The ride to the 2024 Democratic National Convention has been nothing short of stunning. A story filled with plot twists and character arcs that will certainly be written in the history books – that is, of course, assuming that book, or, worse, all books aren’t banned by then. From President Joe Biden’s hard-to-watch June 27 debate against the Republican nominee, Donald Trump to Biden’s ultimate decision to exit that race, passing the torch to his VP and mentee, Kamala Harris. This year’s Democratic National Convention is set to bring together a stellar lineup of career politicians, rising stars hoping to cozy up to the Harris/Walz camp, and industry leaders hoping for favorable policy in return for their stamp of approval. But politics aside, and immediately more important, this year’s convention will also mean the presumptive nominee’s need to address several key elephants in the room, left behind by her predecessor and mentor.
From renowned political veterans and rising stars, to labor union royalty and even former Trump supporters, the carefully chosen gaggle of 2024 DNC speakers represent a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. A lineup meant to address the always-blue voter, who would write in a turkey sandwich before handing their ballot over to Trump and the first-time Gen Z voter who’s more concerned with the country’s military industrial complex’s impact on civilians in Gaza, the DNC’s Day 1 speakers created an interesting preview into the issues the Harris and Walz camp plans address throughout the week. Here’s a look at day one:
Democratic Party, DNC and host-city Officials
Having governing bodies and host-city leaders speak at any visiting event is just good manners. Not doing so would be like walking into someone’s house, trotting right by them, heading straight to the fridge, grabbing a cold-drink and making yourself comfortable without so much as a “hello”. Simply put, it’s rude as hell. Politically speaking, including members of the governing bodies and host-city can significantly enhance the impact and reach. The presence of an official lends credibility and importance of the event while fostering collaborations with government agencies or local businesses. It demonstrates commitment to the community and its residents. And, let’s be honest – in Chicago, it might create a little hedge of protection, because if you’re from a place that extorts unwelcome visitors for sport (South Central Los Angeles, I’m specifically looking at you), it’s probably best for the DNC to shake hands and gain an understanding with everyone that can offer protection, official and unofficial. Day 1 speakers in this category included:
- Minyon Moore, Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee and Former White House Political Director
- The Honorable Jaime R. Harrison, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee
- The Honorable Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago
Governors
- The Honorable Peggy Flanagan, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
- The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
- The Honorable Andy Beshear, the Governor of Kentucky who absolutely had to be invited, not only because he was on the shortlist for potential VP picks, but because Andy showed himself to be a real one! Did you see why he caped for Kamala all up and through the media when he thought he was about to be VP? Put him in the cabinet somewhere. Loyalty is hard to come by in 2024.
U.S. and State Senators
- The Honorable Chris Coons, United States Senator, Delaware
- The Honorable Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, United States Senator from Georgia whose speech was quite frankly, giving MLK “I Have a Dream” vibes. But he got the people going!
- The Honorable Mallory McMorrow, Michigan State Senator
Someone to Address Gaza, Israel, & DNC Activist Protestors
- The Honorable Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New York and member of progressive collective, “The Squad” who has been one of the most vocal members of the entire congressional party when it comes to the war in Gaza, Israeli policy, AIPAC, Islamophobia, and overall human decency. This is an important invite, not only because it shows that Tim Walz isn’t the only progressive Kamala Harris is willing to work with, but AOC gives Harris just a bit of separation from AIPAC while also also creating a buffer for what is certainly going to be a descending of droves of protesters into Chicago, demanding that the Harris/Walz administration do more to end the massacres in Gaza, Congo, Haiti, and in diverse parts of the world.
Members of the House
- The Honorable Lauren Underwood, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Illinois
- The Honorable Robert Garcia, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, California, because Harris has got to have the homies from the hometown.
- The Honorable James E. Clyburn, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, South Carolina
- The Honorable Jamie Raskin, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Maryland
- The Honorable Jasmine Crockett, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Texas. Jasmine had been fairly vocal about her support for Biden staying in the race, but has since gotten behind the Harris/Walz ticket as one would expect of one the party’s rising stars. Jasmine was recently in media headlines for the back-and-forth moment with Marjorie Taylor Greene, wherein Crockett inquired as to the chamber rules that might, theoretically, apply if she were to refer to Greene’s “Bleach blond bad built butch body.” The rules were never actually clarified.
- The Honorable Grace Meng, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New York
But the party will also be leaning on voices that we once raised in support of Former President Donald Trump. This year’s DNC convention will feature former Trump voters and supporters, including Rich Logis, Former Donald Trump Voter.
Economy, Global Competition, Jobs and Living Standards Experts
Based on the Day 1 line up, we can expect Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz to make a real appeal to those who are overwhelmingly likely to be pro-labor union. Think working-class, blue collar people who are probably most impacted by real world issues such as rising rents, unaffordable housing prices, surging grocery prices as a consequence of price gouging, widening wealth disparity and more. Economy and labor movement leaders invited to speaking during the first night of the Democratic National Convention included:
- The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo, United States Secretary of Commerce who was sworn into the office by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2021. Seen as a “secret weapon” during negotiations around the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, it can be assumed that Raimondo will be expected to harp on the Biden/Harris Administration’s wins around the economy, jobs and global competition while creating a stark contrast to Trump’s policy and record.
- Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
- April Verrett, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
- Brent Booker, General President of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA)
- Kenneth W. Cooper, International President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
- Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA and member of the NAACP National Board of Directors)
- Elizabeth H. Shuler, President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
- Shawn Fain, President of the United Automobile Workers
Faces of Abortion Rights
Harris, being a female candidate, also has no choice but to hone in on abortion and women’s health rights. With the inclusion of the voices of those directly impacted by near-total abortion bans put into place in conservative states including Texas, Louisiana and Kentucky, Day 1 speakers included:
- Amanda and Josh Zurawski, a couple from Texas who were directly impacted by the state’s near-total abortion ban.
- Kaitlyn Joshua, Louisiana
- Hadley Duvall, Kentucky
The Big Guns
And then there were The Big Guns. Most people save the strongest runner for the anchor. One can only assume that, in keeping with this logic, lining up former first ladies, presidential candidates, and a whole sitting president on night one means that the rest of the week is going to be utterly insane concerning political star power. The Day 1 Big Guns included:
- The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former United States Secretary of State
- Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States
- Ashley Biden, daughter of President and First Lady Biden
- The Honorable Joe Biden, President of the United States. The night was all about celebrating Joe Biden‘s presidency, showing appreciation, and quickly using him to make the pivot from a Biden/Harris ticket to Harris /Walz ticket. And it was done fairly seamlessly. We can assume that Biden will play a supportive role for the rest of the week, making way for Harris to become the center of discussions and dedication for delegates.
As the DNC gets underway and stretches throughout the week, main programming is expected to run from 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. ET daily. Here’s more information on how to watch and follow along for updates and what to expect for the rest of the week.
The speakers listed here are not presented in the order as they were scheduled to appear. A chronological order of speakers can be found here.