, International President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
• Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA)
• Elizabeth H. Shuler, President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

Remarks: “Project 2025—Chapter One: Introduction” - The Honorable Mallory McMorrow, Michigan State Senator

Remarks - The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo, United States Secretary of Commerce

Remarks - The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

Remarks - Shawn Fain, President of the United Automobile Workers

Remarks - The Honorable Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New York

Remarks - The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former United States Secretary of State

Remarks - The Honorable James E. Clyburn, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, South Carolina

Remarks - The Honorable Jamie Raskin, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Maryland

Remarks - The Honorable Jasmine Crockett, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Texas

Remarks - The Honorable Grace Meng, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New York

Joint Remarks:

• Amanda and Josh Zurawski, Texas
• Kaitlyn Joshua, Louisiana
• Hadley Duvall, Kentucky

Remarks - The Honorable Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky

Remarks - The Honorable Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, United States Senator, Georgia

Remarks - The Honorable Chris Coons, United States Senator, Delaware

Remarks - Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States

Introduction - Ashley Biden

Remarks - The Honorable Joe Biden, President of the United States

Harris ticket generates enthusiasm

Democratic candidates and activists say they have seen a surge in enthusiasm with the addition of Kamala Harris to the top of the ticket.

“I’m over the top,” Democratic activist Connie Green-Johnson said. “I am so jubilant.”

Longtime Democratic activist Connie Green-Johnson says she is thrilled at the historic nature of Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy.

“America is ready for the change,” she said. “Women are the backbone and the soul of this country.”

Just a month ago, the thought of Vice President Kamala Harris leading the ticket for Democrats wasn’t top of mind. But now that she is at the top of the ticket, Democrats say they are experiencing a surge in enthusiasm and providing a boost to candidates in down-ballot races.

“It’s undeniable, the amount of energy, the enthusiasm that has come with her announcement,” State Senate Candidate Woodson Bradley said.

Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Dante Anderson says the Harris campaign has mobilized the Democratic base in a way she hasn’t seen in years. She thinks Harris can do what Obama did in 2008: Carry the state.

“I do feel like it’s very different than it has been in the last couple of elections,” she said. “I’m excited about that.”

(WATCH BELOW: RNC Night 4: Donald Trump, Hulk Hogan and Annette Albright speak)

RNC Night 4: Donald Trump, Hulk Hogan and Annette Albright speak

ABC News contributed to this report.

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