Kamala Harris formally accepts Democratic nomination at DNC
Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepts her party's nomination tonight in Chicago, Illinois, on the final day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Coverage for this event has ended.
Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday said that she supports Israel's right to defend itself as she walked a fine line between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine factions within the Democratic Party.
"President Biden and I are working around the clock, because now is the time to get a hostage deal and a ceasefire deal done," she said at the Democratic National Convention. "And let me be clear, I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself, and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself."
She condemned the October 7 terror attack on Israel by Hamas.
"At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost, desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety over and over again, the scale of suffering is heartbreaking," she said.
"President Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security and freedom and self-determination," she said.
Vice President Kamala Harris accepted her party's presidential nomination on Thursday, as she delivered the most important speech of her political career.
In a roughly 40 minute speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago's United Center, the vice president promised to "be a president for all Americans."
"I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations," she pledged. "A president who leads — and listens. Who is realistic. Practical. And has common sense. And always fights for the American people."
She continued: "There are people of various political views watching tonight. And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans."
In her remarks, Harris repeatedly mentioned former President Trump, the Republican nominee, and warned Americans against re-electing him.
"In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man," the vice president argued. "But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious."
Fox News' Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 22, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid
Former President Barack Obama took to X to applaud current Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris after she gave the keynote address on the final night of the Democratic National Convention.
"Tonight, @KamalaHarris showed the world what I have known to be true. She is ready on day one to be President and represents the best of America," the former president wrote of Harris, who he previously described as a "friend."
He added: "Let’s get to work."
Obama was quick to endorse Harris after Democratic Party leadership forced his former running mate, current President Biden, out of being the Democratic nominee.
On July 26, Obama shared on X that he personally called Harris to express his and former first lady Michelle's support for her presidential bid.
"Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend Harris," he wrote. "We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you’ll join us."
Both Obamas spoke at the Democratic National Convention earlier in the week, although Biden and Harris were not in attendance for their remarks.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 2024 independent presidential candidate, speaks in Nashville, Tennessee, US, on Friday, July 26, 2024. Photographer: Liam Kennedy/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Former President and GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump in an interview with Fox News following Vice President Kamala Harris' address at the DNC Thursday said she was 'a horrible person' and pressed on why things she promised to do in her speech weren't already done while she's been in office the last 3 years.
On immigration, Trump said "they don't need bills. They don't want to close the border."
"She's not having success. I'm having success," Trump said of his support for a second term in the Oval. "I'm doing great with the Hispanic voters. I'm doing great with black men. I'm doing great with women because women want safety."
Trump also hinted at possibly "meeting" with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as the two will both be holding separate events in Arizona on Friday. Kennedy is rumored to be planning to endorse Trump.
"I've had a great relationship with him over the years, I respect him. He respects me. I have no idea if he's going to endorse me. I know he's got a news conference. We happen to be in the same state, Arizona. We'll be in the same state, but in quite different parts of the state. But it's possible we will be meeting tomorrow and we'll be discussing it," Trump said.
Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stands onstage on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 22, 2024. REUTERS/Vincent Alban
Vice President and Democratic candidate for President Kamala Harris praised U.S. troops and touted her own record in the Biden-Harris administration on military engagement, without mentioning the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal that lead to the fall of 13 Americans.
"As Vice President, I have confronted threats to our security, negotiated with foreign leaders, strengthened our alliances and engaged with our brave troops overseas. As Commander in Chief, I will ensure America always has the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world and. And I will fulfill our sacred obligation to care for our troops and their families," Harris promised.
"And I will always honor and never disparage their service and their sacrifice," Harris said.
But Harris failed to mention the 13 service members that were killed in an attack at the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan after President Biden ordered that troops withdraw from the region in 2022.
Harris has reportedly boasted that she was the “last person in the room” with President Biden as he solidified his plans to withdraw troops which also resulted in roughly $7 billion in American military equipment and weapons left behind.
In an interview with CNN, when a reporter asked if she felt "comfortable" with how the withdrawal was conducted, she said "I do."
US Vice President Kamala Harris during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Vice President and Democratic nominee for president Kamala Harris railed on her opponent former President Donald Trump, calling him "an unserious man."
"But the consequences, but the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the white House are extremely serious," Harris said.
"And how he would use the immense powers of the presidency of the United States? Not to improve your life, not to strengthen our national security, but to serve the only client he has ever had -- himself," Harris said.
Trump, responded to her criticisms live on his social media platform Truth Social, saying, "IS SHE TALKING ABOUT ME?"
"She said, 'Chart a new way forward,' but she’s had three and a half years, and has done nothing but HARM!" Trump posted.
"She’s talking about the Middle Class, but she’s the one who broke the Middle Class, and made it UNSAFE AND UNAFFORDABLE!" he continued.
"No specific programs, ALL TALK, NO ACTION — Why didn’t she do it three and a half years ago?" he said.
Vice President Kamala Harris, in her speech to the Democratic National Convention , praised the "extraordinary" President Biden -- as she accepted the Democratic Party's 2024 nomination.
"To our President, Joe Biden, when I think about the path that we have traveled together, Joe, I am filled with gratitude. Your record is extraordinary, as history will show, and your character is inspiring, and Doug and I love you and Jill and are forever thankful to you both," she said.
Biden backed Harris as his successor when he stepped down as the Democratic nominee last month.
REUTERS/Cheney Orr
The 2020 DNC was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, with delegates and speakers appearing remotely for public safety reasons -- but it did not stop the convention from taking place.
Speakers at the convention included then-vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris, as well as other big Democratic hitters including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., former First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi and then-presidential nominee Joe Biden.
It also saw former nominee Hillary Clinton speak, along with governors including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo -- and former GOP Gov. John Kasich.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, former nominee John Kerry, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, businessman Andrew Yang and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., were among some of the other speakers at the virtual event.
Tonight, Vice President Kamala Harris will take the main stage to speak to the Democratic National Convention and formally accept her party's nomination.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Tim Walz is the current 41st governor of Minnesota, a former member of the House of Representatives, a former schoolteacher, a former non-commissioned officer in the Army National Guard, and presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ running mate for vice president.
Walz was born in Nebraska and joined the National Guard after high school before leaving to become a social studies teacher and football coach. He was first elected to the House in 2006 and served five terms before being elected governor in 2018.
Walz's first term as governor was defined by the death of George Floyd and the destructive riots that followed. Walz activated the National Guard, receiving praise from then-President Trump, and later convened a special legislative session to try and pass police reform.
In 2023, Walz held one of the most consequential legislative sessions in Minnesota’s history. Abortion was codified, free school meals were mandated, universal gun background checks were implemented, and marijuana was legalized. Walz described the session as the “most productive” in Minnesota’s history.
Walz spoke to delegates and politicians at the 2024 Democratic National Convention last night.
President Biden has posted a picture to X of him and First Lady Jill Biden watching the Democratic National Convention -- ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris' acceptance speech later this evening.
"Jill and I just spoke to @KamalaHarris — we can’t wait to watch her accept this historic nomination," he said in the post.
"Kamala and Tim will inspire a generation and lead us into the future."
Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., met with progressive megadonor George Soros's son and heir to his enterprise, Alex Soros, during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
Soros shared a post on X with photos of his meeting with Walz on Thursday. Former Clinton aide Huma Abedin, also Soros' fiance, was also present.
His post came after Walz's speech at the DNC on Wednesday night, officially accepting the vice presidential nomination and formally introducing himself to the American people.
The meeting with Soros comes as critics continue to slam Harris' selection of Walz, given his left-wing record while in office.
Former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau on Thursday called Vice President Kamala Harris a "mainstream" Democrat a few years after he had dismissed the idea that she was a "moderate."
In 2020 Favreau chided the media's coverage of the then-California senator.
"It was hilarious to me that she's being called in all of this coverage a 'moderate.' Like, 'Joe Biden has found a fellow moderate or centrist,'" Favreau began. "She supports something extremely close to Medicare-for-all, which [Sen.] Bernie Sanders acknowledged in his statement supporting her. She's for the Green New Deal. She has one of the most liberal records in the U.S. Senate!"
"If you want to call Kamala Harris' record in the Senate and the policies that she's supporting now 'centrist' or 'moderate,' great!" Favreau continued. "If that's where the Overton window has moved, then congratulations to all the progressive activists because you have f---in' moved the s--- out of that window! That supporting the Green New Deal and basically Medicare-for-all is now moderate and centrist! Fantastic!"
But, speaking to Fox News' Jesse Waters on Thursday, he called her a "mainstream" Democrat.
"She's progressive, right? She's like a Democrat. She's not like center of the spectrum, like I said, She's a mainstream Democrat," he said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom sat down with Fox News' Special Report anchor Bret Baier in Chicago Thursday night and pressed the Democrat governor on his support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Baier referenced a recent poll that said 25.3% of Americans think the country is moving in the right direction, and 64.8% believe it's headed in the wrong direction.
"We've been polarized and traumatized. The last three and a half years have been difficult," Newsom said.
"That's the Biden-Harris administration," Baier interjected.
"...The Trump administration, covid," Newsom said. "We're just coming out of this recession. We're finally taming inflation."
"You hear what you're saying?" Baier pressed. "You're erasing the last 3 and a half years."
"I think it's more directional. I think it's been a challenging time for this country for many, many years, even before Biden and Harris were elected," Newsom replied.
"And they couldn't get it done, to change the tide," Baier stated.
(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Vice President Kamala Harris will call for a "New Way Forward" for the United States in her speech to the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, according to prepared remarks.
"With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a New Way Forward," she will say. "Not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans.
"I will be a President who unites us around our highest aspirations. A President who leads -- and listens. Who is realistic. Practical. And has common sense. And always fights for the American people. From the courthouse to the White House, that has been my life’s work," she will say.
Harris will speak at the event in Chicago on the last night of the convention, and will officially accept the Democratic Party nomination.
She will talk about her own background, pay tribute to her mother, and also use the speech to attack former President Trump's agenda.
"We know what a second Trump term would look like. It’s all laid out in 'Project 2025.' ... In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man. But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious," she will say.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) reacts on the stage on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 22, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Wurm
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. , was given a raucous ovation as she began to speak at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday -- and was moved to tears by the reception she received.
The liberal firebrand spoke ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris' appearance later this evening on the last night of the convention.
But as she took to the podium, the applause and cheers she received sparked an emotional response from the senator.
NEA president Becky Pringle speaks at Philadelphia delegation on July 4. (YouTube/screenshot)
The president of the largest teachers' union, who was mocked over the weekend for giving an "off-the-rails" speech, spoke at the Democratic National Convention this evening.
Rebecca "Becky" Pringle, who delivered a viral speech in July that drew intense criticism, will speak on the final night of the convention in Chicago.
During NEA's Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly (RA) in Philadelphia last month, Pringle called for transformative social justice change in the education system in the pursuit of equity.
"To unite not just our members, but the nation to reclaim public education as a common good, as the foundation of our democracy, and then transform it into something it was never designed to be—a racially and socially just and equitable system," Pringle said.
"We worked hard to rid ourselves of a tyrannical, deceitful, and corrupt White House, but the reality is that the seeds that were sown during that horrible season continue to germinate," she said, referring to the Trump administration.
She continued by vowing to "protect public education" and said, "We will fight privatization. We will fight vouchers. We will fight any and all schemes to drain resources from our beloved public schools," appearing to refer to school choice.
Pringle previously faced backlash during the pandemic when she raked in over $500,000 while her teachers' union was pushing for schools to remain closed and teachers were making a fraction of her high salary.
Fox News' Cameron Cawthorne and Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
Getty Images
On Thursday, the final night of the Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept her party's nomination for president, just over a month after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
As the final night of the DNC kicks off, social media and newsrooms are abuzz with expectation, but its not Harris everyone is talking about -- instead it's who tonight's rumored special guest will be.
Music artist Pink is scheduled to perform, along with the The Chicks. But the DNC's programming reportedly has a gap for a surprise special guest. Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are among the A-list names fans are speculating could make an appearance.
Newsweek even floated the two powerhouse women as possibilities. Politico reported that the DNC's house band was rehearsing Beyoncé songs earlier in the day.
Harris, who has never won a presidential primary, will have the opportunity tonight to establish herself, and her candidacy, after a whirlwind month since taking the top spot on the Democratic ticket. She's not yet sat down for media interviews or outlined specifics of her policy plans.
According to Variety more than 20 million Americans will be tuning in Thursday night, if not for Harris, then for the star power the DNC recruited to help her win.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
President Joe Biden’s declining health, put on full display during his July debate performance against Donald Trump, has continued to put the octogenarian president under scrutiny.
“It’s possible, depending on Biden’s true capacities, that by rights he should have resigned and Harris should be president already — which probably would have put her in a better position to win the election even than her current honeymoon does," New York Times columnist Ross Douthat wrote in a recent Saturday column.
Ross even predicted the possibility of a major Biden health “crisis” in the next few months, which he argued would make Democrats wish he had resigned, not just given up his bid for reelection.
Concern over Biden’s health has continued following his disastrous debate performance particularly due to reports that some of his closest advisers and family members worked to hide the true nature of Biden’s physical and cognitive deficiencies from the public.
Just days before Biden announced he would not seek reelection, for example, White House senior deputy press secretary and deputy assistant to the president, Andrew Bates, called speculation that Biden faced a medical emergency while traveling to Las Vegas “100% false.” However, recordings from Las Vegas police released this week by the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project show that Biden was experiencing a sudden illness after canceling a speaking engagement he had planned in Sin City that day.
Since announcing that he would not be running for reelection on July 21, Biden has held only six public events, according to his publicly available schedule.
The president spoke earlier this week at the Democratic National Convention.
Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Getty Images
Then-Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., used her 2020 Democratic National Convention speech to hit out at “structural racism” as she accepted the vice presidential nominee.
"That I am here tonight is a testament to the dedication of generations before me," Harris, D-Calif., said. "Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all. They organized, marched, and fought—not just for their vote, but for a seat at the table."
She paid tribute to her Indian immigrant mother for raising her and her sister to be "proud strong Black women."
She also stressed that racism was still present in the U.S. and said the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic had exposed racial inequalities.
"While this virus touches us all, let’s be honest, it is not an equal opportunity offender," Harris said. "Black, Latino and Indigenous people are suffering and dying disproportionately.
"This is not a coincidence. It is the effect of structural racism."
Harris said the racial inequities are evident throughout the U.S, including in education and healthcare.
"And let’s be clear—there is no vaccine for racism," Harris said.
Harris will give a highly anticipated speech tonight at the finale of the 2024 DNC.
In a 1988 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the celebrity talk show host appeared to be amazed at Americans’ "fascination" with Donald Trump and even described him as a "folk hero" for being so popular.
"Various celebrities in New York, because it was the opening concert in New York, and there were all kinds of celebrities – very, very famous people coming in to be seated. When you were seated, you got the loudest applause.
People stood up and roared and cheered when you walked in," Winfrey said during the interview. "Why is that? What is this fascination?""I don’t know, maybe I should be a rockstar," Trump replied.
"They thought you were going to moonwalk," Oprah quipped. After Trump pondered his popularity with Oprah, she also referred to him as a "folk hero."The unearthed interview came to light a day after Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night, during which she railed against Trump, her former friend.
Read more from Alec Schemmel on Oprah's former friendship with Trump.
Fox News/Liz Elkind
The balloons for the famous balloon drop at the end of the Democratic National Convention are in place ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris' address to the convention later this evening.
Fox News' Digital's Liz Elkind snapped the balloons sealed with netting over the stage.
Harris will speak later this evening to formally accept the party nomination for the presidential race.
Some Kansas City Chiefs fans are not happy with only being able to see one of the team’s three preseason games, as their final one before the regular season on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears won’t be on TV in Kansas City due to the Democratic National Convention.
The Chiefs-Bears broadcast in the area is set to air on KMCI instead of the usual KSHB. However, the DNC will be on TV instead of football.
NFL Network is also airing the game, but due to blackout restrictions, fans in Kansas City won’t be able to stream the game there.
"For the second time this pre-season, Channel 41 is moving their coverage of the Chiefs game to Channel 38," a Reddit user wrote, via The Kansas City Star. "Youtube TV does not carry Channel 38, so once again I will not have access to watch this game. Why is Channel 41 paying for the rights to broadcast these games when it is not accessible for many in their market? Does the Chiefs front office care?"
Read more from Scott Thompson about the upset NFL fans.
Former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones described the energy as "electric" at the Democratic National Convention, while also taking an apparent jab at one of the current Alabama senators.
"Unbelievable, just absolutely extraordinary," he said when asked by Fox News Digital's Julia Johnson -- saying there was "something special" about it.
"This place has been electric beginning Monday," he said.
On vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, he said: "I'm just glad the Democrats have redeemed football coaches that have gone into politics."
That appears to be a jab at Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., who is a former football coach.
At the DNC, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro asserted that former President Donald Trump aims to strip away freedoms, and he proclaimed Democrats as the "party of real freedom."
During his speech, Shapiro said, "Donald Trump, a man with no guardrails, wants to take away our rights and our freedoms, while he cloaks himself in the blanket of freedom."
"What he is offering isn't freedom at all," he continued. "It sure as hell isn't freedom to say you can go vote, but he gets to pick the winner. That's not freedom."
"You know what, Democrats? We are the party of real freedom. We value our freedom, we cherish our democracy, and we love this country," Shapiro stated.
Shapiro was considered as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Ultimately, Tim Walz was selected over Shapiro in the vice-presidential selection process. Shapiro has stated that antisemitism was not a factor in Harris' decision.
Former President Trump has repeatedly argued that Kamala Harris is an ultra-liberal and has insulted the vice president as "comrade Kamala" in the month since she replaced President Biden atop the Democrats' 2024 ticket.
But top Harris surrogates argue that the attacks from the former president won't fly with American voters.
"That boat doesn’t float. It just doesn’t float," Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., told Fox News Digital on Thursday, hours ahead of the vice president's nomination acceptance speech on the final evening of the Democratic National Convention, which is being held in Chicago.
Booker, a leading ally of Harris in the Senate, pointed to legislation he has co-authored with the vice president that they have successfully ushered through Congress and into law.
Read more from Paul Steinhauser on Trump's nickname for VP Harris.
Truth Social
Former President Donald Trump on Thursday took aim at Vice President Harris' handling of the crisis at the southern border, just hours before she is due to address the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
"The millions of Illegal Aliens pouring into our Country because of Comrade Harris, our “Border Czar,” and her Open Border Policies, are taking the jobs of our Black and Hispanic workers and families," he said on Truth Social.
"BIG NUMBERS AND DISPLACEMENT. NOT FAIR! VOTE FOR TRUMP AND STOP THE MADNESS!!! THE UNIONS ARE NEXT!!!"
Former President Bill Clinton delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention. His endorsement came after President Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election and gave his support to Vice President Kamala Harris.
"Donald Trump has been a paragon of consistency. He is still dividing, he is still blaming, he is still belittling other people. He creates chaos and then he sort of curates it as if it were precious art," Clinton said at the DNC."He mostly talks about himself. So the next time you hear him, don’t count the lies, count the ‘I’s,'" he continued.
"He is like one of those tenors, opening up before he walks on stage like I did, trying to get his lungs open by singing, ‘me, me, me, me, me.’"
"When Kamala Harris is president, every day will begin with 'you, you, you, you,'" Clinton remarked, contrasting what he implies is Trump's egocentrism with Harris' focus on the American people.
Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had previously expressed support of the Democratic nominee.
"We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her," they said in a joint statement in July.
Vice President Harris' economic agenda includes a recently announced push to enact controls for alleged "price gouging" by food and grocery companies and prevent them from reaping "excessive profits." But the plan lacks details about how those terms would be defined and enforced.
Harris' campaign released a document Friday saying that if she's elected, her administration would work with Congress to "advance the first-ever federal ban on price gouging on food and groceries; set clear rules of the road to make clear that big corporations can't unfairly exploit consumers to run up excessive profits on food and groceries."
A Harris-Walz administration would also look to secure "new authority for the FTC and state attorneys general to investigate and impose strict new penalties on companies that break the rules," according to the document.
However, the Harris campaign's plan doesn't include a definition of how "price gouging" would be defined or what would constitute "excessive profits" in the eyes of regulators. Nor does it describe how companies accused of wrongdoing could remediate the issue.
FOX Business reached out to the Harris campaign for more details about how her proposal would be enacted and did not receive a response prior to deadline.
This is an excerpt from an article from Fox Business' Eric Revell.
Protesters outside the Democratic National Convention spoke to Fox News about their views on the 2024 candidates, with some saying they don't plan to vote for either.
"I couldn't possibly vote for 'Genocide Joe' and I couldn't possibly vote for Donald Trump," one protester said. "They're both parties of imperialism and racism, and so, no, absolutely I won't be voting in November."
"I probably won't be voting for either of those two parties, because they represent the ruling class – Democrats or Republicans," another DNC protester said. The same protester added that many who have been rallying against Israel outside the convention "don't really believe her strategies of, like, 'good vibes.' That's not really how you fix a broken economic system."
Others said they were undecided on who they plan to vote for in November but that a near-term ceasefire could change that.
"I have about nine weeks left and I am expecting more of the president," the undecided protester stated. "Blinken was in the Middle East a few days ago and we are expecting a ceasefire soon. If that happens then the vote could change as well."
Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., dodged a question Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) from Fox News Digital about whether she'd support restrictions for late-term abortions, as abortion remains a key platform issue for the party.
"Congresswoman, would you support restrictions for late-term abortions?" Fox News Digital asked Waters, who endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on day one of the DNC. Waters can be seen on video turning away and ignoring the question.
Abortion has been a central issue of the Democratic Party's 2024 re-election bid with Harris and Gov. Tim Walz at the top of the ticket, as each night speakers have taken turns calling for expanded federal abortion access.
Late-term abortions, which typically occur in the third-trimester, have been an issue often evaded by Democratic lawmakers.Planned Parenthood's free mobile clinic, parked just a couple of blocks from the United Center in Chicago – where the DNC is taking place – underscored the Democrats' message of widespread accessibility to abortion.
Read more from Jamie Joseph on Democrats and abortion limits.
MN Gov. Tim Walz gestures at a Wisconsin rally.
Former President Donald Trump's campaign called out a veiled dig at running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, made by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at the Democratic National Convention.
Walz, who formally accepted the Democratic vice presidential nomination Wednesday night, addressed the United Center in Chicago by speaking of his upbringing in the Midwest.
"Now, I grew up in Butte, Nebraska, a town of 400 people. I had 24 kids in my high school class, and none of them went to Yale," Walz said, prompting laughter from the audience. "But I'll tell you what.
Growing up in a small town like that, you'll learn how to take care of each other. That that family down the road, they may not think like you do. They may not pray like you do. They may not love like you do. But they're your neighbors. And you look out for them, and they look out for you."
The Trump War Room X account posted a clip of Walz's remark about Yale, where Vance attended law school.
"Walz: ‘I had 24 kids in my high school class and none of them went to Yale,’" Trump War Room noted, adding, "Weird flex!"
The Chicago Police Department recorded nine shootings involving 10 victims, one of whom died on Wednesday, and a stabbing on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in the city.
The violence comes as police have managed to mostly contain the chaos in and around the convention site. That compares to five shootings involving 12 victims with one fatality on Tuesday and eight shootings, four of which were fatal, on Monday.
Over the weekend leading up to the convention in downtown Chicago, 26 shooting incidents involving 30 total victims, five who died, were recorded.
"Our officers are out there. They're out there. They're highly visible. And we have officers not only along the corridors downtown, in and around the venues of the Democratic National Convention, but also in our neighborhoods to continue to protect our people who are living in areas that are the most vulnerable," Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling said during a Monday press conference. "Our officers are protecting the entire city."
A Jewish attendee at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) said that she was "annoyed" at President Biden's remarks on Monday.
Biden said that the anti-Israel protesters outside the convention center "have a point" while delivering his speech on the first night of the Democratic event.
"I think with all the hatred, there is no point. It’s not acceptable. In terms of what Biden said I was actually a little annoyed at that," the woman told Fox News Digital at the DNC.
She added that while she thinks that "everyone has the right to voice their opinion. What I don’t agree with is doing harm to each other."
The attendee also touched on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, one of the Jewish candidates who had been vetted as Vice President Harris' potential running mate before Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
"Being a Jewish woman, I was hoping that a Jewish man would actually take the position," she said. "I’m really happy that there’s progress in terms of having a woman as the next president of the United States."
Fox News' Julia Johnson contributed to this post.
Gov. Timothy Walz of Minnesota speaks at a rally in August 2024 (Getty)
MSNBC host Rachel Maddow said that the network's fellow hosts, reporters and commentators gave Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz a round of applause and cheered for him during his Democratic National Convention (DNC) speech on Wednesday night.
"I had no idea it was going to be like that," Maddow said Wednesday night after Walz formally accepted his party's nomination for vice president. "The room in here, in terms of our little crowd at MSNBC mothership, everybody got out of their seats and started stamping and clapping."
Former football players from Mankato West High School, where Walz once coached, appeared on stage Wednesday night at the DNC to support him in a moment that was being widely shared online.
After Walz finished his speech, Maddow said that the moment was electrifying for her and other MSNBC hosts in the room.
"I was probably six feet away from half the football team on this side of the stage," MSNBC reporter Jacob Soboroff said when asked by Maddow what the energy in the DNC event hall was like.
"The wattage of the smiles on their faces, it just screamed, ‘I cannot believe I am standing on this stage right now, in front of the … United States of America," he said. "It was a really incredible thing to experience."
Fox News Digital's Jeffrey Clark contributed to this report.
The mother of an American hostage, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was captured by Hamas during its attack on Israel Oct. 7, 2023, broke down in tears during her DNC speech."
On October 7, Hersh and his best friend Aner went to a music festival in the south of Israel," Rachel Goldberg-Polin began. "As rockets began to fall, Hersh, Aner and 27 other festival goers took refuge in a 5-foot by 8-foot bomb shelter."
"Hersh’s left forearm, his dominant arm, was blown off before he was loaded onto a pickup truck and stolen from his life," Hersh’s mother continued.
Jon Polin, Hersh Goldberg-Polin's father, then said, "This is a political convention. But bringing our only son and all of the cherished hostages is not a political issue. We are also profoundly thankful to you, the millions of people in the United States and all over the world who have been sending love, support, and strength to the hostage family."
Hersh’s mother concluded with a heartfelt message: "Hersh, if you can hear us. We love you. Stay strong. Survive."
Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Former President Trump will react to Vice President Harris' speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) live on Truth Social.
"I will be doing a LIVE PLAY BY PLAY on TRUTH Social of Comrade Kamala Harris’ Speech tonight at the Democrat National Convention in Chicago. We will start at 10 P.M., Eastern, and be covering and commenting on some of the earlier Speeches made, prior to hers," Trump said in a post on Thursday ahead of the fourth and final day of the convention.
Trump also accused his 2024 Democratic opponent of "stealing" the nomination from President Joe Biden.
"She became the Nominee without receiving one Vote, stealing the Nomination from Crooked Joe Biden who earned it by getting 14 Million Votes. I am no fan of Biden, who was the Worst President in the History of the United States and, likewise, she is considered to be the Worst Vice President (and Border “Czar”) in the History of the United States, but Biden got “shafted.” We will expose all of her Radicalism, the horrible job she did at the Border, Crime, and Foreign Relations, and her Weaponization against her Political Opponent, using corrupt Prosecutors and Courts in New York, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta," the former president said. "I hope everybody will be following along on TRUTH, tonight!"
Harris will deliver her DNC nomination speech from the United Center in Chicago on Thursday.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, D-Ill., says that the 2024 presidential race is the "most important election of our lifetimes."
The governor told Fox News Digital at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) that he will be campaigning for the Harris-Walz ticket in swing states, such as Arizona, ahead of election day.
"We've got to go make sure that people understand that this election is the most important election of our lifetimes, and I mean that literally. The team on the other side wants to end democracy," Pritzker told Fox of the Trump-Vance campaign.
Pritzker, referring to former President Trump, added that he doesn't think voters want "an economy that is just built for his billionaire friends like Elon Musk."
"People want an economy that helps them reach the middle class, or succeed, start a small business, or do well for their families. That's what Democrats are fighting for," he said.
Fox News' Paul Steinhauser contributed to this post.
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.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Stepheny Price.
Overhead view of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
Thursday marks the final day of the Democratic National Convention and it is slated to be one of the most anticipated nights thus far with Vice President Kamala Harris capping off the event with a formal address.
In addition to an address from Harris, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., will also address the convention Thursday. Outgoing Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Mich., and former member of Congress Gabby Giffords will make an appearance as well.
The final night’s theme is titled “For Our Future.” It will feature victims of gun violence, and lawmakers pushing for state and national gun control measures, according to NBC news. Giffords, the wife of Sen. Kelly, is a staunch gun control advocate who in 2011 was shot and almost killed after a shooter opened fire on her and her staff in Tucson, Arizona.
Several of Thursday’s speakers will include individuals previously considered by Harris to be her running mate, including Sens. Warren and Kelly, as well as Gov. Whitmer who said she was “honored” to be sharing the stage with Harris.
During an interview from the United Center last night, Sen. Warren responded in the affirmative when asked if America was ready for a female president.
“We are not the same nation we were before 2016,” Warren insisted. “I see America as having changed. I think this is, not just Kamala Harris’s moment, I think this is the moment [to elect a woman] for the United States of America – and I’m loving it.”
Vice President Harris and President Biden at the DNC
Third Baptist Church of San Francisco Pastor Amos Brown will deliver the prayer at the Democratic National Convention.
As the Washington Post reported, prior to his current prominence as a reverend and friend of Vice President Kamala Harris, both Bay Area figures were aspiring politicians in the 1990s.
Both were aligned with Mayor Willie Brown who suggested Harris aid Amos Brown's municipal supervisor campaign, the paper reported. Three decades later, Amos Brown is primed to offer the invocation preceding Harris' acceptance of the Democratic nomination.
Amos Brown, the current president of the San Francisco NAACP, is in the spotlight after he revealed during a recent interview that Harris called him shortly after President Biden announced that he was dropping his re-election bid. Harris wanted Brown to pray for her and her husband during the biggest campaign of her career.
Brown, who said he has known Harris and her family for more than two decades and was one of Harris' guests to attend her inauguration in 2021, could be a major liability for her campaign as his past sermons and anti-America rhetoric start to surface. Harris previously praised Brown for being "on this journey with me every step of the way."
"America, America, what did you do – either intentionally or unintentionally – in the world order, in Central America, in Africa where bombs are still blasting?" Brown said days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the Free Beacon reported.
In an April 2008 op-ed for SFGate, Brown defended Wright and claimed that the soundbites from Wright's previous sermons were being "mischaracterize[d]" by the media. He responded to the San Francisco Chronicle piece by saying the reporter characterized his and Wright's style of preaching as similar, but Brown rejected the description of their tone as "fiery."
"If White preachers - Billy Graham, Pat Robinson, Jerry Falwell and others - can exercise their freedoms, and sometimes say the wrong things - as the facts document - we should be able to say the right things on the behalf of social justice and peace, and not be demonized by detractors," he added.
Wright previously blamed Jews in 2009 for keeping him from talking with Obama after he won the White House. He has also made a number of other inflammatory remarks, including when he said after 9/11 that "America’s chickens are coming home to roost."
Fox News' Andrew Mark Miller and Cameron Cawthorne contributed to this report.
Chicago skyline
Voters from the South Side of Chicago, where former President Barack Obama met his wife Michelle in the 80's, gave varying opinions on the 2024 presidential race, including several Black voters who vehemently defended former President Trump and suggested that his recent uptick in Black support in the polls is legitimate.
"I’m a Trump fan," Lavar Williams told Fox News Digital outside a Walmart on Doty Avenue as Democrats gathered for their convention at the nearby United Center. "Everybody else I feel like they have a leash on them. Trump don’t have no leash on him."
Meanwhile, disabled Navy veteran and Englewood neighborhood property owner Billy Johnson told Fox Digital that he is still undecided on who he will vote for, but nonetheless he praised former President Donald Trump as an "economic genius," while calling Harris "dangerous."
"That lady is dangerous. I mean, [Kamala] Harris can pull up information on you that most presidents can’t. You know, she can pull things, documents and stuff. It’s scary. Her access to Secret Service, CIA and all of that makes her one of the most dangerous presidents we might ever have. I wouldn’t worry about her foreign affairs policy, I would just fear for whoever comes up against her," Johnson said.
Fox News Digital also spoke to Nas, the owner of Z-Best catering in Chicago, who criticized Harris's prosecutorial record.
"I ain’t goin’ to lie to you, I know her background, what she has done, I know she’s locked up a lot of people off of just weed cases and stuff like that, just sending people away, so I really don’t care for her to be honest with you."
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., defended the vice president against "comrade Harris" label from former President Donald Trump.
"That boat doesn't float," Booker told Fox News Digital at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.
"I know the things we've worked on together, and it's not sexy stuff. It's how can you clean up the environment so less people are dying of cancer. How do you help farmers out," Booker told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview. "There are so many very pragmatic things that she's worked on, and a lot of it bipartisan. We're coming out of a presidency with the biggest bipartisan bills on the most controversial things from guns to infrastructure to science and technology."
Booker mentioned that the Senate recently worked on a bipartisan immigration bill.
"The only reason that bill didn't pass out of the senate was because Donald Trump said not to do it," the Democrat said. "So he is the barrier for pragmatic problem solving, Kamala Harris is the antidote."
Fox News' Paul Steinhauser contributed to this post.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took a shot at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) speaking line-up two days after her speech there in Chicago.
Ocasio-Cortez urged the Democratic Party to change course on their response to the Israel-Hamas conflict as agitators continue to gather outside their convention.
The Democratic representative from New York is urging her party to "center" Palestinians at the DNC in Chicago this week in an effort to affirm "shared humanity" on both sides of the ongoing conflict.
ANTI-ISRAEL DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE NEAR DNC FOR 3RD NIGHT AS CROWDS GATHER IN LARGER NUMBERS
"Just as we must honor the humanity of [Israelis taken hostage], so too must we center the humanity of the 40,000 Palestinians killed under Israeli bombardment," Ocasio-Cortez said via social media on Wednesday. "To deny that story is to participate in the dehumanization of Palestinians."
"The [Democratic Party] must change course and affirm our shared humanity," she added.
Ocasio-Cortez made the comment in response to author Ta-Nehisi Coates' observation that no Palestinian Americans were set to address the convention.
Fox News Digital's Timothy Nerozzi contributed to this report.
The Walz family joins their dad Tim on stage at day three of the Democratic National Convention
"My kids keep me humble," Walz said in a post on X that shared a video of his kids holding up bunny ears behind his head during an interview from the Democratic National Convention.
His two kids, Gus, 17, and Hope, 23, went viral on Day 3 of the convention for their emotional response to their dad's address after he formally accepted the nomination to be Kamala Harris' vice presidential candidate.
Hope could be seen making the heart sign with her hands after Walz called his family his "entire world." Gus, meanwhile, was moved to stand up and repeatedly mouthed the words, "That's my dad!" The reaction instantly went viral, particularly after people began learning for the first time he has ADHD, a non-verbal learning disorder and an anxiety disorder.
Hope, who calls herself a vegetarian and is currently a social worker in Montana, graduated high school in 2019, while Gus is still in school and living with his mom and dad. The two kids frequently appear on their dad's social media account.
In 2019, Walz turned to his daughter, Hope, to help raise awareness about legislation he was trying to pass as governor of Minnesota that banned the use of cellphones while driving. The two starred in a comedic PSA-type video, where they bantered and joked while promoting the new law. Meanwhile, Walz credited his son on Instagram that same year with helping the family rescue their dog Scout, a 3-month old Black Labrador.
Former President Trump gave heated criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris' economic plans in a Thursday interview with "Fox & Friends."
Harris has floated plans to impose price controls on groceries and other goods under the guise of banning "price gouging." Trump argued that price controls have never been beneficial.
"Price controls have been used, many, many times over the years, usually by dictators and all, but they've been used many times. They've never, ever worked," Trump said. "They've always led to huge inflation and lack of--You don't get anything and you end up with empty stores. They are a disaster. 38 different cases, 38 cases were abject total failures."
Trump also rebutted claims from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz that he would endorse a national ban on abortion. He instead argued that he is pro-life but is content to allow states to impose their own policies regarding abortion.
"There will not be a federal ban. This is now back in the states where it belongs," Trump said. "And again, every Democrat, every Republican, everybody wanted Roe v Wade terminated and brought back to the states, then about ten years ago they started talking about the number of weeks and the number of this and that."
"No, right now it's in the hands of the people. The people in the individual states are voting. I did something that's going to bring our country together eventually, but because they lie so much at this convention, they make it sound like it's I want to I want a federal ban. It won't happen. It's not going to happen."
Trump went on to say that he and his running mate, JD Vance , are "leading in the polls.""Nov. 5 is the most important day," Trump said, adding that if he doesn't win, "We won't have a country."
CHICAGO — Legendary talk show host Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, when she slammed former President Trump and his vice president 24 years after she suggested he would make a good president.
"We know all the old tricks and tropes that are designed to distract us from what actually matters," Winfrey told the crowd at the United Center. "But we are beyond ridiculous tweets and lies and foolery. These are complicated times, people, and they require adult conversation. And I welcome those conversations because civilized debate is vital to democracy, and it is the best of America."
In another veiled shot at Trump, Winfrey said, "Now, there's a certain candidate that says if we just go to the polls this one time, that we'll never have to do it again. Well, you know what? You're looking at a registered independent who's proud to vote again and again and again because I'm an American. And that's what Americans do. Voting is the best of America."
Winfrey also took aim at Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance, who faced criticism over comments about "childless cat ladies."
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller.
Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, took the reins in the governor’s office in January 2019, meaning he led the state through the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic spiral and the historic inflation levels that wracked the U.S. as markets rebounded.
Walz referenced the issue of inflation in his April 2023 state of the state address to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where he also unveiled his universal free school lunches plan.
“No parent in Minnesota should have to settle for second-best when it comes to our public schools. And with rising costs putting financial pressure on educators and school boards across the state, it’s high time we tied school funding to inflation to make sure nobody has to start cutting corners,” he said.
“On top of that, our plan invests billions more in our education system, including a more than 10 percent increase to the general education funding formula over the next four years to support the heroic work of our great teachers. And it includes enough money to provide universal school meals so no child in Minnesota has to learn on an empty stomach.”
AP Photo/Edgar H. Clemente)
Vice President Kamala Harris has previously supported the rolling back of Trump-era border policies, but appears to be taking a stronger position on the crisis at the southern border as her presidential campaign rolls on.
The border has proven to be a top issue among voters nationwide.
The Democratic nominee recently put out a campaign ad, titled, "Tougher," where she talks about her current stance on the issue.
"Kamala Harris has spent decades fighting violent crime. As a border state prosecutor, she took on drug cartels and jail gang members for smuggling weapons and drugs across the border," a narrator in the new ad says. “As vice president, she backed the toughest border control bill in decades. And as president, she will hire thousands more border agents and crack down on fentanyl and human trafficking.”
"Fixing the border is tough, so is Kamala Harris," a voice in the ad can be heard saying.
Harris was criticized in 2022 for suggesting that "the border is secure," despite high volumes of illegal immigrants coming through it.
A CNN fact checker called out Democrats for spreading misinformation about former President Trump and the Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025" on Thursday.
CNN referenced footage from Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., speaking at the DNC in Chicago Wednesday night.
"[Trump] has, with his friends, said the quiet parts out loud--but not only said them out loud, he wrote a book about it. What's it called? Project 2025," Blunt said.
"That is false. Trump did not write Project 2025," CNN's Daniel Dale said. "The big policy document published by the Heritage Foundation thinktank lists dozens of people as authors, editors, contributors. Donald Trump is not among them."
Democrats have sought for weeks to use the policy document in attacks against the former president, arguing policies in it are radical.
Trump himself referenced the project in a Thursday interview on Fox News, saying he was not familiar with the document and hasn't read it.
Former President Trump responded to rumors that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is planning to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse him on Thursday.
Trump made the comments during a Thursday morning interview with Fox and Friends.
"Mr. president, yesterday there was a big announcement. Big rumors are spreading that RFK Jr might be dropping out, might be endorsing you. His spokesperson said they will give a live address tomorrow about his path forward. And now there are rumors that he might join you at this rally in Arizona tomorrow to announce that he's supporting you. What's the truth?" Fox host Ainsley Earhardt asked.
"I've known him for a long time. He's a as you know, he's a little different kind of a guy. Very smart guy, a very good person. If he endorsed me, I would be honored by it. I would be very honored by it. He really has his heart in the right place. He is a respected person. Women love some of his policies and I guess some people don't like some of his policies," Trump said. "But overall...They treated him very badly. I think he would have, you know, he goes around saying he would have beaten Biden in the primary."
RFK is set to made a formal address on Friday, the day after the conclusion of the DNC in Chicago.
Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will debate on Sept. 10 hosted by ABC News, the network announced earlier this month.
The announcement came shortly after Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, said he had proposed three debates with three television networks and that he agreed on certain dates in September.
TRUMP SAYS KAMALA HARRIS WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN FOX NEWS DEBATE ON SEPT. 4
Trump is rejoining the ABC debate days after posting on his social media network that he would not appear on the network, citing a lawsuit he has filed, the Associated Press reported.
His decision sets up a highly anticipated moment in an election where President Biden’s first debate against Trump led to Biden dropping out of the race and endorsing his running mate, Harris, to lead the ticket.
“I think it’s very important to have debates,” Trump said earlier this month. “I look forward to the debates because I think we have to set the record straight.”
REUTERS/Marco Bello
Days after the tragic events in Israel on Oct. 7, nine House Democrats voted against a resolution condemning Hamas and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, including Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Andre Carson, I-Ind., Summer Lee, D-Pa., Al Green, D-Texas, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Delia Ramirez, D–Ill. Reps. Cori Bush, D-Mo., and Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., both of whom lost their primary battles amid massive efforts from pro-Israel groups to have them removed, also voted against the measure.
Democratic lawmakers have also been unafraid to rub elbows with radical anti-Israel groups and their leaders that express support for Hamas.
OMAR BREAKS 'SQUAD' LOSING STREAK WITH PRIMARY VICTORY
For instance, Nihad Awad, executive director and co-founder of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said she was “happy to see” Hamas’s Oct. 7 invasion. Meanwhile, Tlaib had no qualms about being the keynote speaker for a CAIR hosted event in January, Lee engaged in fundraising alongside the group in March, and roughly a month after Hamas’s attack California Governor Gavin Newsom met with representatives from the group’s California chapter.
Tlaib was censured in November by her colleagues in the House of Representatives over her anti-Israel rhetoric, which included her use of the phrase, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which is often considered a “rallying cry” used by Hamas.
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite; REUTERS/Mike Segar
Parade of prominent speakers on Day 1
Speakers on Monday night included Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden.
Speakers celebrated Biden's presidency but also hyped up Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden's speech was ultimately delayed for hours. It was initially scheduled for prime time, but he was pushed later and later as speakers took up more time. His speech didn't conclude until after midnight.
BIDEN REPORTEDLY STILL 'STUNNED AND P----D' ABOUT BEING PUSHED ASIDE
Many critics slammed the event planners for forcing the president to wait, with some observers saying it is just more evidence that Democrats have thrown out Biden in favor of Harris.
Meanwhile, anti-Israel protesters swarmed around the Chicago venue, with some of them breaking through police barriers. The widespread protests threw a wrench in Democrats' hopes to present a united front behind Harris at the convention.
Barack Obama praised Biden on Day 2
Former President Obama took the stage in Chicago and 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.
OBAMA FACT-CHECKED FOR CLAIMS ABOUT ECONOMY AT 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."
Tim Walz delivered the keynote address on Day 3 of the DNC
Walz was joined by other major speakers like former President Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey.
Walz has faced criticism regarding his service in the National Guard in the weeks since Harris announced him as her running mate. Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance, the senator from Ohio, and others have criticized Walz for retiring only months before his unit was deployed to Iraq.
This week Walz faced a letter from military veterans and lawmakers who echoed Vance's criticism of his exit from the military.
SOCIAL MEDIA CALLS OUT TIM WALZ COACHING HISTORY AFTER FORMER PLAYERS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT DNC
In the letter, the lawmakers call the office of vice president "a position that requires the trust of the American people and a solemn commitment to duty on behalf of the United States of America.""As veterans who have served our nation, we feel compelled to address your egregious misrepresentations and urge you to come clean to the American people."
Fox News' Emma Colton and Charles Creitz contributed to this report.
Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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 means that there will be easy 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.
REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, delivered the keynote address at the DNC in Chicago Wednesday night, blasting former Vice President Trump and Sen. JD Vance.
Walz joined former President Bill Clinton in attacking Trump's time in office. Clinton also noted that Trump is older than he is despite the years since his service.
Meanwhile, Walz 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.
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