The Democratic National Convention enters its second day on Tuesday.
Former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff are scheduled to speak at the DNC, following the unofficial farewell for President Joe Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president for eight years. Biden will not be present in the hall to witness his former running mate’s speech as he has already left Chicago after delivering his own speech.
Now that President Biden has addressed the delegates, the focus of the week shifts to Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
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Here’s the Latest:
DNC Organizers Adjust Schedule to Start Earlier on Day 2
Organizers are aiming to start day two of the Democratic National Convention earlier in order to avoid running late like on day one.
DNC director Alex Hornbrook mentioned on Tuesday morning that adjustments were made on the first night and they are working on starting at 5:30 p.m. local time in Chicago on day two to ensure the event stays on track.
During a press briefing, Hornbrook did not directly address the issue of canceled speakers on the first night but assured that the program team is working hard to keep everything on schedule.
President Joe Biden’s key address on Monday night did not take place until around 11:30 p.m. on the East Coast, causing the program to run well past midnight for many viewers.
Trump’s Campaign Starts Day 2 of Counterprogramming
Prior to a news conference at the Trump Hotel Chicago, displays with statistics on homicide rates were set up under the name “Kamala Crime Crisis.”
Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, a prominent ally and surrogate for Trump, is expected to deliver remarks and answer media questions.
North Carolina Governor Optimistic about Democrats’ Chances
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper expressed optimism about Democrats’ chances of winning the state with Vice President Kamala Harris leading the ticket.
Cooper attributed the state’s shifting demographics to favoring Democrats and highlighted a competitive race to succeed him as governor, which he believes will positively impact the ticket.
Cooper admitted to not having the same level of optimism when Biden was the presidential candidate, noting a lack of unity among Democrats at that time.
Cooper praised Biden’s reception on the opening night of the convention, emphasizing the significance of Biden’s decision to step aside and make history.
Republican Leaders to Speak at DNC
The Harris campaign announced that several Republican leaders, including former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, will also address the convention in Chicago.
Former Trump White House staffers Olivia Troye and Stephanie Grisham will also speak at the event.
Harris Visits Milwaukee Before Returning to Chicago
The Harris campaign will feature prominent speakers from battleground states over the next three days, including Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and other key figures.
Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina, a significant pickup opportunity for Harris, is scheduled to speak before Harris accepts the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday.
President Biden and Family Arrive in California
President Joe Biden and his family are spending the week in California at the ranch of Democratic donor Joe Kiani after Biden’s speech at the Democratic National Convention.
Biden appointed Kiani to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, highlighting their close relationship.
Harris Addresses Gaza Conflict at DNC Forum
At the Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris made efforts to ease tension with pro-Palestinian activists by allowing a forum to discuss the war in Gaza.
Harris’ decision to engage with activists and offer a platform for discussion was seen as an olive branch and a departure from previous approaches taken by Biden.
Read more about the panel discussion
Iran Blamed for Hacks Targeting Trump, Biden-Harris Campaigns
U.S. intelligence officials attributed hacking attempts on Donald Trump’s and Kamala Harris’ campaigns to Iran, indicating a broader effort by Tehran to interfere in American politics and undermine democratic institutions.
The goal of the hacking was to sow discord and influence the outcome of elections perceived to be crucial to Iran’s national security interests.
