DNC Day 1: President Biden says 'America is winning' and Trump is a 'loser'

President Joe Biden will be Monday night's keynote speaker.

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Last updated: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 7:00AM GMT
Biden delivers rousing speech on 1st night of DNC as Dems look forward
Biden delivers rousing speech on 1st night of DNC as Dems look forwardPresident Joe Biden took the stage at the DNC Monday night to cheers and chants as he gave the keynote speech on the convention's first night.

CHICAGO -- The Democratic National Convention is set to begin Monday, Aug. 19 in Chicago -- during which Democratic Party delegates are set to support Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after their unconventional path to the party's nomination.

During the four-day convention, Democratic heavyweights are set to fire up the base and rally behind Harris, who was officially certified as the Democratic presidential nominee earlier this month after getting the vast majority of delegate votes in a virtual roll call.

ABC News will have special coverage of the DNC -- including primetime coverage from 10 p.m. until 11 p.m. ET on ABC every day of the conventions, and on ABC News Live from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. ET.

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Here's how the news is developing.
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Aug 19, 2024, 8:21 AM

How can I watch the DNC?

The DNC will stream on multiple platforms -- including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. The official live stream of the 2024 Democratic National Convention will be available on its website.

Prime-time programming will air live from 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. CT on Monday and 7 p.m.-11 p.m. ET/6 p.m.-10 p.m. CT on Tuesday-Thursday, according to the DNC.

ABC News will have special coverage of the DNC -- including primetime coverage from 10 p.m. until 11 p.m. ET on ABC every day of the conventions, and on ABC News Live from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. ET.

Hulu will also have live reports available all day, and ABC News Live will have robust coverage each day of the convention.

ABC News Digital and 538 will live blog the latest from the convention and provide analysis as the convention events unfold.

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Aug 19, 2024, 11:34 PM GMT

Delegates adopt party platform, 'USA' chants break out

Democratic National Committee delegates passed the party's 2024 platform in a voice vote.

A full, 92-page draft platform was unveiled by the party late on Sunday night. The document, which was written before President Joe Biden left the 2024 race, was voted upon by the DNC's Rules Committee in July. It was not updated significantly since Harris replaced him at the top of the ticket.

"USA" chants broke out in the stadium after the platform was adopted.

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Aug 19, 2024, 11:44 PM GMT

The Rev. Jesse Jackson gets a standing ovation

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader and 1988 Democratic presidential candidate, received a standing ovation when he was wheeled on stage, right after a video on the civil rights movement ended.

Rev. Jesse Jackson waves during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.
Rev. Jesse Jackson waves during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.

Jackson was joined by other civil rights icons, including the Rev. Al Sharpton.

U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson spoke with ABC7 Chicago ahead of his father, civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson, being honored on the first night of the 2024 DNC.
Aug 20, 2024, 12:22 AM GMT

1st night of the DNC kicks off

The first night of the DNC is underway in Chicago, with the convention officially called to order.

Tonight's theme is "For the people" and the evening is being hosted by actor Tony Goldwyn -- who famously played a president on TV in the ABC series "Scandal."

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomed delegates to the 2024 DNC with a rousing speech.
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Aug 19, 2024, 11:19 PM GMT

At least 4 arrested after protesters breach security fence

Four people were arrested after protestors breached the security fencing on the north side of the United Center, CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling said.

MORE | Protesters breach fence line near United Center on Day 1 of DNC; at least 4 arrested

CPD Supt. Larry Snelling said that four pepole were arrested after a security fence near the United Center was breached.

A small group of protesters were able to knock down at least one fence panel on the south end of Park 578 in the 1900-block of West Washington, which was part of the designated route for Monday afternoon's protest

Snelling said CPD, the Secret Service and other security partners will assess whether the fencing is sufficient and secure after the area is cleared, Snelling said. More updates on security changes would likely be announced at the Tuesday morning security briefing.