Harris makes surprise appearance, praises Biden on Day 1 of Democratic National Convention
CHICAGO — Vice President Kamala Harris surprised attendees on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday, walking on stage at the United Center to Beyoncé’s track, “Freedom.”
“This is going to be a great week, and I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden, who will be speaking later tonight. Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you,” Harris said after taking the stage.
Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at the United Center pic.twitter.com/GYT5HECLys
— Tahman Bradley (@tahmanbradley) August 20, 2024
“And looking out at everyone tonight, I see the beauty of our great nation. People from every corner of our country and every walk of life are here, united by our shared vision for the future of our country, and this November we will come together and declare as one voice, as one people, we are moving forward with optimism, hope and faith so guided by our love of country, knowing we all have so much more in common than what separates us. Let us fight for the ideals we hold dear and let us always remember, when we fight, we win,” with the audience chiming in for the last two words in what has become a popular chant at her rallies.
US Vice President Kamala Harris during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. The race for the White House will reach a fever pitch this week, with Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump battling for momentum, and attention, around the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images WASHINGTON – AUGUST 19: Vice President Kamala Harris makes a surprise apperance on stage during the 2024 Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Monday, August 19, 2024. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) WASHINGTON – AUGUST 19: Vice President Kamala Harris makes a surprise apperance on stage during the 2024 Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Monday, August 19, 2024. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Also taking the stage Monday during Day 1 of the DNC were former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden.
Harris and her vice presidential running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are scheduled to hold a rally in Milwaukee on Tuesday before returning back to Chicago for Day 2 of the DNC.
Harris is scheduled to address the delegates on Thursday evening as the convention wraps up.
After more than a year of planning, Chicago is at the center of the political spotlight this week as host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
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Protestors clash with police amid rally outside Israeli Consulate on day 2 of DNC
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The convention runs through Thursday. Chicago has hosted Democrats 12 times, the last being nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.
WGN Cover Story: Why Chicago has hosted more presidential conventions than any other city.
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