DNC 2024 Day 4 live updates: Security the next DNC focus with Kelly, Panetta speaking

The final day of the Democratic National Convention wraps up with Kamala Harris' big moment: her acceptance speech in which she gets to tell her story to the millions of Americans watching.

Her campaign says, in addition to describing her middle-class upbringing, she will continue to stress optimism and patriotism -- the "politics of joy" -- the overall themes we've heard throughout the gathering.

SLIDESHOW: Photos: 2024 Democratic National Convention

Latest Developments

_{Aug 22, 9:48 PM}

Most Americans approve stricter gun laws

The emotional segment featuring gun violence survivors and family members could resonate with voters. A majority, 56 percent according to the latest Gallup polling from last year , favor stricter gun control laws. The legislation Biden signed in 2022 — which expanded background checks and red flag laws — was also popular, with 64 percent saying they approved of it. But 78 percent thought it would do little or nothing to stem gun violence, which mean many voters may think there's more room for legislation.

— 538's Monica Potts

_{Aug 22, 9:45 PM}

Security is next theme of the night

In line with various speakers's emphasis on Harris as a would-be strong commander-in-chief, now the conversation is shifting toward security.

A video just aired of a previous Harris speech on the need for a "strong America" to ensure global stability and democracy.

Speaking now is retired Air Force general and NASA astronaut Mark Kelly. Up soon is former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.

_{Aug 22, 9:44 PM}

Republicans should 'forfeit' conventions: Meghan McCain

Conservative political commentator Meghan McCain has some advice for Republicans while watching the DNC tonight.

"Maybe republicans just shouldn’t have conventions… just forfeit because I DO NOT KNOW HOW YOU CAN COMPETE WITH THIS!" she tweeted.

_{Aug 22, 9:42 PM}

P!nk rocks the house

Artist P!nk took the stage with her daughter Willow Sage Hart to sing "What about us?"

The 2017 song was written in response to the unrest going on in the country, the singer has said in previous interviews.

_{Aug 22, 9:45 PM}

Mark Kelly operates iPad with speech for wife Gabby Giffords

Gabby Giffords, who survived a near-fatal gun shot to the head, spoke Thursday night on how she survived the assassination attempt and the need for gun reform.

"I survived!" she exclaimed.

Her husband, Sen. Mark Kelly, was advancing her speech on an iPad as her own version of a teleprompter.

_{Aug 22, 9:44 PM}

'I reach out for the daughter I will never hold again': Impactful stories on gun violence

Four people impacted by gun violence shared their stories with the crowd in moving statements.

Abbey Clements of Newtown, Connecticut, a teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary, said she carries that "horrific day" with her, when 20 children and six of her colleagues were shot.

"They should still be here," she said.

Kim Rubio of Uvalde, Texas, whose daughter was one of 19 children killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting, recounted that day through tears.

"I reach out for the daughter I will never hold again," she said, as the crowd yelled out her daughter's name.

Melody McFadden of Charleston, South Carolina, said her niece's murder on a beach remains unsolved.

"I'll keep fighting," she said.

Edgar Vilchez of Chicago, Illinois, recounted when his high school classmate was shot in school.

"Instead of worried about taking a test, I started worrying about living to take another test," he said.

He said he learned a lot that day: "How to run, how to hide and drop."

Georgia Rep. Lucy McBath said the stories "strengthen their resolve" to fight for the "safer futures that we all deserve."

_{Aug 22, 9:32 PM}

Gun violence takes focus

Americans impacted by mass shootings just shared their heartrending stories.

Speaking next is Gabby Giffords, who was shot during an assassination attempt in when she was in Congress.

Gun violence is among the top issues in the Democratic Party's platform, which calls for an assault weapons ban and ending the gun industry's immunity from liability. In contrast, the GOP convention platform made no mention of firearm violence or gun control.

MORE: Gun violence among top issues in DNC Platform _{Aug 22, 9:31 PM}

Harris' record as a prosecutor was seen differently when she ran in 2020

In speeches and videos, the convention is talking about Harris' record as a prosecutor. It's a reminder that the national mood has shifted since her last run for president, when she ran in the 2020 Democratic primary. At the time, efforts to reform policing were reaching a fever pitch, and her record as a prosecutor actually hurt her with progressives in the party. Those issues would only grow by the time she joined Biden's ticket as vice president, after the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota.

But that was four years go. Support for the Black Lives Matter movement has dropped since then, and Harris is working to reframe her history as a prosecutor to portray herself as a champion of victims. She's also framing it in opposition to Trump, who has since been convicted in a felony case in Manhattan and is facing several other charges.

—538's Monica Potts

_{Aug 22, 9:30 PM}

Biden posts picture of phone call to Harris before speech

In an X post Thursday night , President Joe Biden said he and the first lady just talked to Harris ahead her speech at the convention coming up.

He added that they "can’t wait to watch her accept this historic nomination."

In the photo, the Bidens, who are in Santa Ynez, California, are standing in front of a TV with the DNC on screen and Biden is holding a phone.

"Kamala and Tim will inspire a generation and lead us into the future," Biden said in the post.

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