The stage at Chicago’s United Center and McCormick Place was lit with blue lights and surrounded by cheering supporters carrying signs for a second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday.
From key talking points to key speakers, here are the highlights from Tuesday’s meeting:
The Obamas arrived to support Harris
Former US President Barack Obama delivered the evening’s opening speech, lending his support to Democrat Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz.
Obama, who served as the country’s Democratic president from 2009 to 2017, spoke for more than a half-hour.
He paid tribute to President Joe Biden, who was Obama’s running mate during his time in the Oval Office. He also took the opportunity to take a few swipes at Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump.
“Donald Trump only sees power as a means to achieve his own goals,” added the 63-year-old former president.
“We’ve seen this movie before and we all know that what happens next is usually worse. America is ready for a new chapter. For a new story. We’re ready for a president, Kamala Harris,” he said.
Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama, also spoke Tuesday and was greeted with loud applause as she enthusiastically endorsed Harris.
“Hope is returning,” she said.
“Only Kamala Harris truly understands the invisible work and unwavering commitment that has always made America great.”
Pro-Palestinian protesters clash with police
Protesters calling on Democrats to cut funding and halt arms sales to Israel gathered outside the convention venue.
They chanted, “Make it great like ’68,” a reference to the anti-Vietnam War protests that took over the city during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
The protesters, carrying Palestinian flags and banners, were met by police in riot gear, who ordered them to disperse and handcuffed them.
The Chicago chapter of the National Lawyers Guild said at least 72 people were arrested.
The police response was deemed excessive by those marching outside the event, a stark contrast to the first day of the DNC, where pro-Palestinian protesters marched undeterred.
Mohammed Ismail, a 29-year-old psychiatry resident who lives in Chicago, questioned why he and others were prevented from protesting. “It’s not right that we are using our tax money to fund an ongoing massacre, an ongoing genocide,” Ismail told Tel Aviv Tribune. “We are participating in this conflict because it is our money that is funding it.”
Israel has received diplomatic and financial support from the Biden administration in its war on Gaza, which has been ongoing for nearly 11 months and has left more than 40,000 Palestinian civilians dead. Most recently, in mid-August, the United States paved the way for new arms sales to Israel worth $20 billion.
Bernie Sanders calls for ceasefire in Gaza
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, 82, was greeted with cheers and applause when he took the stage.
“We are laying the foundation for Kamala Harris to become the next president,” he announced to an attentive audience.
The highlight of his speech was his call for a ceasefire in Gaza. He also called for the release of Israeli prisoners in the Gaza Strip.
“We must end this horrific war in Gaza,” he said. “Bring the hostages home and demand an immediate ceasefire.”
Sanders pointed to Democrats’ successes under Biden, saying the Biden administration had led the country out of financial distress resulting from COVID-19.
The independent senator, who is aligned with Democrats, also addressed issues such as class conflict and universal health care.
He spoke out against the influence of billionaire donors in elections, calling instead for public financing of elections.
“Billionaires from both parties should not be able to buy elections,” he noted.
Potential inaugural first gentleman: Doug Emhoff has left his mark
Kamala Harris’ husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, gave a light-hearted speech, recounting how he met Harris and married her in 2014.
He said a client set him up on a blind date with Harris and made fun of himself for calling Harris early in the morning and sending him an awkward first voicemail.
With a casual gesture, Emhoff drew laughter from the crowd Tuesday.
“Those of you in blended families know it can be a little complicated. But as soon as our kids started calling her ‘momala,’ I knew everything was going to be okay,” he said.
Emhoff’s daughter, Ella Emhoff, 25, was also seen at the convention wearing a “Harris-Walz” hat.
If Harris wins the election, her husband will become the first “first gentleman” in the history of the country, where no woman has been elected to that position until now.
DJ Cassidy’s Offbeat Appeal, Lil Jon and Patti Labelle’s Performances
American DJ and producer, DJ Cassidy, was praised for the music he provided on the night as he was responsible for the DNC playlist.
Although the roll call was conducted virtually in advance – when each state voted on the number of delegates to each candidate – a ceremonial roll call was still conducted.
Cassidy revisited this usually stilted procedure by playing a unique song for each state, such as Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” for California.
American rapper Lil Jon from Atlanta and American R&B singer Patti LaBelle also performed on the second day of the DNC.