The second day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention is set to be a pivotal moment in the party’s effort to rally behind its newly minted ticket, with a keynote address from former President Barack Obama headlining the evening’s programming.
Obama’s speech will be a highlight of the convention’s second night, which the Democratic Party has themed “A Bold Vision for America’s Future.” He will be joined by his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who will also deliver remarks.
According to DNC officials, the evening’s programming will focus on the stark contrast between the Democratic Party’s vision for the country and that of the Republican Party, led by Donald Trump. “This election is not just a choice between two candidates, but a choice between two fundamentally different visions of America,” the officials said in a statement. “While Trump believes our best days are behind us, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz know that the best days lie ahead.”
The evening will also feature a ceremonial roll call, in which each state delegation will explain its decision to support Harris after President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race. The roll call is expected to be a key moment in the convention, as it will formally solidify Harris’s position as the party’s nominee.
In addition to the evening’s programming, Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, will make a campaign stop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they will hold a rally before returning to Chicago for the evening’s events. The Democratic National Committee will also hold a morning press conference and a series of caucus and council meetings throughout the day.
While there are no permitted protests scheduled for Tuesday, the presence of pro-Gaza demonstrators outside the United Center on Monday suggests that there may be additional demonstrations on the second day of the convention. The Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign will also hold a competing press conference outside Trump Tower on the Miracle Mile.
Here’s what to watch for on Tuesday:
MORNING
State delegation breakfasts — multiple locations
DNC Women’s Caucus meeting — McCormick Place
DNC and Biden campaign press conference — McCormick Place
RNC and Trump campaign press conference — Trump Tower
AFTERNOON
DNC Rural Council meeting — McCormick Place
DNC Youth Caucus meeting — McCormick Place
DNC Disability Caucus meeting — McCormick Place
DNC Poverty Council meeting — McCormick Place
DNC Veterans & Military Family Council meeting — McCormick Place
DNC Interfaith Council meeting — McCormick Place
DNC Caucus and Council meetings — McCormick Place
NIGHT
Official 2024 DNC programming including remarks from former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, and second gentleman Dough Emhoff — United Center
Irish Convention Party, hosted by Irish American Democrats — The Gage
Celebrating the Women of the CBC, hosted by Kimball Stroud & Associates — Venue West
Post-Gavel Reception, hosted by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) — Harry Caray’s Tavern