Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vice President Kamala Harris commemorated President Joe Biden’s legacy Monday on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention ahead of his headlining speech slated for later opening night.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks during the 2024 Democratic National ... [+]
Harris, making a surprise appearance, told the crowd “this November we will come together and declare with one voice as one people, we are moving forward,” after thanking Biden for his “historic leadership” and “lifetime of service.”
Biden “has been democracy’s champion at home and abroad,” Clinton said, crediting him with bringing “dignity, decency and confidence back to the White House,” and thanking him for a “lifetime of service and leadership.”
Clinton also lauded Harris, drawing parallels between the time they spent during their legal careers “helping children who were abused and neglected,” telling the crowd Harris will “never rest in defense of our freedom and safety.”
Clinton frequently blasted Trump, drawing contrasts between him and Harris, accusing him of “lying about Kamala’s record . . . mocking her name and her laugh,” Clinton said, adding “we have him on the run now,” referring to Harris’ lead in polls.
Democrats also approved their 2024 party platform Monday evening—a 92-page document written before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race that outlines a continuation of his policies.
The president will be the final featured speaker of the night, set to give his address in the 10 p.m. EDT hour. He will be introduced by his daughter, Ashley Biden.
Vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is scheduled to speak Wednesday, and Harris is expected to speak Thursday to close out the convention.
Democrats descend on Chicago this week as the party has been reenergized by Harris’ candidacy since Biden dropped out of the race on July 21, less than a month after his disastrous June 27 debate performance effectively ended his campaign. More than 99% of Democratic delegates voted to nominate Harris and Walz earlier this month in a virtual roll call—a formality typically reserved for the convention. Delegates held a ceremonial vote Monday to nominate Walz and are expected to host a celebratory vote commemorating Harris’ nomination later in the week.
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