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

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

KABC logo
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.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
ABCNews logo
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.

ABCNews logo
Aug 20, 2024, 1:35 AM GMT

Harris gets raucous ovation in brief appearance

Harris sent the crowd into a frenzy when she walked onto the stage at the United Center, with attendees jumping to their feet in surprise.

"It is so good to be with everyone this evening in this hall and everyone at home. This is going to be a great week," she said to more applause.

Harris also gave Biden his flowers, sparking chants of "USA!"

Harris sent the crowd into a frenzy when she walked onto the stage at the United Center, with attendees jumping to their feet in surprise.

"And I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden, who will be speaking later tonight," she said. "We are forever grateful to you."

Harris walked off to her campaign anthem, Beyonce's hit song "Freedom."

ABCNews logo
Aug 20, 2024, 1:11 AM GMT

Jason Isbell 2nd performer of the night

Grammy-winning Americana singer-songwriter Jason Isbell performed his song "Something More Than Free," about the struggle of blue-collar life, for the evening's second performance.

MORE | Hollywood heads to Chicago for DNC, as Beyoncé and Taylor Swift speculation swirls

Actors like Tony Goldwyn and Julia Louis-Dreyfus are coming to Chicago for the 2024 DNC.
ABCNews logo
Aug 20, 2024, 12:59 AM GMT

DNC takes aim at Project 2025

A video just aired at the convention criticizing Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint that has become a flashpoint in the 2024 election.

Mallory McMorrow, a Michigan state senator, then walked on stage and slammed a giant book on the podium.

"You are going to hear a lot about what is in this 900-page document," McMorrow said of Project 2025. "Why? Because this is the Republican blueprint for a second Trump term."

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow holding up a book during her remarks at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.
Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow holding up a book during her remarks at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.

It includes expanding presidential power and eliminating the Department of Education and other federal agencies, McMorrow noted. She said that's how it works in "dictatorships" and that Democrats believe in the separation of powers and the rule of law.

Read more about Project 2025 here. Trump has tried to distance himself from the blueprint, even though several of the former president's current and former advisers and appointees have authored or supported it.

ABCNews logo
Aug 20, 2024, 12:55 AM GMT

Mickey Guyton is first entertainer of the night

Mickey Guyton, a Black country music artist, is the first entertainer of the night.

Guyton performed her song "All American" on stage.

Singer Mickey Guyton performs during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.
Singer Mickey Guyton performs during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.

Other performers to come this convention include Jason Isbell and James Taylor.