Democratic convention live updates: Democrats hit Project 2025; Joe Biden to speak

The Democratic National Convention is here.

President Joe Biden will take center stage on Monday, before Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz formally accept their nomination later this week. The president is expected to reflect on his 50-year career in politics, his decision to end his reelection bid and the Democratic Party's future as he passes the torch.

Other speakers on Monday evening will include first lady Jill Biden , Democratic lawmakers from across the country and former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton . On Monday and throughout the rest of the convention, Democrats will be focused on how a potential Harris-Walz administration would address inflation, the southern border, abortion rights and other top debates facing the nation.

Keep up with the USA TODAY Network's live coverage of the Democratic convention in Chicago.

Laphonza Butler praises Harris, says they share things in common

California Senator Laphonza Butler said in her remarks to convention attendees that her and Harris “share a lot in common.”

“We both graduated from historically Black colleges, me from Jackson State University, the Vice President from Howard University. We were both raised by mothers who worked fiercely to provide for us, and we both believe that every single one of us has the power to change the world when we choose to do it together,” she said.

She added that Harris, a former prosecutor, looked towards a “better future.”

“For her, it wasn't just a professional oath, it was a battle cry, and let's be clear to her opponents, this way of seeing the world, the idea of fighting for someone other than yourself, is unthinkable,” she said.

-- Sudiksha Kochi

Who performed at the Democratic convention?

The opening night of the Democratic convention featured multiple musical performances. Mickey Guyton performed before Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass delivered her address, and her fellow musicians Jason Isbell and James Taylor will take the stage later on Monday.

− Marina Pitofsky

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says Kamala Harris will 'fight fiercely' for children

When Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was sworn into office in 2022, she asked Vice President Kamala Harris to administer the oath. During her convention remarks on Monday, Bass noted the significance of the first female vice president swearing in the city's first mayor.

"We knew we were sending a message to young girls everywhere that they too can lead. I know Kamala, and she feels the importance of this work in her bones," Bass said. "When Kamala meets a young person you can feel her passion, you can feel her heart and you can feel her fearlessness. That is what defines a commitment to children: being willing to fight fiercely for every child. And trust me, Kamala has done that her entire life."

− Melissa Brown

Union leaders take the convention stage

A group of leaders from some of the nation’s largest labor unions appeared Monday to pledge their support for Harris.

“We’re all in for Kamala Harris because Kamala Harris has always been all in for us,” said April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union and one of six union presidents to deliver joint remarks.

Members of their unions, a traditionally left-leaning voting bloc, stand to have a pivotal role in this year’s election.

The fight for blue-collar workers’ backing was highlighted last month as well during the GOP’s convention, during which Teamsters President Sean O’Brien gave remarks on stage.

− Savannah Kuchar

Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty slams Donald Trump running mate JD Vance

Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, criticized former President Donald Trump’s running mate and fellow Ohioan JD Vance Monday night.

“JD Vance likes to talk about how he’s from Ohio, but as soon as he could, he ran away to Yale and Silicon Valley, cozying up with billionaires,” she said. "While JD Vance and Donald Trump have been sharing conspiracy theories from the darkest corners of the Internet, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden have been busy expanding access to the Internet."

Beatty, a staunch supporter of Biden's, also touted the administration's work on the CHIPS Act to bring jobs to central Ohio.

− Jessie Balmert

Dick Durbin knocks Donald Trump’s handling of the economy

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin in his speech blasted Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, saying that the former president’s record is “defined by failure.”

He also compared Trump to a “bad boss.”

“You want time off to take care of your sick parents? Ask Donald Trump. Denied,” he said.

− Sudiksha Kochi

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan praises Tim Walz

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, co-chair of Monday night's Democratic National Convention program, said she's watched Gov. Tim Walz work hard − and share his snacks − over the past six years of working together.

"I've seen how hard he's worked for Minnesota to be the best place for kids to grow up," Flanagan said. "He does it all with a big heart, a buffalo plaid jacket and a bottomless bag of snacks: Nutter Butters, cheese curds, and Diet Dew."

Flanagan said Walz "always" has her back.

"When he's vice president, he will have yours," Flanagan said.

− Melissa Brown

Delegates approve Walz as Harris’ running mate in ceremonial vote

Democrats certified Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as their official 2024 vice presidential nominee Monday in a ceremonial vote, on the first night of the party’s convention.

Harris, the official presidential nominee, tapped Walz earlier this month to join her on the ticket, and they received their formal nomination earlier this month.

− Savannah Kuchar

Rep. Maxine Waters says 'no better leader' than Kamala Harris

Rep. Maxine Waters delivered a history lesson to the Democratic National Convention Monday night, reminding delegates of the 1964 convention when Mississippi voting rights pioneer Fannie Lou Hamer demanded Black delegates be seated in place of Mississippi's all-white delegation.

Hamer delivered gripping televised testimony to the convention's credentials committee at the time about the violence voting rights activists faced in Mississippi.

"When she finished, she asked the country a simple but profound question: 'Is this America?'" Waters said. Sixty years later, Harris is the party's nominee and there is "no better leader to marshal us into the future," she added

− Melissa Brown

Convention honors civil rights icon, Rev. Jesse Jackson

Democrats paid tribute Monday to Rev. Jesse Jackson, 82, the longtime civil rights activist and politician.

Jackson announced last year his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. He appeared on stage in a wheelchair and received a standing ovation from delegates.

−Savannah Kuchar

Donald Trump suggests he has Taylor Swift endorsement that he will never get

Donald Trump is making fun of Taylor Swift again. The former president posted a fake image of the renowned singer/songwriter asking people to vote for Trump, something that has not happened and almost surely never will happen; Swift endorsed Joe Biden four years ago and criticized Trump for promoting division.

An altered photo of Swift in an Uncle Sam top hat - falsely labeled "Taylor Wants You To Vote For Donald Trump" - was part of a Trump Truth Social post on Sunday that also included pictures of supposed "Swifties For Trump."

"I accept," Trump said in the post.

No comment from Trump, Swift, or their publicists on promoting fake images.

−David Jackson

B arack Obama: 'It's good to be home'

One of the most anticipated nights of the 2024 Democratic convention will be Tuesday when former President Barack Obama returns to the stage where two decades ago a barely 40-something Senate candidate launched himself into America's history books.

"It's good to be home in Chicago," Obama said in a post Monday evening on X, formerly known as Twitter.

At the kickoff of the convention, the 44th president said he looks forward to joining party faithful to "share what's at stake in this election, and why VP Harris and running mate, Gov. Walz, should be elected.

Former first lady Michelle Obama is also scheduled to speak on Tuesday, setting up an Obama Day in their political backyard.

− Phillip M. Bailey

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson opens Democratic convention

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson helped kick off the first night of the Democratic National Convention with a speech lauding Vice President Kamala Harris as he welcomed delegates to his city.

"As a Black man raising a little Black girl on the west side of Chicago, I know my daughter Braedyn will see not only a reflection of herself in the White House, but she will experience the deepest part of American values," Johnson said.

Johnson said Harris, "the daughter of a mom who worked hard every single day," will "look out" for the interests of everyday Americans.

"What will it take to build the middle class and make it easier for families to not only get by but to get ahead? It will take someone with toughness to stand up for us. And let me tell you, America, Kamala's got it," Johnson said.

− Melissa Brown

Hadley Duvall, abortion advocacy to take convention stage

Hadley Duvall, a 22-year-old abortion rights activist from Kentucky, will join other speakers on stage Monday with a personal story about abortion access.

As a surrogate for the Harris campaign, Duvall has previously told crowds her story of being sexually abused for years by her stepfather, becoming pregnant at 12 years old and seeking an abortion.

Her joint remarks are expected toward the end of the evening just ahead of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and President Joe Biden.

− Savannah Kuchar

DNC kicks off primetime speakers

Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison and convention committee chair Minyon Moore kicked off opening remarks on day one of the convention.

Notable speakers for tonight will include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, President Joe Biden and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

− Sudiksha Kochi

Former Biden advisor says his speech will look to the Democratic Party's future

Anita Dunn, former senior advisor to President Joe Biden, told CNN’s Dana Bash Monday that the president’s speech will look “very much forward.”

“This is not a time for legacy. This is a time for arguing why Kamala Harris is the best candidate,” said Dunn.

“He’s making a strong case for why the choices voters made in 2020 was the right choice,” she added.

− Sudiksha Kochi

Biden to leave DNC for California wine country after speech

Joe Biden won’t be spending much time at this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

After passing the torch to Kamala Harris in his keynote address Monday night, Biden and first lady Jill Biden will travel to Santa Ynez, California to vacation in wine country.

That means the Bidens will not be at the United Center in Chicago to watch Harris accept the party’s nomination on Thursday. Biden returns to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on Sunday

Democrats are expected to pay tribute to the five-decade political career of Biden on Monday night. Yet Harris has a delicate line to walk to honor the man who named her vice president yet distancing herself from Biden’s unpopular handling of inflation and the economy.

− Joey Garrison

No, it's not clear Taylor Swift and Beyoncé will make a convention appearance

You might have heard a rumor that two mega-stars – Taylor Swift and Beyoncé – are making appearances at the Democratic convention. While both have previously backed Democratic candidates, and Beyoncé gave Harris her approval to use her song "Freedom" on the campaign trail, it's not confirmed that they're making any kind of statement at the convention in Chicago.

Notably, Swift is on tour in the United Kingdom until at least Tuesday night.

More: Will Beyoncé and Taylor Swift make a DNC appearance in support of Kamala Harris? What we know

– Marina Pitofsky

Cast, where to watch and stream What time is the 'Love Island USA' Season 6 reunion?

Biden hits back after Trump criticism

Trump claimed at a rally on Saturday in Pennsylvania that Biden was ousted from the top of the Democratic ticket through a “coup.” That's not true. Biden dropped out of the presidential race last month after several Democratic lawmakers, donors and others in the party expressed concerns about the president since his dismal debate performance in June.

When asked about Trump’s claims Monday at the Democratic National Convention, Biden jabbed Trump's "stability" to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins.

– Sudiksha Kochi

Democratic convention (James Taylor's version)

Kicking off the first night of the Democratic convention is award-winning singer-songwriter James Taylor.

His performance comes before the night’s keynote speaker, President Joe Biden. Taylor and Biden have appeared together in the past, including at a fundraising event in December, when Biden was still running for reelection.

– Savannah Kuchar

Trump sticks to the script – mostly – in attacking Harris

Trump on Monday pretty much stuck to the issues when it came to critiquing Harris' economic policies, alleging they would lead to more inflation, higher taxes, less domestic energy production, and an over-regulated economy.

"Kamala puts America last - I put America first," Trump said during remarks at Precision Custom Components in York, Pennsylvania, the start of a week-long series of events counter-programming the Democratic convention.

Trump still found time to refer to his opponent as "Comrade Kamala," despite admonitions from fellow Republicans that he stick to the issues and avoid personal attacks. The former president also drifted off-topic to attack another prominent Democrat, President Joe Biden. He spoke at length about a House Republican impeachment report , though it seems unlikely the GOP will pursue a case against Biden now that he is out of the presidential race.

– David Jackson

Harris calls for raising corporate tax rate to 28%

Kamala Harris would propose raising the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28% if she’s elected president in November, her campaign said on Monday.

Harris campaign spokesperson James Singer said the tax increase would be aimed at putting money “back in the pockets of working people and ensure billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share."

The proposal follows a broader economic plan Harris laid out last week seeking to ban price gouging on food and groceries, lower prescription drug costs and aid first-time homebuyers, among other measures. Harris was asked by a reporter on Sunday about how she planned to pay for the tax credits and suggested at the time that they would pay for themselves.

As president, Trump reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.

– Karissa Waddick and Francesca Chambers

Abortions at the DNC? Planned Parenthood bus providing no-cost service and vasectomies

Planned Parenthood has placed reproductive rights front and center at this year’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago and is offering free vasectomies, medication abortions and emergency contraceptives to attendees through its mobile health bus.

The Planned Parenthood Great Rivers of St. Louis announced on X that its bus will be in Chicago on Monday and Tuesday to provide these services, directly challenging the shifting landscape of reproductive rights in the United States since the last Democratic convention, after the U.S. Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v Wade in 2022.

– Brandi D. Addison

John Fetterman is skipping the DNC. Here’s why

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., told The Free Press that he is skipping the Democratic National Convention, dismissing speculation that it has to do with his pro-Israel stance.

“I’ve got three young kids, and they’re out of school,” he said. “That’s four days I can spend with my children.”

Fetterman has become one of his party’s most outspoken supporters of Israel since the Israel-Hamas war began in October last year. He’s on an island apart from his Democratic peers, who have struck a balance between supporting Israel’s interest in self defense and condemning the attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Fetterman told the Press that his decision to skip the convention was “made well before” the June 27 presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race following his dismal performance.

– Sudiksha Kochi and Riley Beggin

When is DNC 2024?

The DNC is scheduled to take place August 19 through August 22.

— Maya Homan

Retired Republican judge J. Michael Luttig endorses Kamala Harris

Retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative, endorsed Harris for president, CNN first reported.

“In the presidential election of 2024 there is only one political party and one candidate for the presidency that can claim the mantle of defender and protector of America’s Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law,” Luttig wrote in a statement obtained by CNN. “As a result, I will unhesitatingly vote for the Democratic Party’s candidate for the Presidency of the United States, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris.”

Luttig added in the statement that because of Trump’s continued denial of the 2020 election results, “millions of Americans no longer have faith and confidence in our national elections, and many never will again.”

– Sudiksha Kochi

More: Republican-appointed jurist Michael Luttig endorses Harris, citing Trump democracy threat

Pro-Palestinian delegates say Kamala Harris' election chances tied to Israel arms embargo

A group of uncommitted delegates to the Democratic National Convention and their allies warned Vice President Kamala Harris Monday that her chances of winning the presidential election are still threatened by her failure to embrace calls for an arms embargo and immediate Israeli cease-fire in Gaza.

They also could not guarantee an absence of disruptions inside the convention hall this week.

Ultimately, only about 30 delegates out of 4,995 – less than 1% – were seated as being uncommitted, representing a handful of states.

But since President Joe Biden ended his reelection effort and Harris secured the votes to become the Democratic nominee late last month, the uncommitted delegates and their allies have been lining up Harris delegates to declare themselves cease-fire delegates and demanding they be given time and space to be heard this week.

Read more about how the Israel-Hamas war is playing out at the convention.

— Todd Spangler and Clara Hendrickson

AOC, Bernie Sanders set to take the stage at the DNC

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., will speak on Monday night at the Democratic convention along with other Democratic rising stars, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock.

Ocasio-Cortez will speak at 8 p.m. CT/9p.m. ET.

Her fellow progressive, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, is slated to address the convention on Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. CT/9:30 p.m. ET. Sanders’ is expected to focus his message on the economy and removing money from politics.

— Karissa Waddick

JD Vance doesn't want to talk about the polls (especially this week)

Donald Trump usually loves to talk about polls — at least the ones with good numbers for him — but running mate JD Vance is more reticent on the subject.

Especially now that Kamala Harris is moving up in a number of surveys.

During a campaign event Monday in Philadelphia, Vance demurred when asked about polls that show a statistical tie in the pivotal state of Pennsylvania, a month after surveys had given Trump leads of around 4.5 percentage points over President Joe Biden.

"Our job is to win the trust of the American voters, not public opinion polls," Vance said.

Many Trump officials believe Harris will get a bounce in the polls during her convention this week; they are doing what they can to minimize it.

— David Jackson

Protest groups hit Chicago streets for Democratic National Convention demonstration

A day of demonstrations and marches is underway as delegates to the Democratic National Convention formally begin meeting Monday, with organizers of one group saying they hoped to stage one of the largest anti-Gaza war marches seen nationally.

Hundreds of people began gathered at Union Park early Monday, a half mile from the convention hall, before planning to march several miles along nearby streets. They had not yet begun marching as of 11 a.m. Central Time. Demonstrators playing music and periodically chanted "free, free Palestine" as they assembled.

By noon local time, the crowd had swelled to about 1,000 people.

Read more on the Monday demonstrations.

— Trevor Hughes, Michael Loria and Tamia Fowlkes

Tim Walz surprises Democrats on first day of Democratic National Convention

A convention hall burst into gasps and cheers as vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz took the stage in a surprise visit to the Democratic National Committee’s Hispanic Caucus meeting Monday morning.

It was one of a series of unannounced appearances Walz made in an effort to rally attendees as the convention kicked off its first day of activities. He also stopped by a meeting of the Black Caucus and the Wisconsin and Pennsylvania delegation breakfasts meeting Monday.

Walz touted the positive energy and joy he’s feeling out on the campaign trail since he joined Harris on the party's presidential ticket and he pushed those in attendance to keep working to get Democrats elected this fall.

“This is challenging work. This is hard. There's a lot at stake,” he told the Hispanic Caucus as attendees swarmed closer to the stage to take pictures and video. “But that's no different than a lot of people live their lives. It can be challenging and hard, but you can do it with a sense of optimism and, what (Harris) is doing, with a sense of joy, with a sense of joy. To smile.”

“(Republicans) are on her because she laughs,” Walz scoffed. “My God, I'll take someone who laughs any damn day of the week.”

— Brianne Pfannenstiel

1968 Democratic National Convention protests in Chicago

In the lead up to this year's Democratic convention — particularly before President Joe Biden exited the race — 2024 felt a lot like 1968 .

Anti-war protests. A divided Democratic Party. An unpopular candidate.

Flashbacks of bloody clashes between police and anti- Vietnam War demonstrators outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago during that chaotic summer weighed heavily on the minds of Democrats earlier this year.

Read more on similarities and differences between 2024 and 1968.

— Michael Collins, David Jackson and Michael Loria

Shapiro says his Jewish faith didn’t factor into VP discussions

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro refuted former President Donald Trump’s claims that he was not chosen as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee because of his Jewish faith.

“Antisemitism played absolutely no role in my dialogue with the vice president,” Shapiro told the media after delivering remarks to the Pennsylvania Delegation at the Democratic convention Monday morning.

“He’s trying to use me and he’s trying to use other Jews to divide Americans further,” Shapiro said. “He is the least credible person when it comes to standing up against hatred and bigotry.”

— Karissa Waddick

Memories of talk show politics: Phil Donahue dies at 88

Followers of this week's Democratic convention may want to pause and reflect on the death of a fairly influential political figure: Television talk show host Phil Donahue.

In the spring of 1992, as then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton marched toward the Democratic presidential nomination, he included afternoon television talk shows in his media strategy, including a contentious interview with Donahue.

The high-rated afternoon host peppered Clinton with questions about "character issues," drawing boos from his crowd and admonitions from the candidate.

Clinton — who is scheduled to address this week's convention in Chicago — made a complaint that current politicians still echo: “There are real problems in this country, and there are people who’d like to hear them discussed. I’ve done my best to do it, and it’s very difficult.”

Donahue, who always defended his questioning of public officials, died Sunday at age 88.

— David Jackson

Walz wades into swing state rivalry: Wawa or Sheetz?

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz found himself smack dab in the middle of one Pennsylvania’s mostly hotly contested debates on Monday morning: Wawa or Sheetz.

While telling the Pennsylvania delegation at the Democratic convention about his trip through the swing state on Sunday, Walz lauded the popular convenience store and gas station Sheetz. Some in the crowd responded by chanting the name of the rival chain, Wawa. He received some boos from the Wawa contingent in the delegation.

“Here’s my thing – Kwik Trip. In the Midwest it’s Kwik Trip,” Walz answered to laughs.

— Karissa Waddick

More: Tim Walz says he's 'a Kwik Trip guy' but the company has big ties to Trump

Why Jon Tester, Sherrod Brown and Jacky Rosen are skipping the Democratic convention

Montana Sen. Jon Tester is headed to a party this week. It's just going to be Pearl Jam's instead of Vice President Kamala Harris' in Chicago.

Tester joins vulnerable Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jacky Rosen of Nevada in skipping the Democratic National Convention to focus on their must-win races instead, their campaigns confirmed. At least a couple House Democrats facing similar political headwinds back home are skipping a trip to the Windy City, too.

Read more on the Democrats skipping the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week.

— Jessie Balmert

Pennsylvania campaign stop: Harris brings back Chuck Taylors as she makes 2024 campaign her own

What's on the Democratic convention's schedule for Monday?

The convention's first night will pay tribute to the 81-year-old Democratic president, and other Democratic heavyweights, such as Barack Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton, are also expected to speak at the convention.

The convention speaker schedule is subject to change and a full list of speakers will be released at a later time. Here's a look at the Monday schedule for the Democratic National Convention.

Note: All times listed are in Central Daylight Time.

• 7 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: Delegation breakfasts
• 9 a.m.-10a.m.: Morning press briefing
• 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Black Caucus meeting
• 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Hispanic Caucus meeting
• 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: AAPI Caucus meeting
• 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Native American Caucus meeting
• 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Ethnic Council meeting
• 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: LGBTQ+ Caucus meeting
• 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Small Business Council meeting
• 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Labor Council meeting
• 1:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Environmental & Climate Crisis Council meeting
• 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.: Main programming

— Gabe Hauari

Chicago braces for Democratic convention protests as Kamala Harris takes center stage

The city's 12,000 police officers say they're ready. The Secret Service says it's ready. Local leaders say they're ready. Residents? Maybe not so much.

An estimated 50,000 delegates, politicians and party activists are expected to attend this week's Democratic National Convention in Chicago, with possibly tens of thousands of demonstrators marching through the streets.

Fences, barricades and parked snow plows have already limited movement in key downtown areas, with helicopters buzzing overhead.

Read more on how Chicago is preparing for the convention.

— Trevor Hughes, Terry Collins and Michael Loria

Biden has changed course over his 50-year career. None of that compares to his 2024 choice.

Joe Biden wasn’t ready to go away.

He’d had his eyes on the presidency for years. Now it was his, and he wasn’t about to quit. So he raised campaign money, put together a campaign team and hit the campaign trail. He was running for another term and, he was convinced, he was going to win.

A bad night on a debate stage in Atlanta changed everything. Now, just seven weeks later, he will address the opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, not as the party’s presidential nominee but as an outgoing president passing the torch to a potential successor and a new generation.

Read more on Biden's decision to withdraw from the race.

— Michael Collins

Some Trump voters are denying Harris' progress — but others say they're worried

Many supporters of former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, who attended a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on Saturday expressed skepticism about Democratic nominee Kamala Harris' rise in the polls. They projected confidence that Trump has the race under control.

Others, though, were nervous.

The MAGA movement’s mood Saturday, a month into a changed race that has seen Harris surging nationally and in key swing states, percolated the arena with a mix of emotions.

Read more on the mood from Saturday's Trump rally.

— Zac Anderson and David Jackson

Wait, Kamala Harris is already the nominee?

Traditionally, delegates from all 50 states and the U.S. territories assemble at a convention and elect their chosen party's candidate for president. It's a time to trumpet achievements, criticize opponents' policies, and rally behind their leaders to build enthusiasm for Election Day.

Democrats are still going to lay out their vision for the country during the Democratic convention. But the actually nominating process looks different this year. That's because the DNC confirmed Harris/Walz during a virtual roll call on Aug. 5 due to ballot deadlines in some states, with 99% of the participating delegates supporting Harris.

Harris and Walz accepted the nomination a day later, but they will formally accept at the convention. Democrats are expected to have a ceremonial vote at the convention for the ticket, but their nominations are already final.

— Marina Pitofsky and C. A. Bridges

How to watch the Democratic convention

The convention will air live on its website , from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.

The USA TODAY Network and news outlets will livestream the convention and most will broadcast the major speeches live.

— Joey Garrison

Democratic National Convention reveals theme for each night of Chicago event

The Democratic National Committee announced the nightly themes for this week's convention in Chicago, which will culminate with Kamala Harris accepting the party's nomination for president.

The title of the four-day convention is "For the People, For Our Future," with Democrats hoping to use the festivities to introduce Harris and Tim Walz to the nation.

The convention kicks off Monday with the theme "For the People." Tuesday's theme is "A Bold Vision for America’s Future," and Wednesday's convention theme is "A Fight for our Freedoms."

The convention will conclude Thursday night with the theme "For our Future."

— Joey Garrison

Biden, Obama, Clintons to headline Democratic National Convention speakers

President Joe Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are among the headline speakers at next week's Democratic National Convention in Chicago, according to a source familiar with the plans. Former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is also slated to deliver a speech.

Biden will speak Monday night during an opening evening of the convention that will pay tribute to the 81-year-old Democratic president, who last month ended his reelection campaign . Hillary Clinton will also address the convention Monday.

Obama is expected to speak Tuesday night, while Bill Clinton will deliver remarks Wednesday night before Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz gives his address

— Joey Garrison and Rachel Barber

Is Michelle Obama speaking at the Democratic convention?

Former first lady Michelle Obama will address the Democratic National Convention in her native city of Chicago on Tuesday, multiple sources have confirmed with USA TODAY.

Michelle Obama, one of the most popular Democratic figures , joins an all-star lineup, including her husband, former President Barack Obama, who are rallying the party faithful in support of Vice President Kamala Harris, who is surging in polls ahead of the 2024 election.

The party's theme on Tuesday is slated to be "A Bold Vision for America’s Future."

— Joey Garrison and Phillip M. Bailey

Where is the DNC?

The convention will be in Chicago, just 90 miles south of Milwaukee, where the Republican National Convention was recently held.

The Democratic Party has held a national convention every four years since 1832 to nominate its chosen candidates, and Chicago has a storied history of hosting conventions on both sides of the political aisle dating back to 1860, with the nomination of Abraham Lincoln.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times , this will be the Windy City’s 26th political convention.

— Maya Homan

What happens at the DNC?

Unlike the RNC, the DNC decided to confirm their nominee during a virtual roll call on Aug. 5 to satisfy ballot deadlines in several states. According to a press release , 99% of participating delegates supported Kamala Harris in the virtual roll call, and Harris and Walz accepted the nomination a day later.

However, Harris has not yet formally accepted the nomination, which she will do at the convention in Chicago.

In the meantime, there is still plenty left to do for the Democratic delegates. The DNC offers them a chance to adopt and unify a comprehensive party platform, taking a stance on issues like reproductive rights, immigration and economic policy. They'll also have a kind-of ceremonial vote for Harris, but her position as Democratic nominee is already final

The Democratic Party will post updates on its convention website, which can be found at demconvention.com .

— Maya Homan

Donald Trump plans counterprogramming during the DNC

As Trump prepared to speak to voters in Wilkes-Barre over the weekend, he and aides finalized plans to counter this week's proceedings at the Democratic convention − and to play defense as Harris basks in the glow of her formal nomination to the presidency.

Trump aides said they believe Harris will gain in the polls in the wake of the convention that kicks off Monday – most major party nominees do − and they are working to counteract that as the election heads into the final two months.

Trump, vice presidential nominee JD Vance , and other campaign officials will conduct a series of anti-Harris events in key battlegrounds, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. The former president is expected to campaign every day of the week, Monday through Friday.

— Zac Anderson and David Jackson

When did Joe Biden drop out?

Joe Biden announced on Sunday, July 21 that he would not seek reelection amid intense pressure from Democratic leaders sounding the alarm that his path to beat Donald Trump in November had vanished.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden said in a letter addressed to Americans. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on my duties as President for the rest of my term."

— USA TODAY Network

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Democratic convention live updates: Democrats hit Project 2025; Joe Biden to speak