DNC Night 2: Democrats turn toward Harris

CHICAGO — Twenty years ago in Boston, former President Barack Obama made his debut at the Democratic National Convention. Tuesday night, he will be the keynote speaker to make the case for Vice President Kamala Harris in this November’s presidential election.

Before that, there was a roll call, which was largely ceremonial where each state cast its delegate’s votes to officially name Harris as the nominee.

In 2020, it was virtual allowing Democrats to highlight each state.

This year, they wanted to bring back a party-like atmosphere so the roll call featured a DJ and guest appearances including rapper Lil Jon.

North Carolina’s roll call featured the music of Petey Pablo and a guest appearance of Anthony Hamilton.

South Carolina featured one of the senators who fought the state’s abortion restrictions.

“We are going forward on reproductive rights,” said Sen. Margie Bright Matthews, D-Colleton. “We are going forward on voting rights. We are going forward against hate crimes, forward with a prosecutor and not a crook.”

“We are going to make sure we put Democrats on the ballot and in people’s hearts and minds,” said Anderson Clayton, the chairwoman of the North Carolina Democratic Party. “North Carolina gives 131 votes to the phenomenal Kamala Harris.”

It wasn’t just the Obamas with ties to the presidency who spoke Tuesday night.

The grandchildren of Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy also made a case for Harris.

JFK’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg said Kamala Harris’ life of public service mimics his grandfather’s life.

“Tonight, JFK’s call to action is now ours to answer because once again, the torch has been passed to a new generation to a leader who shares my grandfather’s energy, vision, and optimism for the future,” he said.

Gov. Tim Walz will introduce himself to the nation on Wednesday night.

In addition to Harris’ vice presidential pick, former President Bill Clinton, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are expected to speak.

Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to speak Thursday night before Harris goes on stage to accept the Democratic nomination for president, according to The Charlotte Observer.

Teen Delegates:

Polls showed President Joe Biden struggled with courting young voters before he dropped out. Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has been putting in efforts to recruit them.

As thousands descend to the United Center this week for the convention, two of the youngest delegates are representing North Carolina.

One of the delegates is Eric Willoughby of Huntersville. He went viral after delivering this speech to the North Carolina General Assembly about redistricting

“I left my second period math class in Cornelius and drove all the way the two and a half hours to Raleigh,” he said.

The 18-year-old is now 11 hours away in Chicago as a delegate. He is one of the youngest delegates in the country and says he is excited by the Harris-Walz ticket.

“She’s not fake. She’s not a fraud,” he said. “The same with Tim Walz. I mean, spending some time here in Chicago, I know what a Midwestern dad looks like, and Tim Walz fits that M.O. perfectly.”

Robert Liu of Durham is also a delegate. The 18-year-old says President Joe Biden enacted policies for the youth like climate and gun control legislation. He says Vice President Kamala Harris can go a step further and inspire Gen Z voters.

“We didn’t have this energy, you know, three weeks ago,” he said. “We need the energy of the youth, and I think Kamala will be the one to bring that to the bring that.”

One way Democrats are courting youth voters is through influencers. For the first time, the Democratic National Convention credentialed content creators. They have their own platform on the floor to record their TikToks and posts.

Night 2 Lineup (all times are Eastern)

6:30 PM

Call to Order - The Honorable Jaime R. Harrison Chairman of the Democratic National Committee

Gavel In - The Honorable Mitch Landrieu DNC Night 2 Co-Chair and Committee Co-Chair

Invocation

• Rabbi Sharon Brous IKAR
• Imam Dr. Talib M. Shareef The Nation’s Mosque

Pledge of Allegiance - Joshua Davis

National Anthem - Aristotle “Aris” Garcia Byrne

Remarks - Jason Carter Grandson of President Jimmy Carter

Remarks - Jack Schlossberg Grandson of President John F. Kennedy

Remarks: - “Project 2025—Chapter Two: The Economy” The Honorable Malcolm Kenyatta Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

7:00 PM

Remarks - Kyle Sweetser Former Donald Trump voter

Remarks -Stephanie Grisham Former Trump White House Press Secretary

Remarks - Nabela Noor Content creator

Remarks - The Honorable Gary Peters United States Senator, Michigan

Remarks - Kenneth Stribling Retired Teamster

8:00 PM

Roll Call

Remarks - Minnesota Delegation

Remarks - California Delegation

9:00 PM

Host Introduction - Ana Navarro

Remarks - The Honorable Chuck Schumer United States Senate Majority Leader

Remarks - The Honorable Bernie Sanders United States Senator, Vermont

Remarks - The Honorable JB Pritzker Governor of Illinois

Remarks - Ken Chenault American business executive

Remarks - The Honorable Michelle Lujan Grisham Governor of New Mexico

10:00 PM

Keynote - Remarks Angela Alsobrooks Democratic Nominee for the U.S. Senate, Maryland; Long-time mentee of the Vice President

Remarks - The Honorable John Giles Mayor of Mesa, Arizona

Remarks - The Honorable Tammy Duckworth United States Senator, Illinois

Remarks - Douglas Emhoff Second Gentleman of the United States

Remarks - Michelle Obama Former First Lady of the United States

11:00 PM

Remarks - Barack Obama 44th President of the United States

Benediction:

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. African Methodist Episcopal Church, 7th Episcopal District

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

(VIDEO: Vice President Kamala Harris visits Leah & Louise at Camp North End)

Vice President Kamala Harris visits Leah & Louise at Camp North End

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