The second night of the Democratic National Convention is set to kick off in Chicago on Tuesday evening, with a lineup of speakers including former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama. Barack Obama’s speech holds special significance as it marks 20 years since he delivered the keynote address at the 2004 DNC in Boston, propelling him to national fame and eventually the presidency in 2008.
This year, Obama will be advocating for Vice President Kamala Harris, who was an early supporter of his 2008 campaign. The night will also feature speeches from Sen. Bernie Sanders, independent from Vermont, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Additionally, prominent Republican critics of former President Donald Trump will take the stage, including Stephanie Grisham, Trump’s former White House press secretary turned vocal detractor.
The convention opened on Monday with an address from President Biden, who stepped aside to make way for Harris last month. Biden delivered a passionate and emotional endorsement of Harris, promising to be the “best volunteer” for her campaign. The tone was set for a convention focused on unity and rallying behind the Democratic ticket.
One of the key highlights of the second night was Project 2025, a policy guide for the next Republican presidential administration put together by the Heritage Foundation. Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta showcased the 900-page guide on stage, condemning it as a radical plan that would harm the middle class and working families. Democrats have been using Project 2025 as a warning to voters about the potential consequences of a second Trump term.
The evening also saw the grandsons of two former presidents, Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy, take the stage. Jason Carter, grandson of Jimmy Carter, shared his grandfather’s desire to vote for Harris despite being in hospice care. He praised Harris for embodying his grandfather’s values of service and leadership. Jack Schlossberg, grandson of John F. Kennedy, echoed the sentiment, highlighting Harris as a leader who shares his grandfather’s vision for the future.
Doug Emhoff, Harris’s husband and the first second gentleman, delivered a heartfelt speech praising Harris as a “happy warrior” ready to lead the nation. He emphasized her passion, toughness, and dedication to serving the American people. Emhoff’s remarks portrayed Harris as a candidate worthy of trust and capable of leading the country with grace and strength.
For viewers looking to tune in to the DNC, CBS News is providing extensive coverage of the convention, including live streams of major speeches and updates throughout the night. The convention can be watched on mobile or streaming devices, with CBS television stations airing coverage starting at 10 p.m. ET.
The lineup of speakers for the second night included a diverse range of voices, from party leaders like Sen. Chuck Schumer and Gov. JB Pritzker to grassroots activists and content creators. The evening culminated in speeches from Michelle Obama and Barack Obama, reminding voters of the stakes in the upcoming election and the importance of unity in the face of political challenges.
Overall, the second night of the DNC showcased a mix of powerful speeches, personal stories, and calls to action, all aimed at energizing the Democratic base and inspiring voters to support the party’s ticket in the upcoming election. The convention served as a platform for diverse voices to come together in support of a common goal: defeating Donald Trump and electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to lead the country.
