What to watch as Obamas take center stage on Day 2 of Democratic convention
![What to watch as Obamas take center stage on Day 2 of Democratic convention](https://thehill.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/08.20-Barack-and-MIchelle-Obama.png?w=900)
CHICAGO — The second night of the Democratic National Convention will feature a star-studded lineup of surrogates in Chicago.
President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are expected to speak, along with second gentleman Doug Emhoff. The convention theme for the day is focused on Vice President Harris’s “bold vision for America’s future,” which is sure to include comparisons to former President Trump.
Here are the speakers to watch on the second day of the convention in Chicago.
Barack Obama
Obama is set to deliver the keynote speech of the evening, which was given by President Biden on Monday night to kick off the convention.
Obama has a long-standing relationship with Harris, stemming from her time as attorney general of California while he served as president. He also was privately behind some of the pressure on Biden to drop out of the race last month and pass the torch to Harris.
The momentum and energy behind Harris’s candidacy is often compared to the optimism that was behind Obama’s candidacy in 2008. The party, with Biden officially out of the race, appears united in a way that is reminiscent of the unity surrounding his first run for the White House.
Obama’s speech Tuesday night will likely add to that excitement as he is expected to share his signature messages of hope for the future, while also rebutting Trump and warning against his successor getting back into the Oval Office.
Michelle Obama
The former first lady is considered the party’s fantasy candidate, as Democrats for years have pondered if she would ever run for office given the fact that she is consistently rated as one of the most popular figures in the party.
While Obama has made clear she’s not interested in politics and is content being out of the public spotlight with her husband out of office, her speeches tend to yield more viewership than other Democrats.
Like the former president, she has a long-standing relationship with Harris, and will likely talk about her credentials on a personal level. She will also likely share her signature “when they go low, we go high” line in the lens of Trump and his ongoing attacks on Harris that Republicans have warned him to back away from.
Doug Emhoff
Harris’s biggest cheerleader will take the stage Tuesday night: her husband.
Emhoff is serving as the nation’s first second gentleman and campaigning to be the first first gentleman. He has emerged over the last four years as Harris’s biggest advocate but also a major resource for the Biden administration through his work on antisemitism.
Emhoff, who is a lawyer, can speak about Harris’s personal life as a wife and stepmother to his two children, Ella and Cole. Their close relationship and strong marriage is seen by political watchers as a humanizing part of Harris’s life. Emhoff’s friendly personality is seen as an asset too.
The vice president will be campaigning Tuesday night in Milwaukee, and her campaign did not say whether she will be able to watch her husband’s speech.
Other speakers
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) will deliver his remarks Tuesday as he remains focused on holding the Democratic majority in the upper chamber and on how Harris’s candidacy can impact downballot races.
He will be followed by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), who can speak about veterans' support for Harris, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), whose progressive star power could help boost Harris with young and far-left voters.
Additionally, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will welcome Democrats to his state, and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) will also speak.
Date: |
Topics
-
NBC News - Top stories
How to watch Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins on TNF: Where to stream, what time it starts and more
The NFL heads to South Beach on Thursday as the Miami Dolphins play host to the Buffalo Bills.26 minutes ago - NFL -
CBS News - Top stories
How and when to watch the best games of NFL Week 2 for free
Fubo is cutting prices on watching the NFL this season. Find out how to watch the best games of Week 2 for free.1 hour ago - NFL -
CBS News - Top stories
What to know about Springfield, the city at the center of a fake story about migrants
When a debunked rumor like the one about Haitian migrants in Ohio is repeated, it becomes a lie. When it is spread on a large stage -- like the debate stage, where former President Donald Trump ...11 hours ago -
Yahoo Sports - Sports
Week 2 storylines to follow: Holding our breath for Christian McCaffrey
Jordan Mason slid into the RB1 role for San Francisco nicely, but there's still hope for the preseason No. 1 overall fantasy player to make an impact.17 hours ago -
The New York Times - Lifestyle
Live From Chase Center: Mark Zuckerberg Tapes ‘Acquired’ Podcast
In front of a packed house on Tuesday night, Mr. Zuckerberg chatted about his company, Meta, with the hosts of the “Acquired” podcast, as tech titans shift the ways they communicate.19 hours ago -
GameSpot - Tech
Konami Confirms Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2, But Not What's In It
After releasing Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 last year for the modern consoles and PC, it was inevitable that Konami would eventually get around to a second volume. Now, Konami has ...22 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
Europe watches Harris-Trump debate for clues on direction US may take
Diplomats most struck by Republican’s refusal to say whether he wanted Ukraine to defeat Vladimir Putin. Harris v Trump: US presidential debate – latest updates The TV debate between Kamala ...23 hours ago - Donald Trump -
ABC News - World
Anti-war protesters in Australia clash with police outside a weapons convention
Anti-war protesters have clashed with police outside a military arms convention in the Australian city of MelbourneYesterday - Australia -
NBC News - Politics
What led to rumors Trump shared about Venezuelan gangs taking over a Colorado building?
Former President Donald Trump repeated debunked rumors related to Venezuelan gangs in a Colorado town during Tuesday night’s presidential debate.Yesterday - Donald Trump
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
Biden, can you spare a DIME?
President Biden's over-reliance on economic sanctions to deter Russia and Iran has not been effective. He needs to dive into the diplomatic, information and military playbook as well.26 minutes ago - Joe Biden -
The Hill - Politics
Rick Scott to run ad during Miami Dolphins game hitting Mucarsel Powell as a ‘socialist’
Florida Sen. Rick Scott's (R) reelection campaign will run an ad labeling his opponent, former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel Powell, a "silly socialist" during a Miami Dolphins game on Thursday. The ...26 minutes ago -
The Hill - Politics
Morning Report — Post-debate: What’s next for Harris, Trump?
Two days after Vice President Harris and former President Trump faced off in their first presidential debate, one question looms large: Will it move the needle? Pollsters have characterized the ...56 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
GOP senators express frustration with Trump's performance at debate
Senate Republicans are feeling frustrated and disappointed by former President Trump's debate performance and his inability to resist taking the bait from Vice President Harris on side issues such ...1 hour ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
What to know about Google's second antitrust trial
Google is on trial for the second time in two years for alleged antitrust violations, as the Department of Justice (DOJ) accuses the tech giant of dominating all sides of the digital advertising ...1 hour ago - Google