Tim Walz speaks on day 3 of DNC, dozens arrested to date in anti-Israel protests

Hundreds of pro-Hamas supporters continued protesting well past midnight and into Thursday morning in Chicago as the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention gets ready to begin.

The protests center around many lawmakers’ propensity of supporting Israel during its ongoing war with Hamas.

The Chicago Police Department tweeted on Wednesday that a large group had gathered but didn’t have a “valid permit.”

“The gathering did not have a valid permit, yet CPD allowed demonstrators to rally and exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully for a reasonable amount of time,” CPD tweeted Wednesday afternoon.

“CPD leadership attempted multiple times to negotiate with organizers who refused to comply and disperse from the area. A coordinated multiple arrest was declared after our officers were physically confronted and attacked by this group. Our officers responded professionally and with public safety as the top priority.” 

Demonstrators rally in protest over the war in Gaza near the United Center where the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is taking place on August 21, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. The convention runs through August 22. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Protests went beyond midnight and into Thursday morning, with CPD sending a force of patrol cars, bike patrols and a large truck to help block streets, reports indicated.

Chicago police arrested 70 people at the DNC on Tuesday, police announced on Wednesday.

"We attempted to avoid the clash, to no avail," Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters. "Enough is enough."

There were no confirmed reports of arrests yet from the Wednesday night protests.

Adam Shaw contributed to this report.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was once on the short list to become the vice presidential nominee on the Democratic ticket, but he was passed over for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. 

Shapiro spoke at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday to show his full support for presidential nominee Kamala Harris. He took a jab at former President Donald Trump in the process, and Trump snapped back.

Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, said that Shapiro, who’s Jewish, gave a “really bad” speech for ‘Comrade Kamala.’

"The highly overrated Jewish Governor of the Great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, made a really bad and poorly delivered speech talking about freedom and fighting for Comrade Kamala Harris for President, yet she hates Israel and will do nothing but make its journey through the complexities of survival as difficult as possible, hoping in the end that it will fail. Judge only by her actions!’” Trump wrote on his social media site Truth Social. 

"Yet Shapiro, for strictly political reasons, refused to acknowledge that I am the best friend that Israel, and the Jewish people, ever had. I have done more for Israel than any President, and frankly, I have done more for Israel than any person, and it’s not even close. Shapiro has done nothing for Israel, and never will. Comrade Kamala Harris, the Radical Left Marxist who stole the nomination from  Crooked Joe, will do even less. Israel is in BIG trouble!’

Shapiro at the DNC slammed Trump as a "man with no guardrails."

"Today we find ourselves writing that next chapter. Will we be a nation defined by chaos and extremism, or will we choose a path of decency, honor, and continued progress? Kamala Harris Well, she has spent her entire career making progress," Shapiro said.

"Donald Trump, a man with no guardrails, wants to take away our rights and our freedoms and listen while he cloaked himself in the blanket of freedom," Shapiro said.

"What he's offering isn't freedom at all...It's not freedom to tell our children what books they're allowed to read...And it's not freedom to tell women what they can do with their bodies," he added.

Fox News Digital’s Brianna Herlihy contributed to this report

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spent her time on stage Monday night at the Democratic National Convention giving a pep speech to the base. Two days later, she slammed the DNC for not being more sympathetic to pro-Hamas protesters outside the United Center in Chicago.

“Just as we must honor the humanity of hostages, so too must we center the humanity of the 40,000 Palestinians killed under Israeli bombardment,” Ocasio-Cortez tweeted Wednesday night.

“To deny that story is to participate in the dehumanization of Palestinians. The @DNC must change course and affirm our shared humanity.”

Ocasio-Cortez, a New York City Democrat who’s also known as part of the far-left faction known as “The Squad,” didn’t particularly share her sympathy toward anti-Israel agitators during her speech on Monday, but rather tiptoed a political line.

Her only mention of the Israel-Gaza conflict on Monday happened when she complimented Kamala Harris for “working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bring the hostages home.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz gave his acceptance speech Wednesday night for the vice presidential nomination during the Democratic National Convention. His speech, from beginning to end, lasted 15 minutes and 27 seconds, and is the shortest on record dating back to the Cold War.

It’s the shortest acceptance speech by a vice presidential candidate since C-SPAN began tracking the data in 1984, when the network started fully recording data from both Democrat and Republican national conventions each cycle.

Walz’ speech teetered on policy and harped on his background in the Army National Guard and as a school teacher and assistant high school football coach.

His speech was three minutes shorter than the previous short-timer record of 18.5 minutes, shared by three other candidates, including current Vice President Kamala Harris (2020), 1988 Democratic nominee Lloyd Bentsen and 1992 Republican incumbent Vice President Dan Quayle.

Harris was the only of those three to make it to the White House after a short speech. She will have a stab at a speech as a presidential nominee on Thursday night in Chicago.

Conversely, J.D. Vance, the 2024 Republican nominee for vice president, last month had the third-longest acceptance speech since C-SPAN began keeping records. Vance spoke for 35.5 minutes in Milwaukee. There’s a tie for longest vice presidential acceptance speeches at 38 minutes between Joe Biden (2012) and Sarah Palin (2008). Just behind them are Republicans Paul Ryan (2012) and Mike Pence (2020) at 36.5 apiece.

Biden, who was an incumbent at the time, was the only victorious one of those.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in his speech Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention took aim at his Republican opponents former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance.

"Some folks just don't understand what it takes to be a good neighbor. Take Donald Trump and JD Vance. Their project 2025 will make things much, much harder for people who are just trying to live their lives," he said.

Project 2025, a product of the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation, is not affiliated with the Trump campaign.Trump has repeatedly denounced Project 2025 and called it "abysmal."

"They spent a lot of time pretending they know nothing about this. But look, I coached high school football long enough to know and trust me on this. When somebody takes the time to draw up a playbook, they're going to use it," Walz said.

He also alleged Trump would "start jacking up the cost on the middle class," repeal the Affordable Care Act and "gut Social Security and Medicare."

JD Vance spoke to Fox News following Walz' remarks and debunked those accusations, saying "of course not" and called the notions "so preposterous."

Vance said Walz attacked Trump and his voters "rather than offer a compelling vision for the future."

Walz also took a swipe at Vance for attending an Ivy League colleague, to which Vance said "I'm not ashamed of the fact that my grandmother sacrificed for me and I was able to live the American dream."

"I grew up in a very poor family. I was raised by a grandmother who didn't graduate from high school much less from college. And I'm proud of the she really worked her tail off, that she went to her grave fighting to give me opportunities. I'm not ashamed of the fact that my grandmother sacrificed for me and I was able to live the American dream," he said

"I'm proud of what I accomplished and more importantly iI'm proud of all the people that sacrificed in order to give me a better life. I would think Tim Walz would want to praise people who sacrificed to give their children and grandchildren a better life, not put my down. But I guess that's the political order of the day," Vance added.

One of the most striking images of Gov. Tim Walz's speech to the Democratic National Convention was of his son Gus emotionally applauding his father as he addressed attendees.

Gus, 17, also has a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD and an anxiety disorder, PEOPLE reported this month.

The Walz family has called it his "secret power."

"When our youngest Gus was growing up, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his classmates," the Walz family told PEOPLE.

"Gus preferred video games and spending more time by himself. When he was becoming a teenager, we learned that Gus has a non-verbal learning disorder in addition to an anxiety disorder and ADHD, conditions that millions of Americans also have."

Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday, during his speech to the Democratic National Convention, reiterated his story about his experience with infertility treatment -- but was a lot more careful after past scrutiny of his claims.

Walz said his commitment to freedom included for those seeking IVF and fertility treatments.

"This is personal, for Gwen and I," he said, calling infertility "hell."

"I can remember praying each night for a phone call, the pit in your stomach when the phone rings, and the absolute agony when we heard the treatments hadn't worked. It took Gwen and I years, but we had access to fertility treatments, and when our daughter was born, we named her Hope. Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world, and I love you," he said.

Walz stated during an interview with MSNBC in July that he had IVF to thank for their children, saying, "Thank God for IVF, my wife and I have two beautiful children." In other instances, Walz referred to "fertility treatments" and stressed that the issue of IVF rights remained "personal" for him due to the struggles he and his wife went through to have their children. 

The Harris campaign recently said that Walz "talks how normal people talk. He was using commonly understood shorthand for fertility treatments."

The couple did not receive in vitro fertilization (IVF) but instead intrauterine insemination (IUI). 

Fox News' Peter Aitken contributed to this report.

U.S. Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz takes the stage on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 21, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Segar

Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, touted his military service in his speech to the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday -- despite an ongoing controversy over that service.

"Everybody belongs and everybody has a responsibility to contribute," he said.

"For me, it was serving in the Army National Guard. I joined up two days after my 17th birthday, and I proudly wore our nation's uniform for 24 years," he said.

Walz served in the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery after transferring from the Nebraska National Guard in 1996. He retired as a master sergeant in 2005.

But criticisms have mounted that Walz retired just months before his battalion deployed to Iraq as war raged in the Middle East following the 9/11 attacks. Walz put in his papers for retirement at least five months before his battalion received deployment orders, according to the Minnesota National Guard.

Fox News' Emma Colton contributed to this report.

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The Minnesota high school football team coached by Gov. Tim Walz 25 years ago, the Mankato West Scarlets, made an appearance at the Democratic National Convention Wendesday night ahead of Walz' speech.

Ben Inman, Walz' former neighbor in Minnesota, spoke to the crowd before inviting the team out, donned in their scarlet and white football jerseys.

"He believed in us, and he helped us believe in each other and his leadership stuff," Inman said.

(Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Wednesday praises Gov. Tim Walz for his military service, despite an ongoing controversy over an alleged early retirement .

"Tim knows that in the military that you count the days until mission completion, so guess what y'all, we have got 75 days and a wake up until election day," he said.

"75 days and a wake up for us to prove what Americans can do when the pressure is on," he said.

"Thank you, God Bless you and let's leave no-one behind," he said.

Walz served in the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery after transferring from the Nebraska National Guard in 1996. He retired as a master sergeant in 2005.

Critics have pointed to Walz's retirement just months before his battalion deployed to Iraq as war raged in the Middle East following the 9/11 attacks. Walz put in his papers for retirement at least five months before his battalion received deployment orders, according to the Minnesota National Guard.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at the Democratic National convention Wednesday night and compared former president Trump to "an old boyfriend" who "won't go away.

"Donald Trump is like an old boyfriend who you broke up with, but he just won't go away," Jeffries said.

"He has spent the last four years spinning the black, trying to get back into a relationship with the American people," Jeffries quipped.

"Bro, we broke up with you for a reason," he added.

Oprah Winfrey on Wednesday used her speech to the Democratic National Convention to call for unity, and pushing back against those seeking to divide and conquer.

"There are people who want you to see our country as a nation of us against them, people who want to scare you, who want to rule you, people who have you believe that books are dangerous and assault rifles are safe, that there's a right way to worship and a wrong way to love people who seek, first to divide and then to conquer," she said. "But here's the thing, when we stand together, it is impossible to conquer us."

However, she did appear to take a shot at both former President Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance, referencing Vance's previous comments about "childless cat ladies."

"When a house is on fire, we don't ask about the homeowner's race or religion. We don't wonder who their partner is or how they voted. No, we just try to do the best we can to save them, and if the place, place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out too, because we are a country of people who work hard for the money," she said.

"We wish our brothers and sisters well, and we pray for peace. We know all the old tricks and tropes that are designed to distract us from what actually matters, but we are beyond ridiculous tweets and lies and foolery. These are complicated times people and they require adult conversation."

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, previously on the Democratic short-list for vice president, addressed the crowd at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, slamming former President Trump as a "man with no guardrails."

"Today we find ourselves writing that next chapter. Will we be a nation defined by chaos and extremism, or will we choose a path of decency, honor, and continued progress? Kamala Harris Well, she has spent her entire career making progress," Shapiro said.

"Donald Trump, a man with no guardrails, wants to take away our rights and our freedoms and listen while he cloaked himself in the blanket of freedom," Shapiro said.

"What he's offering isn't freedom at all...It's not freedom to tell our children what books they're allowed to read...And it's not freedom to tell women what they can do with their bodies," he added.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton takes the stage on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 21, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Segar

Former President Bill Clinton said on Wednesday that President Biden "healed our sick" during the COVID-19 pandemic as he paid tribute to the outgoing president.

"He healed our sick and put the rest of us back to work," Clinton said, describing Biden's performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also praised Biden's "service and sacrifice" including giving up the 2024 nomination for Vice President Kamala Harris.

"He kept the faith and he infected the rest of us," he said during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin addressed the crowed at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Wendnesday night in an emotional speech.

Goldberg-Polin, 23, was taken hostage by Hamas at the Supernova music festival in Israel on Oct. 7.

"Anyone who is a parent or has had a parent can try to imagine the anguish and misery that John and I and all the hostage families are enduring," Goldberg said from the stage.

She said that just before he was taken by Hamas terrorists her son's arm was blown off before he was "loaded onto a pickup truck and stolen from his life."

"That was 320 days ago since then, we live on another planet," Goldberg said.

"This is a political convention, but needing our only son and all of the cherished hostages home is not a political issue," Polin said. "It is a humanitarian issue."

During the attack, Hersh, his best friend Aner Shapira and others took refuge in a concrete field shelter. Hamas terrorists repeatedly threw grenades at the shelter. Shapira managed to throw seven of the grenades back out before being killed. Hersh had only recently returned to Israel after several months traveling across Europe.

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Musician and songwriter Stevie Wonder performed Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention after addressing the crowed in Chicago.

"This year, this year, I've prayed very hard for peace to come to our world's nations, but also to each one of our heart," Wonder said.

"Even though our hearts have been beaten and broken. Beyond prayer, I know the important action, and now is the time to understand where we are and what it will take to win," he said.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison evoked the death of George Floyd during his Democratic National Convention speech, and accused Republicans of thinking they are "above the law."

"No-one is above the law and no-one is beneath it," he said. "In the Republican Party, everyone thinks they're above the law."

He recalled the death of Floyd in 2020 and said he soon received a call from Gov. Tim Walz.

"[Walz] felt the exact same way I did, and a few days later, Tim appointed me to prosecute Floyd's murder."

The DNC is taking place in Chicago until Thursday evening.

Chicago police arrested 70 people at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, police announced on Wednesday.

There were dozens of arrests at the anti-Israel protests, conflicting with police. On Monday, protesters had moved through barriers at the outer perimeter and on Tuesday they clashed with police -- arrests soon followed.

"We attempted to avoid the clash, to no avail," Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters. "Enough is enough."

Rep. Mike Waltz, the first Green Beret elected to Congress, spoke with Fox News Digital after holding a press conference on behalf of the Trump campaign in Chicago, as Democrats hold their national convention.

Fox News Digital's Liz Elkind asked Waltz what he thinks would change under a Harris administration.

"Oh, I don't think much will change. Keep in mind, when you have National Security Council meetings, not the staff, but the actual statutory National Security Council. That's the president, the vice president, secretary of state, secretary of defense and then others, as deemed necessary. Kamala Harris has been at the table."

He also responded to attacks that Democrats have launched against former President Trump over veterans and the military.

"Well, let's just look at the actual results. Set all the rhetoric and the nonsense aside. Look at the results. The most consequential piece of legislation for veterans...was passed under President Trump," he said.

He also said that Trump has met with veterans, including the Abbey Gate Gold Star families.

"I don't care what reporting is out there. I've seen it with my own eyes. How much this man cares about those who are willing to die for that flag," he said,

OPINION

At DNC, my party is shining a hopeful spotlight on America. At RNC it was just on Trump

When you turn on the TV to see what’s going on in Chicago or tune in to the speeches from Gov. Tim Walz and VP Kamala Harris, look at the stage and the audience and you’ll see America.

Democratic political strategist Antjuan Seawright offers the following assessment of the Democratic National Convention and the contrast with the Republican convention:

"Whether we’re talking about how a grateful nation embraced President Joe Biden as he passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris and a new generation of leadership or former President Barack Obama reminding us that "the ties that bind us together" as a nation and a people are stronger than the hateful rhetoric, conspiracy theories and divide us, in an address echoing the 2004 speech that put him in the national spotlight, one thing is clear: something special is happening in Chicago.

The DNC Convention is bursting with a sense of hope and joy that is part grassroots movement, part family reunion. And the contrast with last month’s GOP convention couldn’t be clearer."

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Former President Trump is pointing to personal attacks at the Democratic convention by former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as justification to disregard advice from allies to cut out insults and stick to policy attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris."Did you see Barack Hussein Obama last night?

He was taking shots at your president. And so was Michelle," Trump told supporters at a rally in battleground North Carolina on Wednesday.

Pointing to Trump, the former first lady emphasized during her address at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago that "going small is petty, it’s unhealthy, and, quite frankly, it’s unpresidential."

And she argued that "it’s his same old con: doubling down on ugly, misogynistic, racist lies as a substitute for real ideas and solutions that will actually make people’s lives better."

Read more by Paul Steinhauser about Trump's reaction to the Obama's DNC remarks.

Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier investigates how inflation and high taxes compound with crime to impact the Illinois' economy on 'Special Report.'

The report comes as Democrats hold their national convention in Chicago.

On Wednesday evening, former President Bill Clinton and vice presidential nominee Tim Walz are among the scheduled speakers.

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Former President Bill Clinton will speak on the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

According to a preview of his remarks released by the DNC, Clinton intends to tell Americans that "In 2024, we have a clear choice: ‘We The People’ versus ‘Me, Myself, and I.’”

“Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for the chance the American people gave me to be one of the 45 people who have held the job," Clinton plans to say in his remarks.

"Even on the bad days, you can still make something good happen. Kamala Harris is the only candidate in this race with the vision, the experience, the temperament, the will, and yes—the sheer joy—to do that on good and bad days. To be our voice.”

Clinton served as the 42nd president from 1993 to 2001. Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives following an affair with White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. But he was not removed from office by the Senate, which was under Democratic majority. During a deposition with special counsel Ken Starr, Clinton lied about the affair and the president's swortn testimony was deemed false and perjurious.

Screenshot of the DNC's programing page that remains empty at the start of night 3.

Night 3 of the Democratic National Convention kicked off Wednesday evening. House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, former President Bill Clinton and Vice Presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will address the crowd in Chicago.

The schedule was released after the event started.

Music Artist John Legend, actor and comedian DL Hughley, and American drummer Sheila E. are also reportedly expected to take the stage. The evening will also feature a performance by Stevie Wonder.

The DNC's website said as the program started, "Tune in to watch official programming of the 2024 Democratic National Convention where Democratic leaders, everyday Americans, performers, and more will rally behind the Harris-Walz ticket," but lacked any other detail.

Sen. Cory Booker, Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss, and actor Kenan Thompson are lined up to speak.

Rev. Louis Farrakhan and Rev. Mark Thompson (Getty)

An activist tied to notorious antisemite Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan said on Wednesday that Democrats can "go back to acting crazy" after Election Day.

"We got 70 days to act right y'all. After 70 days we can go back to acting crazy," Rev. Mark Thompson, the host of the “Make it Plain” podcast, said to laughter from the audience at the DNC Black Caucus event.

"But for those who got to, just wait 70 days to go back, please, be good!" he later added.He made the comments in Chicago where the Democratic National Convention is being held.

Thompson has been pictured  on multiple occasions with Farrakhan -- who has called Jewish people "termites", praised Hitler, and has become one of the most controversial religious figures in the United States due to his derogatory comments about Israel.

“Thank you [Louis Farrakhan] for allowing me to serve our ppl alongside you,” Thompson said in a 2015 tweet responding to a Farrakhan tweet thanking Thompson for inviting him on his show.

Fox News' Cameron Cawthorne contributed to this report.

Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whose progressive gubernatorial record was seized on by Republicans after he became Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, had a much more moderate reputation when he first arrived in Congress in 2007.

Walz had flipped Minnesota’s red-leaning 1st congressional district and unseated a GOP incumbent to win the seat.

His early years saw an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association, a grade that later became an “F,” and Walz broke with most of his party to oppose a $700 billion bank bailout in 2008, according to NPR.

His initial introduction to national politics, however, came in 2004, when he volunteered on John Kerry’s unsuccessful presidential campaign.

Walz’s political activism was sparked shortly before that when he took a group of his students to a George W. Bush re-election rally, where one of his students was questioned by security for having a sticker promoting Kerry on their wallet, according to MinnPost.

(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot shot back at Sen. J.D. Vance after the 2024 vice presidential nominee took a jab at Chicago, calling it a "combat zone."

Vance made a joke about the Democratic National Convention being in the Windy City, and its association with gun crime, as he mentioned his Democratic counterpart Tim Walz -- who has been accused of inflating his military service.

"Tim Walz has been going around saying that he served in war, and maybe they did it in Chicago so that he could actually accurately say that he visited a combat zone," Vance said.

Lightfoot was unimpressed by the remark.

"A nice thing about not being mayor anymore is I don't care who hears me tell this clown to STFU," she said.

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In a post on Truth Social Wednesday, former President Donald Trump said Vice President Kamala Harris is "suddenly" talking about increasing the Child Tax Credit when she previously voted against a tax relief bill when he was in office.

"Kamala is suddenly talking about increasing the Child Tax Credit. When I was in Office, with the help of my daughter Ivanka, and Senators Tim Scott and Marco Rubio, I doubled the Child Tax Credit, which brought Tax Relief to 39 Million Middle Class Families. Kamala voted against this Bill in 2017 and, in 2021, Democrats let this Tax Cut expire!" Trump said.

The presidential candidates are going head-to-head on a number of tax policy issues, including the expansion of a child tax credit. After Trump expanded the child tax credit in 2017 with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, families are now eligible for up to a $2,000 tax credit per child. 

Trump's running mate JD Vance floated a proposal to enhance the child tax credit to $5,000 per child from the current $2,000 figure.

Harris has proposed providing a $6,000 tax credit for parents of newborns. Families would receive the payment during their child's first year.

Fox News Digital's Megan Henney contributed to this update.

POLITICS

Trump campaign trolls Harris, releases policy website for her after weeks of silence

The Trump campaign released a campaign policy website for Vice President Kamala Harris, as she has yet to release one despite rising to the top of the Democratic ticket weeks ago.

Vice President Kamala Harris has not released a policy page on her campaign website to detail her positions on key issues such as the economy and immigration, sparking the Trump campaign to create and release a platform website for her, Fox News Digital exclusively learned. 

"Kamala Harris has yet to tell voters what her policies are, so we thought we’d help them out. Kamala Harris wants to open the borders, raise taxes, and free criminals," a Trump campaign national press secretary told Fox News Digital about the website. 

The site, kamala2024policies.com, launched Wednesday morning on the third day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and takes viewers to a website declaring, "Kamala Harris' dangerous policies are nothing to laugh about." The site details nine policy platforms for the Harris campaign, including declaring Harris fought "to set murderers free," wants to "abolish the border," seeks to "eliminate private health insurance" and wants to give illegal immigrants Social Security and Medicare. 

This is an excerpt of an article from Fox News' Emma Colton.

US

DNC Chicago: FBI reportedly investigating maggots found in food at breakfast for delegates

The FBI is investigating whether maggots were intentionally slipped into a breakfast prepared for delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

A breakfast for delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was interrupted Wednesday morning after maggots were allegedly slipped into their food intentionally, WGN first reported. 

The DNC 2024 Joint Information Center also confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital and acknowledged the food contamination.

Officials said multiple unknown female offenders are alleged to have entered a building and placed unknown objects onto tables containing food. 

The offenders are believed to have then left the area and one victim was treated and released on-scene, officials said.

As the Democratic National Convention gathers to rally support and set the agenda for the upcoming elections, Lawrence Jones, Co-host of “Fox and Friends,” is engaging with voters on the ground in Chicago.

In a local barbershop, he taps into the sentiment and concerns of everyday Americans, highlighting rising costs and contentious immigration policies as key issues.

Jones: "Tell me about the people that come and sit in your chair. What is normally the number one issue they feel is facing the country right now?"

Barber: "Finances," one barber replied.

Jones: "Finances?"

Barber: "Yeah. Cost of living is high," he confirmed.

"They tell me that they just want to see a change in inflation, in prices," another barber contributed.

"I think taxes are too high, groceries are too high. Taxes are too high. Gas is too high. It's just too high," a client at the barber shop shared.

"All the immigrants came in. And the stuff they have for the Americans, they're giving it to the immigrants that are coming in," another client added.

Jones then followed up, "Who do you think is responsible for giving them the benefits and allowing them to come over?"

"Biden. Trump was trying to keep them out, so to speak, as much as he could. But Biden just, like, let the gate open," a voter responded.

During former President Barack Obama’s speech that concluded the DNC night 2, he advocated for securing the border "without tearing kids away from their parents."

But Trump War Room, the account for former President Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, flagged how Obama failed to mention a report released by the Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General earlier Tuesday.

"The DHS Inspector General revealed today that 291,000 children who crossed the border illegally under Border Czar Kamala are unaccounted for," the Trump campaign wrote.

"Black men particularly like to work with their hands. They like to drive trucks. Those are jobs that an illegal can come in and underbid him with third-world prices and put him out of work," another man said in the interview with Jones.

Meanwhile, inside the DNC arena, Michelle Obama focuses on slamming Trump and suggesting that he makes “racist lies.”

Fox News’ Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

With 19 electoral votes up for grabs in November, Illinois is the largest ballot box prize in the Midwest in November's presidential election.

The state known as the “Land of Lincoln” voted largely Republican from the Civil War through the 1920s, before Democrats dominated the state in presidential elections from the Great Depression through World War Two.

Republicans returned to prominence, carrying the state in eight out of ten elections from 1952 through 1988. But starting in 1992, the Democrats won eight straight presidential elections in Illinois. And in the 2024 presidential election, the state is once again considered a reliably blue state.

POLITICS

Trump pulls ahead of Harris in betting market during Dem convention

Former President Trump has regained his position as the frontrunner in the presidential race against Vice President Kamala Harris in at least one betting market.

Former President Trump has surged ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris in at least one betting market after receiving a surprise boost as the Democratic National Convention (DNC) continues in Chicago.

Trump, who was surpassed by Harris in the prediction markets a week ago, has regained his position as the frontrunner on PolyMarket, where traders on Wednesday gave him a 52% chance of winning the 2024 presidential election.

Harris' odds dropped to 47%. Last week, the site had Harris beating Trump, 51% to 46%.

Trump also saw a boost in his odds on BetUS Wednesday, though the former president was still barely trailing Harris on the platform as of early afternoon with an implied probability of 52.38% to 54.55%. Harris continues, as she has for weeks, to lead Trump on PredictIt, though her odds fell one point Wednesday to 55%, while Trump sat at 48% on the site.

Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., is refuting claims that Democratic vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz is an far-left extremist.

"I don't think it's gonna fly. It's not a liberal a thing to try and feed children so they can learn. It's not a liberal thing to make sure that everyone has access to the healthcare that they need. And it certainly goes well beyond liberal, conservative, moderate, all Americans think that Americans should have autonomy over their own personal bodily decisions, and it's about privacy," Kuster told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview at the Democratic National Convention (DNC).

"If you look at New Hampshire, freedom and privacy go hand to hand," Kuster told Fox, pointing to her home state. "Libertarian, conservative, moderate, liberal - whatever the label you try to put on it, that's a decision that's on the ballot for Americans all across this country, and that's what we stand for. Freedom, liberty, dignity, and privacy."

The Democratic congresswoman added that Walz has "an extraordinary amount of energy."

"Tim Walz is the guy next door that you just love and admire," she said in an interview.

Fox News' Paul Steinhauser contributed to this post.

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has never appeared to have less than a positive and cordial relationship with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a fellow Midwestern Democrat.

Buttigieg, a retired Naval Reserve Officer, has been one of Walz’s most vocal defenders amid controversy over his National Guard service record.

Walz, for his part, does not appear to have ever been vocal about the transportation crises that have plagued Buttigieg’s tenure in the Biden administration.

He touted $16 million in federal funding from the Biden and Buttigieg-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aimed at improving highway safety.

Walz suggested climate change was the reason the funds were necessary, writing in a statement at the time, “Recognizing the impact climate change has on transportation infrastructure is critical to address current and future resiliency needs.”

He also did not criticize Buttigieg when his state and others were suffering from the nationwide supply chain issues plaguing the country after the pandemic.

MEDIA

Teamsters president responds to apparent DNC snub: 'Failed to invite one of the most powerful unions' in US

Teamsters President Sean O'Brien hints at the possible reasons why the DNC didn't invite him.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien is addressing the Democratic National Convention (DNC) for reportedly snubbing him following his historic speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC) last month.

O’Brien, a self-proclaimed "lifelong Democrat," argued that the convention "failed to invite one of the most powerful unions" in the U.S., and for that, they would be criticized.

"You know, the reality is they didn’t invite us, and we’ve been around [for] 121 years. We’re going to continue to be around for 121 years," he said Tuesday during his appearance on "Your World with Neil Cavuto."O’Brien suggested that taking on the corporate elitists could have been the deciding factor in whether he received an invitation to the Democrats’ convention.

"I talked about corporate elitists. I talked about the Ubers of the world, the Lyfts of the world. I talked about Amazon at the RNC. Well, those are big donor classes for the RNC, but they're also big donor classes for the DNC," he explained.

"You know, there's relationships there at the DNC that maybe they didn't want me to speak there because I would've talked to that same group. I would've exposed those same corporate elitists who attack us [Teamsters] every single day," he continued.

Megan Varner/Getty Images

Vice President Kamala Harris' economic blueprint is starting to take shape as she accelerates her 2024 presidential campaign.

“We believe in a future where we lower the cost of living for America's families so that they have a chance not just to get by, but to get ahead. Because while our economy is doing well by many measures, prices for everyday things like groceries are still too high,” Harris said recently while in Wisconsin.

During a campaign rally in Atlanta, Ga., Harris said that one of her “Day One” priorities, should she be elected president, would be to “take on price gouging and bring down costs."

While Harris is yet to reveal her economic agenda, the vice president said that she will soon unveil more details of her economic plan in the coming days of her campaign.

POLITICS

Newsom dodges question on Harris price controls: 'She hasn't put out the details'

Gov. Gavin Newsom was hesitant to throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris' controversial price-fixing component of her new economic agenda.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., declined to say outright whether he supported Vice President Kamala Harris' recently rolled out price-control proposal in the food industry, which her campaign described as a first-ever ban on "price-gouging." 

"We haven't seen the details of it yet. She hasn't — she hasn't put out the details," the California governor and Democratic star player told Fox News Digital when asked if he was backing Harris' economic plan, particularly the price-fixing aspect of it.

Newsom did not answer the question upon the first two attempts, and the governor's security guard at one point physically swatted away Fox News Digital's microphone. 

"When I have an opportunity to view those details — if ​it's along the lines of what Elizabeth Warren's done, I think it is meritorious and interesting," he continued his answer on Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital's Julia Johnson.

SPORTS

NBA great Magic Johnson slammed for calling Obama’s DNC speeches the best in ‘history of our country’

NBA great Magic Johnson was slammed on social media after he said former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama gave the "best" political speeches in American history.

Five-time NBA champion and Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson appeared to strike a chord with fans on social media Tuesday night after he lauded former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama for their speeches at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), calling them "the best political speeches in [the] history of our country." 

Johnson, who is also part owner of the Washington Commanders, shared his take on social media following the second night of the DNC in Chicago. 

"Former President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama gave the best political speeches in [the] history of our country. The powerful couple talked about working class families, family values, and moving the country forward - together. They were powerful, intelligent, compassionate, and sealed with integrity," he wrote in a post on X. 

"The Obamas electrified the crowd for the Harris/Walz campaign heading into the election and both focused on reasons why Kamala Harris will be a strong President," he continued in another post. 

"What a special and phenomenal night for the 2024 Democratic National Convention!"

However, followers on social media appeared to disagree with Johnson’s remarks. 

Former President Obama speaks at the 2024 DNC

Former President Barack Obama advocated for securing the border "without tearing kids away from their parents" during his speech that concluded the second night of the Democratic National Convention.

But Trump War Room, the account for former President Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, flagged how Obama failed to mention a report released by the Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General earlier Tuesday. "The DHS Inspector General revealed today that 291,000 children who crossed the border illegally under Border Czar Kamala are unaccounted for," the Trump campaign wrote. 

As of May 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had not served notices to appear on more than 291,000 unaccompanied migrant children, "who therefore do not yet have an immigration court date," according to the DHS watchdog report. An audit revealed ICE transferred more than 448,000 unaccompanied migrant children who crossed the border illegally from fiscal years 2019 to 2023. 

However, ICE was not able to account for the location of all unaccompanied migrant children who were released from DHS and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) custody during that time frame and who did not appear as scheduled in immigration court, according to the DHS inspector general's report. 

In his DNC speech, Obama also criticized Trump for helping tank the border bill sponsored by Sens. James Lankford, R-Okla., Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., and Christopher Murphy, D-Conn:

"He killed a bipartisan immigration deal written in part by one of the most conservative Republicans in Congress that would have helped secure our southern border because he thought trying to actually solve the problem would hurt his campaign," Obama said.

Fox News Digital's Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.

A masked pro-Palestinian protester wearing body armor marches at the DNC

Former President Donald Trump scolded those protesting outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Tuesday night, after they clashed with police outside the Israeli consulate leading to at least 55 arrests, according to media reports.

"So disgraceful to see the burning of the American Flag and the desecration of Police Cars at the Democrat’s 'Party' taking place in Chicago," Trump said on his platform Truth Social Wednesday. "CONGRESS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY GET TO WORK! ANYONE BURNING THE AMERICAN FLAG GETS ONE YEAR IN JAIL. JUST DO IT!!!"

The protesting began at the consulate roughly two miles from the convention during the early evening on Tuesday. Some of the first images coming from last night's protest included video of protesters dressed in black and covering their faces while burning an American flag, on top of an already burned Israeli flag. As it grew dark and the situation intensified police in riot gear commanded the hundreds of protesters to disperse, but the calls went unheeded. Eventually, the two sides clashed violently.

Trump's claim that the DNC's protesters vandalized police cars last night, could not be immediately corroborated. The former president also asserted that "five people have been killed," since the start of the convention. While several shooting deaths have occurred in Chicago this week, they have not been tied to the protests.

President Biden awards media mogul and former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg the Medal of Freedom (Getty)

Billionaire businessman Mike Bloomberg donated $10 million to the Democrats' House Majority PAC in July as the party seeks to wrest control of the chamber from Republicans.

The PAC is the major funding group supporting Democrats in the House, both those defending their seats and candidates trying to unseat Republicans.

"House Majority PAC is deeply grateful for the longstanding and continued support from Mayor Mike Bloomberg in our efforts to take back the House," House Majority PAC President Mike Smith said in a statement to NBC News.

BIDEN'S CHARLOTTESVILLE MOMENT? POTUS TORCHED FOR DNC COMMENTS ABOUT ANTI-ISRAEL MOB

"With American freedoms at stake, Mayor Bloomberg’s dedication to Democratic ideals will fuel our work to promote an agenda for working families across America and elect Speaker Hakeem Jeffries next year."

The big donation comes after Bloomberg threw $20 million behind President Biden in June, who was then still running for re-election. Those funds are now being used to bolster Vice President Kamala Harris.

Fox News' Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.

Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., said it was "very wise" for vulnerable Democrats to skip the Democratic National Convention (DNC).

Sens. Jon Tester of Montana, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, and Jacky Rosen of Nevada are among several Democrats who did not attend their party's national convention, which officially nominated Vice President Harris as the Democratic nominee.

"It's very wise for those Democrats in tough races to stay in their districts, this is an exhausting convention," Sherman said on "The Faulkner Focus" Wednesday. Asked if appearing in support of Harris would hurt their campaigns, Sherman said "I think spending seven days outside your district hurts you."

Thousands of anti-Israel protestors have gathered outside the United Center in Chicago, leading to several arrests and the burning of the American flag. Sherman said that the crowd is "very extremist." 

"They know they cant build an extreme socialist party in this country unless they destroy the Democratic Party, and they're looking for any issue that they can use to do that," Sherman told Fox.

The Democratic congressman added that "there'd be more police officers around the suburbs of Chicago today if they didn't have to worry about these demonstrators, and they have a right to demonstrate, but too many of them are engaging in illegal activity."

USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks in Long Beach, Calif.

A transportation-centric public policy organization launched a five-figure ad campaign ahead of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s speech at the Democratic National Convention.

An official at the Center for Transportation Policy (CTP) predicted Buttigieg will tout his tenure at USDOT while ignoring multiple disasters and the fallout from them under his watch.

Given that track record, “his words should ring hollow to many Americans. Buttigieg is undoubtedly a savvy orator, but his actions, or lack thereof, speak louder than words,” said Jason Shedelbower, the group’s executive director.

The CTP’s new video highlighted several incidents, including the Norfolk-Southern derailment and ensuing hazmat crisis in East Palestine, Ohio, as well as Buttigieg’s handling of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on the Baltimore Beltway earlier this year.

A CTP release claimed the video has already been viewed more than 250,000 times and that the group will continue to seek accountability within USDOT.

Fox News' Julia Johnson contributed to this report.

DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Thursday it was finally time to create a TikTok account

"Figured it was time," Buttigieg wrote on X.

"Follow my new TikTok," he added, making a selfie pose as another individual snapped a photo of him.

Thus far, his only TikTok post is a brief video of him speaking into the camera to introduce his account.

"Hi, I'm Pete Buttigieg. You might recognize me from Fox News. Now I'm on TikTok. Obviously."

POLITICS

Trump campaign trolls Harris, releases policy website for her after weeks of silence

The Trump campaign released a campaign policy website for Vice President Kamala Harris, as she has yet to release one despite rising to the top of the Democratic ticket weeks ago.

FIRST ON FOX: Vice President Kamala Harris  has not released a policy page on her campaign website to detail her positions on key issues such as the economy and immigration, sparking the Trump campaign to create and release a platform website for her, Fox News Digital exclusively learned. 

"Kamala Harris has yet to tell voters what her policies are, so we thought we’d help them out. Kamala Harris wants to open the borders, raise taxes, and free criminals," a Trump campaign national press secretary told Fox News Digital about the website. 

Kamala2024policies.com launched Wednesday morning on the third day of the DNC and takes viewers to a website declaring, "Kamala Harris' dangerous policies are nothing to laugh about." The site details nine policy platforms for the Harris campaign, including declaring Harris fought "to set murderers free," wants to "abolish the border," seeks to "eliminate private health insurance" and wants to give illegal immigrants Social Security and Medicare. 

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Emma Colton.

POLITICS

Walz unknown by 4 in 10 Americans, but favorability rating tops Vance: poll

A poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center finds that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has an edge over Ohio's Sen. J.D. Vance in favorability, but is less known by voters ahead of the 2024 election.

A national poll finds that the 2024 vice presidential nominees are both still fighting to make themselves known to the U.S. voting public. 

The poll, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, shows 4 out of 10 Americans don't know enough about Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to form an opinion. 

The same goes for about 3 out of 10 Americans regarding Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, the Republican vice presidential nominee.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Timothy H.J. Nerozzi.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has been blasted by critics for his changing stance on gun control

A federal appeals court last month ruled that a Minnesota law signed by Governor Tim Walz (D-Minn.) that bans those under 20 from obtaining permits to carry guns is unconstitutional, prompting criticism over Walz's stance on the Second Amendment. 

"As a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, I welcome the federal appeals court's decision regarding Minnesota's law. This ruling affirms the constitutional rights of all law-abiding citizens to bear arms," Republican Minnesota Rep. Pete Stauber said in a statement to Fox News Digital. He called the move "crucial" due to rising violent crime across the United States, before slamming Walz for his "hostile" view of the Second Amendment.

"Governor Walz’s administration has indeed taken positions that many, including myself, view as hostile toward the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. This ruling is a reminder of the importance of protecting these liberties against overreach," Stauber said.

Randy Kozuch, chairman of the National Rifle Association's Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF), slammed Walz as a "political chameleon" for his changing views on the Second Amendment. At one time, Walz had an "A" rating from the NRA and was seen as a champion for gun rights. In 2009, for example, Walz opposed nationwide assault weapons ban.

However, over time, the now-vice presidential candidate changed his tune, writing in a 2018 op-ed that his views on guns were "evolving ins some ways," noting he has "always been a reformer." In 2018, following a school shooting at Parkland High School in Florida, Walz joined other Democrats in calling for a bill to ban assault weapons.

The Trump campaign distributed a letter Thursday from dozens of veterans serving in Congress hitting back at the Democratic vice presidential nominee over claims of 'stolen valor'.

Journalists were handed the letter condemning "Freakish Timothy" Walz, as the Minnesota governor has battled back against questions about the timing of his retirement from military service.

Walz, who joined the Nebraska National Guard as a teenager and also later served for Minnesota, met his 20-year requirement in 2001.

In that time, he was deployed to arctic Norway, before reenlisting after 9/11 and was also deployed to Italy to supplant other troops being shifted to Afghanistan, according to NPR.

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance and others have criticized Walz for retiring only months before his unit was deployed to Iraq in 2005.

The letter was led by retired Green Beret Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., and signed by other servicemembers-turned-lawmakers including Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Rick Scott, R-Fla.,, Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Reps. Brian Babin, R-Texas, Jennifer Kiggans, R-Va., Jim Banks, R-Ind., Greg Lopez, R-Calif., Cory Mills, R-Fla., Scott Perry, R-Pa., Barry Moore, R-Ala., Jack Bergman, R-Mich., and Don Bacon, R-Neb.

REUTERS

Chicago, thanks in part to its geographical centrality, is the most popular city when it comes to major party political conventions.

Between 1860 and 1996, Chicago hosted 14 Republican Party national nominating conventions and 11 Democratic Party conventions.

After a near three-decade drought, Chicago is hosting the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois as well as the state's congressional delegation and Chicago city officials were instrumental in helping to land the convention. And one of their selling points was the vast number of hotel rooms in Chicago, which means that the thousands of delegates, officials, and journalists covering the confab would be able to stay within the city limits.

That is far from the case for many political conventions. Just last month, some delegates and journalists were housed in hotels far from downtown Milwaukee, site of the 2024 Republican National Convention.

The abundance of hotel rooms in downtown Chicago provides access to both of the convention's venues - the United Center, an arena on the city's West Side where the prime time programming will take place, and McCormick Place, which is downtown near Lake Michigan, where daytime events will occur.

Fox News’ Brooke Singman shares the top three moments of President Biden’s speech at the Democratic National Convention.

The first moment she highlights is when Biden said that the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, lies about the border.

“I never thought I’d stand before a crowd of Democrats who refer to a president as a liar so many times,” Biden said. “Now, I’m not trying to be funny. It’s sad.”

“Trump continues to lie about the border. Here’s what he won’t tell you. Trump killed the strongest bipartisan border deal in the history of the United States,” Biden continued.

Singman points out that Trump was not in office for that. The current president was referring to a Senate border deal from earlier this year.

The second moment is when Biden said the anti-Israel agitators around the Chicago venue “have a point.”

"Those protesters out in the street, they have a point,” Biden said. “A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides," he said, referring to Israel's war on terror group Hamas.

Singman notes that “Police are expecting tens of thousands of protestors in Chicago this week.”

Biden’s third notable moment in his speech at the DNC, as Singman points out, is when the president discusses stepping out of the race and passes the torch to Kamala Harris.

“I’ve got five months left in my presidency, and I’ve got a lot to do,” Biden said during the speech. “And all this talk about how I’m angry at all those people who said I should step down, it’s not true.”

“I love my country more, and we need to preserve our democracy,” Biden added.

MEDIA

‘Abortion-palooza’ at DNC could force pro-life Democrats to ditch party: ‘It's just absolutely disgusting’

Democrats For Life of America executive director Kristen Day said Democrats are throwing an "abortion-palooza" in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention.

Democrats are throwing an "abortion-palooza" in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. 

"They’re degrading human life and women for that matter. It's just absolutely disgusting. This continued celebration of abortion," Democrats For Life of America executive director Kristen Day told Fox News Digital. 

Day is appalled that Planned Parenthood is offering free abortions inside a "mobile health clinic" parked in Chicago during the convention. Pro-abortion activists also marched through the streets of Chicago ahead of the convention.

"I think this convention is going to be abortion-palooza. In response to them providing abortions, we would provide actual support to women in need. So, we started a diaper drive," Day said. 

"Planned parenthood, this is what they do. They do abortions. They, they do not support pregnant women," she continued. "And this just continues to prove the fact that that is their main focus… all they care about is abortion."

Day believes the "overall problem" with the Democratic Party is the constant "celebration of abortion," which used to be something progressives wanted to be safe, legal and rare.  

Michelle Obama said during her speech on the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Tuesday that her parents "were suspicious of folks who took more than they needed."

But critics quickly pointed out how she conveniently omitted that the Obamas have an estimated net worth of $70 million, as well as luxury real estate holdings in Chicago, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. 

The former first lady began her DNC speech by saying the last time she was in her hometown of Chicago was to memorialize her mother, the woman "who showed me the meaning of hard work and humility and decency" and "who set my moral compass high and showed me the power of my own voice." 

"She and my father didn't aspire to be wealthy. In fact, they were suspicious of folks who took more than they needed," Michelle Obama said. "They understood that it wasn't enough for their kids to thrive if everyone else around us was drowning. So my mother volunteered at the local school." 

Her mother "always looked out for the other kids on the block" and "was glad to do the thankless, unglamorous work that for generations has strengthened the fabric of this nation," Michelle Obama continued. "The belief that if you do unto others, if you love thy neighbor. If you work and scrape and sacrifice, it will pay off. If not for you, then maybe for your children or your grandchildren." 

"You see, those values have been passed on through family farms and factory towns, through tree-lined streets and crowded tenements, through prayer groups and National Guard units and social studies classroom. Those were the values my mother poured into me until her very last breath," she said. "Kamala Harris and I built our lives on those same foundational values. Even though our mothers grew up an ocean apart, they shared the same belief in the promise of this country." 

One X user, who goes by ProudArmyBrat, decried the perceived hypocrisy to her more than 463,600 followers. 

"The Obama’s have a net worth of $70 million. They own 4 luxurious properties: - Washington DC home bought for $8.1M - Martha’s Vineyard home bought for $11.75M - Beachfront home in Hawaii bought for $8.7M - Chicago home bought for $1.65M," she wrote. "Getting really tired of multi-millionaires preaching about the evils of money and greed."

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Danielle Wallace

CNN commentator Van Jones fawned over former President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama for their speeches at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night.

"This was a masterful act of leadership," Jones said of both speeches. "It was a sacred task. They took it on well. I didn‘t realize I had been in a spiritual desert until they created that oasis on that stage."

"I didn't know how much I missed them," Jones said. "I missed that."

"Biden transferred the machinery of the party to Kamala Harris," Jones continued. "The Obamas renewed the magic of the movement. That's what they were transferring. They did it beautifully. They did it powerfully. Obama used nostalgia in a beautiful way." 

Ahead of Biden dropping out of the race, Obama allies notably helped lead the charge in calling for the president to get out of the race in favor of a candidate they believed was more suitable to take on Trump. 

Other media figures also heaped praise on the speeches, with CBS reporter John Dickerson calling the moment "nourishment." 

"These two speeches by the Obamas are going to serve that purpose," Dickerson said. 

Dickerson added that the speeches act as a "shield against what Donald Trump is doing, which is to say Kamala Harris is the other."

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News' Jeffrey Clark

Kayleigh McEnany, Co-Host of “Outnumbered,” took the opportunity at the Democratic National Convention to state what a Donald J. Trump administration would look like, especially with Elon Musk as a hire, contrasting it with the pitch coming from Vice President Kamala Harris and her colleagues.

The DNC is centerstage for Democratic unity and policy proposals, including Vice President Harris's major policy proposal of increasing the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%. McEnany's comments showed a clear alternative to governance, advocating for the private sector.

McEnany praised Elon Musk's achievement during the Covid-19 pandemic for bringing “private sector energy” during the “dark and tough times.” With Elon Musk as a hire in a second Trump administration, her comments highlight a strong difference in philosophy between the two parties.

“One of the bright spots that happened on that horrible year was the launch of SpaceX, the first private sector launch into space, under Elon Musk,” McEnany said. “I’ll never forget going and seeing the power of the private sector, the power of Elon Musk. A brilliant day for America with that launch down in Cape Canaveral, Florida.”

McEnany suggested that this "private sector energy" is what should characterize a second Trump administration.

SpaceX first launched people into space just a few months after the Covid pandemic began spreading across the United States. 

This suggestion by McEnany demonstrates a sharp contrast to last night's speeches at the DNC, specifically that of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY. AOC’s address focused on the role of government in supporting the middle class and Kamala Harris’ commitment to “taking on corporate greed.” McEnany's call for private sector innovation stands in opposition to what some at the DNC are advocating regarding increased corporate taxation to fund government projects.

“So, bring in that private sector energy with Elon Musk.,” McEnany said. 

McEnany also mentions several others she would like to see in the Trump administration who know how to “get things done,” including Vivek Ramaswamy and Doug Bergum, indicating that a Trump administration would likely benefit from individuals with private sector experience.

“Private sector energy, that’s what it’s about in the second Trump administration.”

Tierney L. Cross

Vice President Harris and President Biden butted heads on the issue of race during the 2020 presidential election.

"I’m going to direct this at Vice President Biden – I do not believe you are a racist and I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground. But I also believe, and it’s personal and it was hurtful to hear about you talk about the reputations on two United States senators who build their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country," Harris said of Biden in 2019. "And it was not only that, but you also worked with them to oppose bussing."

"I will tell you that on this subject, it can not be an intellectual debate. Among Democrats, we have to take it seriously, we have to act swiftly," Harris said. She would later be selected as Biden’s running mate.

Biden, in his response, called Harris' claims "a mischaracterization of my position across the board."

"I did not praise racists, that is not true. Number one. Number two if we want to have this campaign litigated on who supports civil rights or not I'm happy to do that," Biden said. "I ran because of civil rights, I continue to think we need to make changes in civil rights."

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg , who will be speaking at the Democratic National Convention, shared his thoughts on what President Trump should expect in the upcoming debate with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Buttigieg, a 2020 Democratic presidential contender, used Harris' prosecutorial background as a factor that he believes Trump should consider.

"I think he should be preparing for somebody who is going to be very focused,” Buttigieg said. "Going back to her days as a prosecutor, she is very focused on getting to the core of an issue, and she will not let somebody escape the core of that issue." 

Kamala Harris served as San Francisco District Attorney and California Attorney General.

Buttigieg then highlighted some of the potential debate topics that he believes Harris is prepared to address. "So whether it is how to keep Americans safe, how to get prices down, how to keep growing our economy, I think there’s going to be an extraordinary debate.”

"And if I were him, I’d be doing a lot of homework right now," Buttigieg concluded.

Dana Perino offered her perspective on the charged atmosphere at the Republican National Convention and discussed the energy levels with the Democratic National Convention.

"The energy at the RNC was incredible for many reasons," Dana Perino said. "One, people were excited we could get back together. Remember, in 2020, the conventions were kind of a bust because of Covid. Remember, the day before the conventions got started, former President Trump was nearly assassinated. And so there was so much consternation about his health, the wellbeing, what was going on with the Secret Service. But yet, everyone was there and excited.”

“We also didn't know who the vice presidential pick was going to be, so there was built-up excitement, and they found out it was JD Vance. At the RNC, they left so unified; they had so much fun. Now, you contrast that to what could have been at the DNC if Biden were still the nominee. If Biden were the nominee and he gave the speech last night, this room would have been half empty. But, in the last 29 days, all of this has changed. Kamala Harris is now the nominee. Democrats have not just fallen in line but have fallen in love with her, and they are enthusiastic. Let me tell you something, they were having a great time last night.”

“I know a lot of people maybe think they have pushed Biden way out of primetime. I don’t think so. I think they had a big scheduling problem, and it would have been better if they had stayed on schedule for all of us, including me. My phone said, ‘you need to go to bed,’ and I said, ‘I know, but I can’t go to bed; the president is still talking.’ No one left this hall. They were excited to be here.”

Dana Perino wraps up her commentary on the energetic political conventions, reminding Americans that “this race is tied.”

Speaking at the DNC, Ana Navarro, co-host of “The View,” candidly explained her stance against Donald Trump, suggesting that he does not love dogs and therefore, might not be the best choice for voters.

“Kamala Harris. She likes dogs. And my dog, Cha Cha, likes her. Dogs are good judges of character. So are cats,” Navarro said.

“We cannot elect a president who does not like dogs or who hangs around with people who shoot them.”

Navaro is referring to Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, who stirred widespread uproar on social media following the disclosure that she shot her dog. In her memoir, she explains that she fatally shot her 14-month-old dog for being "untrainable." The governor's recount of the incident, which involved taking the life of her pet and a family goat in a gravel pit, drew intense criticism for her book, "No Going Back."

Noem explained on X, "We love animals, but tough decisions like this happen all the time on a farm. Sadly, we just had to put down 3 horses a few weeks ago that had been in our family for 25 years."

Sen. Bernie Sanders put his stamp of approval on the 2024 Democratic ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz at the DNC.

“I look forward to working with Kamala and Tim to pass this agenda. This is not a radical agenda," the Vermont independent said.

"But let me tell you what a radical agenda is. That is Trump’s Project 2025," Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, added.

Former President Trump has strongly criticized the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, calling it "absolutely ridiculous and abysmal," and distancing his campaign from the 900-page conservative plan. Despite attempts to align Trump with Project 2025, his campaign reiterated that the project does not represent their views or policies and any association with Trump's campaign is misguided.

Sanders continued to discuss the project, “At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, giving more tax breaks to billionaires is radical. Putting forth budgets to cut social security, Medicare and Medicaid is radical. Letting polluters destroy our planet is radical. And my friends, we won’t let that happen.”

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, the husband of Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris, delivered a speech praising her for never running from a fight.

"Kamala is as tough as it comes. Just ask the criminals, gangsters, and witnesses before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She never runs from a fight," he said.

"She knows the best way to deal with a coward is to take him head on," he added.

"Because we all know cowards are weak. And Kamala Harris can smell weakness," Emhoff shouted.

"She doesn't tolerate any B.S. You've all seen that look. And you know that look I'm talking about. That look is not just a meme. It reflects her true belief in honest and direct leadership. And it is also why she will not be distracted by nonsense," he said.

"Kamala knows that in order to win, we cannot lose focus. She will lead from the belief that wherever we come from, whatever we look like, we are stronger when we fight for what we believe in, not just against what we fear," Emhoff concluded.

Jesse Watters speaks with Florida Congressman Byron Donalds at the Democratic National Convention to ask about his response to the convention.

"We are here at night two, it’s gotten a little more exciting. Last night was a little dark. How have you taken in this convention and are people being nice to you?" he asked Donalds.

Donalds responded with his perspective and experience at the DNC so far. "Yeah, people are fine. That’s not the issue. For the first time at this convention, I heard a policy. They talked about $35 insulin. Donald Trump did it first, but they talked about it. Okay, fine," he said.

In the interview, Donalds criticized the DNC for its focus on spectacle rather than substantial policy discussions.

"This entire convention has not been about policy. It’s been about this orchestrated excitement with the glowing wrist bands and the background and all this other stuff,” Donalds continued. “But, this convention is going to end. What are her policies? What is that going to look like? How is that going to translate to the lives of the American people? With all the excitement, she should be up four to five points, but she is not."

CHICAGO – Former President Obama  took the stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Tuesday evening, when he praised President Biden just weeks after reportedly helping oust Biden from his re-election effort.

"It's been 16 years since I had the honor of accepting this party’s nomination for president. And I know that's hard to believe since I haven’t aged a bit, but it’s true. And looking back, I can say without question that my first big decision as your nominee turned out to be one of my best. And that was asking Joe Biden to serve by my side as vice president," Obama said on Tuesday evening from the DNC.

"Other than some common Irish blood, Joe and I come from different backgrounds. But we became brothers. And as we worked together for eight – sometimes, pretty tough – years, what I came to admire most about Joe wasn’t just his smarts and experience, but it was his empathy and his decency. And his hard-earned resiliency and his unshakable belief that everyone in this country deserves a fair shot."

"History will remember Joe Biden as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger. And I am proud to call him my president, but even prouder to call him my friend," the 44th president continued of his former vice president.

Harris became the Democrat nominee for president upon Biden's withdrawal from the race after his disastrous June debate performance against former President Trump, which included the president losing his train of thought, stumbling over his words and appearing more subdued than during other public events in recent years. The debate performance opened the floodgates to traditional Democrat allies and legacy media outlets joining conservatives in their concerns over Biden’s mental acuity and age.

After the White House and Biden campaign repeatedly denied the president would drop out of the race, Biden announced in a post on a Sunday afternoon last month that he was ending his campaign and would carry out his final months in the White House.

During her speech at the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama reflects back on her time as First Lady, relating it to how she supposes Kamala Harris’ current presidential campaign.

"Unfortunately, we know what comes next. We know folks are going to do whatever they can to distort her truth. My husband and I sadly know a little something about this," she said.

"For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us. See, his limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working, highly educated, successful people who happened to be black."

Following applause from the crowd, she continued, "I want to know. I want to know. Who is going to tell him that the job he is currently seeking might just be one of those black jobs?”

The former first lady stirred up the crowd with her question and emphasis on “one of those black jobs."