The 2020 Democratic National Convention begins on Monday, August 17, but the four-day event will look different this year. Instead of one stage, thousands of cheering delegates and confetti, the convention will be moved to a virtual format. Party leaders, politicians and celebrities will speak to Americans watching at home each night, culminating in former Vice President Joe Biden’s acceptance speech on Thursday.
The convention was originally scheduled in July but delayed because of the pandemic.
“Amidst all of the chaos and crises our nation, is facing, Democrats are focused on finding new and innovative ways to engage more Americans than ever before — because that’s how we’ll mobilize the nation to defeat Donald Trump in November,” Joe Solmonese, CEO of the DNC, said in a press release.
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How to watch
The convention will stream on the DNC’s website from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET each night. You can also watch on YouTube, Facebook or Twitter.
Who is speaking
Monday’s theme is “We the People.” According to the DNC, the speakers will address three crises that Americans are facing: the Covid-19 pandemic, tens of millions unemployed and racial injustice.
Sen. Bernie Sanders and former first lady Michelle Obama will give keynote speeches. Other speakers include Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Catherine Cortez Masto and Doug Jones, Govs. Andrew Cuomo and Gretchen Whitmer, Reps. Jim Clyburn and Gwen Moore and Convention Chairman Bennie Thompson. Maggie Rogers and Leon Bridges will perform.
Tuesday’s theme is “Leadership Matters.” According to the DNC, the focus will be on leaders, experts, veterans and activists who seek to unite the country when confronting the nation’s challenges.
Former second lady Dr. Jill Biden will give a keynote speech. Other speakers include former Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Sec. of State John Kerry, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and former president Bill Clinton. Viewers will also hear from voters, delegates, parents, teachers, small business owners, activists and leaders in the Democratic Party from 57 states and territories.
Wednesday’s theme is “A More Perfect Union.” According to the DNC, speakers will highlight how the country should be built back better than it was even before the pandemic and subsequent economic crisis.
Sen. Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama will deliver keynote speeches. Others speakers include Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Sec. of State Hillary Clinton, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Gov. Tony Evers, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Billie Eilish and Jennifer Hudson will perform.
Thursday’s theme is “America’s Promise.” According to the DNC, speakers will discuss Joe Biden’s leadership and character.
Former vice president Joe Biden will deliver his acceptance speech as the Democratic nominee. Other speakers include Sen. Cory Booker, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Sen. Chris Coons, members of the Biden Family and Andrew Yang. The Chicks will perform.
