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DNC Day 1: President Biden says 'America is winning' and Trump is a 'loser'

President Joe Biden will be Monday night's keynote speaker.

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Last updated: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 7:00AM GMT
Biden delivers rousing speech on 1st night of DNC as Dems look forward

CHICAGO -- The Democratic National Convention is set to begin Monday, Aug. 19 in Chicago -- during which Democratic Party delegates are set to support Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after their unconventional path to the party's nomination.

During the four-day convention, Democratic heavyweights are set to fire up the base and rally behind Harris, who was officially certified as the Democratic presidential nominee earlier this month after getting the vast majority of delegate votes in a virtual roll call.

ABC News will have special coverage of the DNC -- including primetime coverage from 10 p.m. until 11 p.m. ET on ABC every day of the conventions, and on ABC News Live from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. ET.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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Aug 19, 2024, 8:21 AM

How can I watch the DNC?

The DNC will stream on multiple platforms -- including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. The official live stream of the 2024 Democratic National Convention will be available on its website.

Prime-time programming will air live from 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. CT on Monday and 7 p.m.-11 p.m. ET/6 p.m.-10 p.m. CT on Tuesday-Thursday, according to the DNC.

ABC News will have special coverage of the DNC -- including primetime coverage from 10 p.m. until 11 p.m. ET on ABC every day of the conventions, and on ABC News Live from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. ET.

Hulu will also have live reports available all day, and ABC News Live will have robust coverage each day of the convention.

ABC News Digital and 538 will live blog the latest from the convention and provide analysis as the convention events unfold.

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Aug 20, 2024, 4:01 AM GMT

Biden touts accomplishments, paints them as Harris' wins too

Biden took time to tout his administration's work on COVID, the economy and health care.

"Because of you, we've had one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period. And when I say 'we,' I mean Kamala and me," Biden said.

President Joe Biden delivers the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.
President Joe Biden delivers the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.

Biden pointed to the recent agreement reached by the government and Medicare to lower the prices of 10 commonly used prescription drugs -- a result of the Inflation Reduction Act.

"And guess who cast the tie breaking vote? Vice President, soon to be President Kamala Harris," Biden said.

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Aug 20, 2024, 3:57 AM GMT

'We came together in 2020 to save democracy': Biden

Biden reiterated his reasons for running for president in 2020 citing the Unite the Right rally in 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia, as a turning point in the country.

"I ran with a deep conviction," he said.

President Biden speaks during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.
President Biden speaks during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.

"Because of all of you in this room and others, we came together in 2020 to save democracy," Biden added. "As your president, I've been determined to keep America moving forward, not going back. To stand against hate and violence in all its forms, to be a nation where we not only live with, but thrive on diversity," Biden added.

ByRick Klein ABCNews logo
Aug 20, 2024, 3:55 AM GMT

'Stop arming Israel' sign spotted in crowd before lights cut

A protest sign was spotted in the crowd during Biden's remarks, reading, "Stop arming Israel."

Delegates appeared to be trying to cover it up with "We heart Joe" signs, but the sign was briefly visible in the back of the lower bowl before the lights were turned off in that section.

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Aug 20, 2024, 3:51 AM GMT

Biden: 'Are you ready to vote for freedom?'

Biden kicked off his remarks after a long standing ovation from the crowd peppered with cheers of "We love Joe!" and "Thank you, Joe!"

He thanked his daughter for her introduction and gave shout-outs to his family, especially their "rock" first lady Jill Biden.

President Joe Biden speaks during the first day of Democratic National Convention, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.
President Joe Biden speaks during the first day of Democratic National Convention, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.

"My dad used to have an expression for real. He'd say, 'Joey, family is the beginning, the middle and the end.' And I love you all. And America, I love you," he said to loud applause.

"Let me ask you, are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?" Biden continued

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