Kamala Harris Prepares to Take the Reins from Joe Biden as Democratic National Convention Kicks Off in Chicago

Mar. 15, 2025

Kamala Harris in 2024.Photo:Grant Baldwin/Getty

Grant Baldwin/Getty

The Democratic National Convention starts on Monday, Aug. 19, in Chicago, where nomineeKamala Harrisand her running mateTim Walzare expected to accept the party’s baton from PresidentJoe Biden.

Harris’journey to becoming the Democratic nomineebegan less than one month ago, on July 21, when Bidendropped out of the presidential race. The same day, he gave his “full support and endorsement” for Harris to become the nominee.

She secured enough delegate support tobecome the presumptive Democratic nomineethe following day, while alsocollecting more than $80 million in donationsduring her first 24 hours as a 2024 presidential candidate.

NBCreports that Harris and Walz, 60, made a “Road to Chicago” bus tour heading to the DNC, withGwen Walzand second gentlemanDoug Emhoffjoining them on the road for a few final stops before their big week in the Windy City.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2024.Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg via Getty

Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg via Getty

Who is speaking at the 2024 Democratic National Convention?

The DNC lasts four nights, through Thursday, Aug. 22, and each evening has its own theme and speaker lineup. While the full speaker lineup has not been revealed, a few of the keynote speakers have been confirmed.

Monday’s theme is “For The People,” which focuses on Harris and Walz’s goal to make the Democratic ticket one for the people in the United States. President Biden, along with first ladyDr. Jill Biden, will speak on Monday evening. Former Secretary of StateHillary Clinton, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will also take the stage on Monday night, welcoming attendees to the hosting city.

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Wednesday will focus on “A Fight for Our Freedoms.” Former PresidentBill Clintonis confirmed to speak that night, whileCNNreports that former House SpeakerNancy Pelosiand Transportation SecretaryPete Buttigiegwill also deliver remarks. As is tradition, Walz is expected to formally accept the Democratic vice presidential nomination at the end of Wednesday evening.

The DNC’s final night will foster the theme “For Our Future” as the candidates paint a hopeful picture for the United States. That evening, Harris is expected to officially accept the nomination.

Other confirmed speakers include Senate Majority LeaderChuck Schumerand House Democratic LeaderHakeem Jeffries, and multiple outlets have reported that former PresidentJimmy Carter’s grandson Jason Carter is planning to take the stage one evening.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in 2024.Andrew Harnik/Getty

Andrew Harnik/Getty

Several additional events surrounding the DNC will feature celebrity appearances throughout the week.John Legendis performing on Tuesday evening, andVeepstarJulia Louis-Dreyfuswill lead a panel on Wednesday, according to CNN.

CNN also reports that Tim Daly, Uzo Aduba, Anthony Anderson, Iain Armitage, Yvette Nicole Brown, David Cross, Jon Cryer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Danai Gurira, Richard Kind, Busy Philipps and Sheryl Lee Ralph will make appearances this week.

Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn, Mindy Kaling are also expected to serve as hosts during the DNC, as perCNN.

source: people.com