Transcripts For CSPAN Democratic National Convention Democratic National Convention Day 1 20240712

Discussion on racial justice. Here is Actress Eva Longoria leading off the first day of the convention. Ms. Longoria good evening. And eva longoria guest on welcome to the 2020 Democratic National convention, uniting america. Every four years we come together to unite our democracy. This year we come to save it. It is going to take all of us, so tonight we stand together united by the values we cherish decency, respect, justice, and the opportunity to rise up. We always hear that line about this being the most important election of our lifetimes, but this year, it really is. The past few months have tested us all. We have lost more than 170,000 family members and friends to covid. This tragedy is compounded by the loss of jobs and income. But it is not just the past few months. The past four years have left us, as a nation, diminished and divided. And yet in the middle of the fear and sorrow and the uncertainty, people have come together. Because they know we are better than this. America is better than this. And so we choose to act, inspired by the three sacred words that breathed life into our nation. We the people. Ok. I am ready. Lets go. Are we ready . I think i learned this in middle school. Or fifth grade. Can i say this in spanish . Should i read just this line, or the whole thing . Justice. Strength. Liberty. Justice. Liberty. Liberty. Just as. Justice. We the people. We the people. Nosotros. We the people. We the people. We the people of the United States. Unidos. Stados in order to form. A more perfect union. Establish justice. Ensure domestic tranquility. Provide for the common defense. Promote the general welfare. And secure the blessings of liberty. To ourselves. And our prosperity. We do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of america. We the people. We the people. We the people. We the people. We the people. We the people of the United States. We the people call the 40th quadrennial Democratic National convention to order. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. , beautiful for spacious skies r amber waves of grain , say can you see . By the dawns early light what so proudly we hailed twilights last gleaming . Whose broad stripes and bright stars nighth the perilous oer the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming and the rockets red glare the bombs bursting in air nightroof through the therehe flag was still o, say does that starspangled banner yet wave oer the land of the free and home of the brave . Hello. My name is reverend gabriel solero. Let us pray. Almighty god, we confess that our nation needs you and has always needed you. We pray for your blessing upon all of us, republicans, independence, and democrats. As we strive to form a more perfect union, we pray for your strength, guidance, and wisdom. Lord, we recognize that we are living in challenging times that call us to live up to the highest angels of our national character. As we confront the turbulent winds of a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and civil discord, may your gracious hand lead us to the peaceful shores of love, justice, and civility. Help us, o lord, to be ever mindful of the most vulnerable among us, from our golden generation to our youngest children, from our immigrants to our veterans, from our Health Care Workers, to our school teachers. Give us a heart of compassion and grace. This nation, from miami to minneapolis, and from portland to el paso, ask you to shepherd us to a hopefilled vision that does justice. [speaking spanish and walks humbly before you. I pray this in the matchless name of jesus. Amen. Ms. Longoria welcome to our convention across america. We had hoped to gather in one place, but instead we figured out a safe and responsible way to come together to share our ideas and talk about the future of our country. That is the kind of leadership we need right now. That is the kind of leadership that joe biden and Kamala Harris will bring to the white house. So during the next four nights, we will gather safely from our homes to listen, to learn, to be inspired to act, to vote, and to build that more perfect union. I am honored to be with you this evening. I am here tonight as a ninth generation texan, as a daughter of a veteran and a teacher, as a mother, as a voter, and as a patriot. I share joe bidens belief that the story of america is one of ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things, and at our best, our country rewards hard work. We celebrate diversity. We look out for each other and we lift one another up. So tonight, were going to begin with the simple kindness we have been extending to each other a lot lately. We are going to check in with folks around the country and ask, how are you doing . As many of you know, Small Businesses employ half of all u. S. Workers. Tonight, we have scott. Scott, you are a Small Business owner from swarthmore, pennsylvania. Small businesses have been hit so hard in this crisis. So many Small Businesses. How are you doing . How are you managing . Scott well, you know, its been rough. Rough is a nice word to say it. Ago,fe and i, 31 years began our business and, quite honestly, over all of these years, we faced some adversity and challenges. But to be honest, nothing like we are today. We have literally had to reinvent our business several times since the beginning of the year just to stay afloat. And we our revenue, for example, is off about 40 . We have half of the employees that we had precovid. And our customers are a little scared. Our employees are sometimes afraid to come to work because of the covid. And to be honest with you, i am and to be honest with you, i am just frustrated. I do not understand how we got here. We are the greatest nation in the world. And it just seems to me that maybe if we just came together on this one issue alone, maybe as americans, and being united, we can overcome it. Ms. Longoria yeah. Thank you for sharing your story. I am sure many Small Business owners feel the same way that you are feeling now. We wish you the best for your business, and of course, for your family. Now i would like to turn to marley dias, who is 15 years old from west orange, new jersey. She is a literary activist and author and the founder of 1000 black girl books. Of 1000 black girl books. So many young people are struggling with the changes due to covid. How are you doing . I am doing all right. I feel better every day, i feel more hopeful. I thought this would be a few weeks at first when i would not see my friends and i would just stick it out, but obviously as a grows longer, i want to focus on activism and still spreading in foreign important messages. Fun getting toso interact and meet new kids and promote the joy be confined in reading and learning. It is also super fun to see teenagers like me going on social media and talking about social issues and injustices that they care about, because sometimes you do not have that space in school. So i hope that one year from now we get to go back and be safe and greet protected and we will still have these conversations and still have a new possibility in a new world. Ms. Baston thank you so much. You are such an inspiration. I do not think i was doing half of what you are doing at 15, and i love seeing how brave and creative your generation is to creating change. So thank you so much for your work. Lets check in with rick. Rick, you are a farmer from pennsylvania. Your farm has been in your family for generations. What have the trade wars and the pandemic done to your familys life work . First of all, i would like to offer the trump family our condolences for his loss. Getting back to the business side of it, the trade wart was really stressful and a truly devastating effect on the farm. What people can relate to mostly is the soybean tariffs. And then compound the effects of the covid19 virus, nobody could have prevented that. It is a shame our leadership misinformed people like myself in the country on what was coming down the road. Is if theseoncern trends continue with this type of leadership, i will be the last generation of farmers. Ms. Longoria it is a scary thought. And i am sure a lot of farmers feel the same way. You know, i do not have the answers, but in past experiences if something does not work for you, it is time for a change. That is why i am supporting joe biden all the way. Ms. Longoria thank you so much. Rick, i could not agree with you more. We need meaningful change and leadership that will support family farms like yours, so we wish you the best. Thank you for sharing your story. Finally lets hear from michelle from my home state of texas. Michelle, you are a school nurse and mother in el paso. How are you preparing for the new school year . Hi, eva. Well, weve already started school, but it is a little challenging because every day something seems to change. We start one day one way and we have to change it the next day. Right now it is kind of sad to not see the kiddos, but i know that will change. We will have to adapt and persevere. But right now all i can think about is keeping my kiddos safe. Back in march we had them home and they were doing ok now they are wanting to take them back to school and it is a little scary with the uprise in covid cases. So i just want to say that i am committed to taking care of my family, my students, and all my staff in my school. I will do whatever it takes to ensure we are already to go back to school safe and healthy. And i know that i am optimistic to move forward with our life. And joe biden will be the one to take us there. I just want to say for everyone to please remember to wash your hands and wear your masks, because we are all in this together. Ms. Longoria thank you, i shall. Ice thank you, michelle. I think there is nothing more difficult than to see our children suffer. You are a great job of guiding them through this difficult time. And thank you for your work as a nurse. It is truly heroic. I really enjoyed talking to all of you. I think i have one last question. Do you believe that change is coming . Do you believe that better days are ahead . Yes. Yeah. Ms. Longoria thank you for taking the time to speak with us and sharing your thoughts. You are the we in we the people, and you are who this convention is about. In 1776, the declaration of independence, we hold these truthss to be selfevident. Basis fors are the american equality, decency. America did not live up to that promise or most of the people of the time. For people of color, for women. But we were born of an idea that every single solitary person given half a chance come in a matter where they are from, that there is not a single thing they cannot do if they work at it. We had hoped to have our convention in milwaukee, wisconsin this year. Of course we are not able to do that. But we will be hearing from several of wisconsins leaders, starting with congresswoman grennan congresswoman gwen moore. Hi. Moore its my honor to represent milwaukee in congress and to kick off the 2020 democratic convention. Oh, i sure wish you were all here in the city of milwaukee, which picks its name from the languages of the first people interpreted as good land and Gathering Place on the waters. This is a city where blood was shed for labor rights, where fugitive where it fugitive slave was freed from prison. Where womens right to vote was first ratified. But today, we gather virtually. However, we gather unified in spirit, unified in our values and purpose to heal divisions, and together, move the nation confidently into a prosperous, inclusive future. What better way to gather than all across america to nominate my beloved friend, joe biden, to be 46th president of the United States of america. With my vip vp nominee sister, Kamala Harris, by his side. Tonight, we are gathered to reclaim the soul of america. So if you are ready to come together america, text join to 30330. Thank you. I love you all. And god bless you. Come on up for the rising left the house this morning bells ringing filled the air wearing the cross of my calling on wheels of fire i come rolling down here come on up for the rising come on up lay your hands in mind come on up for the rising come on up for the rising tonight. La la la la la la la la la la lala la la, la la la la la a la la. La, la lal anderes spirits above behind me faces gone black, eyes burning bright may their precious blood bind me lord as i stand before your fiery light la la la la la la la la la la, la la la la la la la, la la la la la. Gardenou mary in the people have to know what we are. What we stand for. We choose hope over fear. Truth overlies. And yes, unity over division. Lift our heads up, open our hearts, and remember who we are. We are the United States of america. A single thing we cannot do if we do it together. Lalala la la la la la la la, lala la la la la la la la, lala la la la la la la la, lala la la the idea of us calling ourselves the United States of america feels like it is pretty wrong right now. I am one of many who voted for the current president , donald trump. I challenge you to think back to what made you think of voting for donald trump in 2016. I registered as a democrat for the first time in my life. I am doing that because i think this election is bigger than any political party. One in light of more than anything we need is a proven leader. Donald trumps rhetoric is divisive, it is dangerous. It is also really difficult to vote for someone who essentially has zero platform right now, apart from winning the election. Joe biden on the other hand has a very detailed plan. Things like unity, education, environment reservation, racial inequality, even health care. We have a chance right now to look ourselves in the mirror and vote for a proven leader with a history of caring about others and putting, truly putting allamericans first. Ms. Longoria our nation is facing a lot right now, and over the next four nights we are going to cover it all. But tonight we are going to talk about three specific crises we face. The pandemic, an economic downturn, and an ongoing systemic racial injustice. But we are not just going to focus on what is wrong, we are going to talk about how to make it right. When Peaceful Protesters were tear gassed across from the white house, our next speaker stood up, stood strong, and turned that place into the black lives matter plaza in their honor. Please welcome mayor muriel bowser. Mayor bowser hello. The story of our Nations Capital is the story of reckoning. It was here that john lewis and dr. King spoke on the steps of the lincoln memorial. It was here that millions of women and men flooded the streets for the womens march. It was here that just weeks ago, masks anddonned face safely and peacefully protested and yes of george floyd. While we were peacefully protesting, donald trump was plotting. He stood in front of one of our most treasured houses of worship and held a bible for a photo op. He spent he sent troops into our streets, sent tear gas into the air, and federal helicopters too. I knew if he did this to d. C. He would do it to your city or town, and that is when i said enough. Enough for every black and brown american who has experienced injustice. Enough for every american who believes in justice. I said enough for another reason too. I have a twoyearold daughter and i want her to grow up in an america where she is not scared to walk to the store, an america where she is safe behind the doors of a run home. An america where the president does not fan the flames of racism and looks out for all of us. So i created black lives matter plaza right behind me as a place where we can come together to say enough. And by coming together this november to elect joe biden and Kamala Harris, we will say next. Because we cannot just paint those words behind me. We cannot just say those words. We have to live those words. We have to undo the laws and systems that have codified racism for far too long. But we have to do something, too. Each and every one of us, challenge our own biases. If we see something, do something. Together, we can turn this reckoning into a reimagining of a nation, where we the people means all the people. There were a few people who stood on this very balcony as thousands of people peacefully protested in this city. What was our next Vice President , my sister, Kamala Harris. The others were members of George Floyds family, who i am honored to introduce now. My brother george was selfless. He always made sacrifices for his family, friends, and even complete strangers. George had a given spirit a giving spirit, a spirit that had shown up around reits of our nation and around the world. People of all races, all genders, all backgrounds, peacefully protesting in the name of love and unity. Its a fitting legacy for our brother, but george should be alive today. Breonna taylor should be a lot today. Armand arbery should be alive today. Stephan clark, taught anna jefferson, sandra bland, they should all be alive today. So it is up to us to carry on the fight for justice. Our actions will be there legacies. We will always find ourselves in what john lewis called good trouble. For the names and faces we will never see, those who cant mourn because their murders did not go viral, please join me in a moment of silence to honor george and the many other souls we lost to hate and injustice. And when this moment ends, lets make sure we never stop saying their names. Hoping for a life more sweeter instead im just a story repeating why do i fear with skin dark as night . Thosefeel peace with judging eyes i thought we moved on from the darker days did the words of the king disappear in the air like a butterfly . Hand you aould felony. cause you stole from me bechance to hoping for a life more sweeter instead im just a story repeating why do i fear with skin dark as night . Peace with those judging eyes the tears of my mother rain, rain over me my sisters and my brothers sing, sing over me and i wish i had another day but its just another day hoping for a life more sweeter instead im just a story repeating why do i fear with skin dark as night . Feel peace for those judging eyes the tears of my mother rain, rain over me brothers sing,my sing over me dayi wish i had another but its just another day hoping for a life more sweeter ms. Longoria thank you leon as writtenhose song w after George Floyds murder. We have to ask ourselves how do we, the people, take the protests and turn them into progress . How do we take the changes we are seeing in the hearts and minds of people and translate it into real and lasting change in peoples lives . We need to address the economic inequalities that this virus has exposed and worsened, and we need to solve the testing and Health Care Disparities that have led to people of color dying from covid at higher rates than white people. And we need to make it easier for americans to vote. We have a lot to do. And to do this, we need community action, we need congress that can have power to do it, and we need a president who understands that this is the moment. Comeden the moment has for our nation to deal with systemic racism. To deal with the growing economic inequity that exists in our nation. Of the with the denial promise of this nation. Need is so many. I have said from the outset of the selection that we are in the battle for the soul of this nation. And we are in the battle for the soul of this nation. What we believe, and maybe more importantly, who we want to be, it is all at stake. Truer today than it has ever been, at least in my lifetime. In this urgency, urgency, we can find a path forward. Hey, everybody. Thank you for doing this. Thank you. Vp biden tell the folks about your background. I started doing activism when i was 15. It was at the intersection of knowing both a perpetrator and a victim. My friend andre was shot and killed in philadelphia, and it made me realize i had a responsibility, almost a collective responsibility to ensure that the not happen to other young people. I think that is what is missing in america right now, in our collective responsibility to each other, and to realize the person down the street or around the corner, even across the country, that we have a responsibility to ensure that we are making sure they are safe, they have access to education, and in all, we are creating a world in which the differences are celebrated as well as protected under the law. Vp biden how are you prioritizing the many things you have to do as we try to tackle in a way we have not before, systemic racism in the city . Really it is about economic empowerment. Because of people are lifted out of poverty, and they are given an opportunity to feel a stake in their own future, that goes a long way. Were also challenging all kinds of institutions, from corporations, to communitybased organizations to think about what they can do better to end systemic racism and make sure the we are uplifting quality of life in communities, but also the voice of people who traditionally do not have a seat at the table. Vp biden the president is talking about defunding the post office and mailin voting. What do you think we should be doing . First of all, we have to change the Public Discourse around voting. It should be seen as a democratic thing to do, the most patriotic thing we can do, and not a partisan exercise. Secondly, how do we open up access to voting so we can address some of the systemic problems . Not only should we reauthorize the Voting Rights act, but we have to go further. Most importantly, voting should be seen as a constitutional at allthat guarantees th citizens can be assured they can have unfettered access doubt being suppressed. This is a watershed moment and we cannot lose this moment. We have got to have action at the national level. We have got to have national action. We cannot have 18,000 Police Departments and in 2020 still have Police Departments allowing the use of a knee on a mans neck, in george floyd. A lot of us were shocked and i think what gives me hope is Police Officers were shocked, Police Officers spoke out, and we are hoping we will have some National Standards as a relates to policing, use of force, national database, and abolishment of prohibition under the National Standard in terms of chokeholds that we actually use the death of George Floyds and others to actually make policing, take it to the next level, which is whatever one wants, including all the good cops out there, who thankfully there are more of them than there are bad cops. Vp biden most cops are good, but the fact is the bad ones have to be identified and prosecuted and out. Period. Gwen, how are you doing . Oh, i am doing pretty well. As well as can be expected. Theiden i am sure that words of george floyd, i cant breathe, are not new to you, and they are on your mind every single day. Six years ago when your son died. We cannot keep letting this happen. What is the next thing we need to do . First of all, i know when my son was murdered, there was a big uprising. But then it settled down. We cant let things settle down. We have to go to the politicians and we have to hold their feet to the fire, because otherwise the big uprising is not going to mean a lot. So i am just asking that if you become the president , that you make sure that we get National Laws as well as state and local laws, especially when it comes to police brutality, because that has been an ageold problem. Vp biden well, i may be kidding myself, but i think the people are ready. I think people are ready. We just have to keep pushing. We cannot let up. Thank you for what youre doing. I really appreciate it, and thank you for joining me. Byebye. Come on rise up racism, structurally, individually, and systematically israel. Is real. No matter what you look like, you should never be fearful of your life due to the color of your spring skin. What i want to see in the next president is someone who is fair, who believes in equal justice under the law. I want him to lead us through this revolution that we are experiencing right now. Joe biden is a healer and a unifier. He will fight for the black lives matter movement. Undo, remove, tear down the remnants of structural and systematic racism in this country. The systemic injustices that exist, our nation has overlooked, they need to be addressed. We need to stand on our platform and introduce legislation that makes this platform felt from coasttocoast. Joe biden will restore the values we hold near and dear to our heart. I have a 10yearold son. I want to make sure that there is a world that is left better for him. Good evening. I am congressman jim clyburn here in Historic Good evening. Im congressman jim clyburn youre in historic tulsa, south carolina. Six months ago, i stood not far from here and endorsed joe biden to be our 46th president. It was a decision i made with my feet firmly planted in this community. , for 80 ofty africanamericans in this country, can claim an ancestor who arrived in these shores in bondage. A few blocks from here over at the wharf. This community that is still healing from the wounds we received from whites of premises murderede church and nine black parishioners as they study the bible together. The ground beneath our feet is filled with pain that is both old and new. Find a way to grow together. Earlier this summer, the city of charleston removed a statue honoring jhansi calhoun, joh n c. Calhoun, an advocate of spirits of slavery. And construction is underway at an africanamerican museum. Much like the country as a whole, we are stepping out from the shadows of our past, and beginning to lay the ground group groundwork for a more just future. It will not be easy. We can only succeed if we move forward together. So we will need a president who sees unifying people as a requirement of the job. A president who understands the true meaning of community. And how to build it through trust and humility. And as so many experiences are experiencing loss in this pandemic, lost jobs, lost loved ones, and lost confidence in the president to keep us safe, we need a president who understands both profound loss, and what it takes to bounce back. But more important than this firsthand experience with loss and hardship, is his ability to translate that perspective into policy and solutions. And prioritize hardworking people, and persistent poverty counties, over partisan politics or personal gain. Ands why i stand with joe, why he will always be an adopted son of south carolina. Joe biden is as good a man as he is a leader. I have said before, and wish to reiterate tonight, we know joe. But more importantly, joe knows us. Kevin. Is thing i am most proud of i may military mentor and that is how i spend the majority of my time post marine corps. Building memories like the ones we build together is the best thing i do with my time. Thank you for a bonamici be part of your lives and sharing the journeys for the past decade. We got about 500 kids and family members and mentors all packed into this very large ballroom, and all of a sudden the back door opens up, and in walks joe biden. I had almost an out of body experience, because he surprised us all. I like to think i am decent at reading people from my time in the military, my time studying psychology. He was being real. You cannot fake that kind of a smile. He was genuinely happy to see these kids and spend time with them. You see it in his face. Today there is a lot of polarization, leaves a lot of room for hope. It is hard to articulate real character when you see it. Policies are great and we need sound policies as well, which he also has those because he has the chops. But it is also like none of that matters if you do not have the character. This is a very unprecedented and challenging time requires an unprecedented and courageous leader. We need someone with the courage to do what is necessary and what is right to strive for a more perfect union. That is joe biden. I know joe because he cares about everybody else before himself. You know what else joe knows . Joe knows about pandemics. In 2014, he helped stop the spread of ebola and brought the world together to keep it contained. And after that success, knowing this would happen again, Vice President biden and president obama assembled a pandemic playbook to make sure that america was prepared and protected. The Trump Administration disbanded the Pandemic Response team that was given to them. Lostcans have died and their livelihoods because of it. We the people deserve a president who believes in science, who recognizes the threat of covid, who has a plan to get us through it. And that is joe biden. Were grateful that across the country, there are responsible leaders who are stepping up. One of them provided clear direction and memorable powerpoint. New yorks governor, andrew cuomo. Gov. Cuomo hello. Today is monday. Day 170. New yorkers were ground zero from the covid virus, and have gone from one of the highest infections rates in the globe to one of the lowest. We climbed the impossible mountain, and right now we are on the others. We did it with the kindness and assistance of so many. New yorkers want to thank everyone who came to our aid. 30,000 americans who volunteered to come here to help in our hour of need. Your love dave us the strength to carry on. We went through hell, but we have learned much. Our problems go beyond the covid virus. Covid is the symptom, not the illness. Our nation is in crisis. And in many ways, covid is just a metaphor. A virus attacks when the body is weak, and when it cannot defend itself. Over these past few years, americas body politic has been weakened. The divisions have been growing deeper. The antisemitism, antilatino forever, the racism anti latino fervor. In minnesota where life was squeezed from mr. Floyd. Only a strong body can fight off the virus. And americas divisions weakened. It. Donald trump did not create the initial division. The division created trump. He only made it worse. Our collective strength is exercised through government. It is, in effect, our immune system. And our current federal government is dysfunctional and incompetent. It could not fight off the virus. In fact, it did not even see it coming. The european virus infected the northeast while the white house was still fixated on china. The virus had been attacking us for months before they even knew it was here. We saw the failure of the government tried to deny the virus, then tried to ignore it, and then tried to politicize it. The failed federal government that watched new york get ambushed by their negligence, and then watched new york suffer, but all through it learned absolutely nothing. So today, six months after it began, the nation is still unprepared. And we now face a second threat. But this time not from mother nature. This is a manmade threat by our own negligence. We now see the virus ricocheting across the country from one state to another. Today, we trail the world in defeating covid. We have over 5 million cases. Americans learned a critical lesson, how vulnerable we are when we are divided, and how many lives can be lost in our government is incompetent. But we learn something else, my friends. We saw the negative but we also saw the positives. As they prove their way failed, we proved that our way succeeded. That america can still rise to the occasion. We can put our differences aside and find commonality. Government can tell the truth and can build trust. We can judge by content of character rather than color of skin. We can care for one another. That americans can Work Together and Forge Community and a competent government. That of course we will wear masks, because we are smart, and because i care about you and because you care about me. Of course we will socially distance, because staying away shows how close we actually are. Yes, we set up testing and tracing and do whatever we need to do to mobilize to win this battle because we are america. We win wars. And we are the greatest country on the globe. And for all the pain and all the tears, our way worked. And it was beautiful. We showed that our better angels are strong, and that americans would rise to their call. We saw that even at the end of the day, even if it is a long day, that love wins. Americans eyes have been opened, and we have seen in this crisis the truth, that government matters, and leadership matters. And it determines whether we thrive and grow, or whether we live and die or die. Now we need leaders as good as our people, a leader who appeals to the best within us, not the worst. A leader who can unify, not divide. A leader who can bring us up, not tear us down. I know that man. I have worked with that man. I have seen his talent, i have seen his strength, i have seen his pain, and i have seen his heart. That man is joe biden. Joe biden is what i call america tough. Tough in the best way. Tough that is smart, united, disciplined, and loving. Joe biden can restore the soul of america. And thats exactly what our country needs today. Thank you. And now, were here from kristin or keyser. Hi. Im kristin. Im one of the many who has lost a loved one to covid. Anthony, should be here today. But he is not. He had faith in donald trump. He voted for him, listened to him, believed him and has mouthpieces when they said that coronavirus was under control and going to disappear. That it was ok to end social distancing rules before it was safe, and that if you had no Underlying Health conditions, you would probably be fine. In late may after the stayathome order was lifted in arizona, my dad went to a karaoke bar with his friends. A few weeks later, he was put on a ventilator. And after five agonizing days, he died alone in the icu, with a nurse holding his hand. My dad was a healthy 65yearold. His only preexisting condition was trusting donald trump. And for that, he paid with his life. I am not alone. Once i told my story, a lot of people reached out to me share theirs. They asked me to help them keep their community safe, especially communities of color, which have been disproportionately affected. They asked me, a normal person, to help, because donald trump wont. The coronavirus has made it clear that there are two americas. The america that donald trump lives in, and the america that my father died in. Enough is enough. Donald trump may not have caused the coronavirus, but his dishonesty and his irresponsible actions made it so much worse. We need a leader who has a national, coordinated, datadriven response to stop this pandemic from claiming more lives, and to safely reopen the country. We need a leader who will step in on day one and do his job, to care. One of the last things that my father said to me was that he felt betrayed by the likes of donald trump. Forso when i cast my vote joe biden, i will do it for my dad. Ms. Longoria thank you, kristin, for sharing your story. Our nation grieves for your father and all those we have lost to this virus. It is a toll that has not fallen equally on us. People of color have been dying at greater rates than white americans. We can honor all of those we have lost by giving joe biden and Kamala Harris the opportunity to put in place a Real National plan that tests and tracks, that makes sure that access to a vaccine will be fair, and terms the full power of our government toward making sure we have the supplies and technology and people, scientists and Public Health officials and contact tracers, we need to stop this. So right now, lets hear from a champion for frontline workers, who also happens to be an limpet champion and a world cup champion, megan ruffino. Rapinoe. I have the distant honor today to host a conversation with four of our frontline workers here in america. We should rename them heroes, absolutely. Can you tell us a little bit about how you are doing during this time . Early on when the government was still trying to figure out proper protocols to protect workers, i had unfortunately contacted covid through making contact and was isolated myself for two weeks. Full isolation, no contact. Once i recovered luckily, i went back to the front lines to continue to care for the sick. What got me originally was watching people die alone. There were no visitors allowed. Everyone was totally isolated. And i knew had that felt because for two weeks, that was me. Not knowing if you are going to wake up, not knowing if you were going to make it who you could talk to come if you could say goodbye. Sisters,s, brothers, all dying alone. We know there is a round two coming. And i do not know how many of us on the front lines are going to survive that second round. Bradley, whenr. Effects are you seeing inside your hospital doors of the inaction of the Trump Administration when it comes to this Covid Response . It is heavy. I left the Emergency Department and tears and so have a lot of my colleagues. People are exhausted and we are coming withhat is covid and influenza, and we are wondering how our system is not just going to collapse. When people come in with broken arms, or come with heart attacks and strokes and appendicitis, we are not going to be there. Ms. Rapinoe what were you seeing on the front lines in those very early days that you knew it would not magically disappear . Did you think it was a hoax . Absolutely we knew this was not a hoax. We were certain of it. All we knew was experience from this one. We knew what a pandemic would look like. We knew we needed to have the tools and the research and the plans in place. But then we have the ineptitude and the lack of leadership from the administration. I have seen the worst of the worst. Not only have i answered thousands of calls of people that are sick, but people that are dying. Ms. Rapinoe michelle, talk to us a little bit about how it has been for you on the front lines, what your specific role is as role is. As union nurse i have been on the frontline of advocating that our healthcare workers and are patients get the support and the ppe that they need. You know, 10 years ago, i responded to the disaster in haiti. We were working in a tent hospital after the earthquake. But, you know, the first time that i ever feared for my life, and my familys, walking into work, was in my own country. We have the money, we have the means, we have the resources in this country. We are deeply lacking leadership and somebody who cares. Trump has made it perfectly clear how he feels. And we need a president who cares. That is joe biden. Cant thank you all enough. The American People are forever indebted to you for your work and your sacrifice, and just you showing up every single day and giving everything you have. Thank you again for everything you do on the front lines. There is no way we can ever repay you. So, thank you very much. Up rise up, come on rise millions of people and veterans and Senior Citizens rely on the postal system for prescription medicine, for the checks. [inaudible] now with donald trump in office and his attempts to undermine the United States Postal Service, we are extremely concerned. This administrations decision not to provide the necessary funding the United States Postal Service is appalling. I would diagnosed with multiple lie imola the mail is our only realistic option. In no way do i want my 11 grandchildren to grow up in the world where this kind of suppression exists. Up ise i am sarah gideon and i am running to represent maine in the u. S. Senate. Every day, i see the caring and resilient spirit that will get us through this crisis. Americans are looking out for one another. Its time we had leadership in washington that did the same. With joe biden in the white house and a democratic senate, i know we can build back our economy and our communities even stronger. But tonight, i am here to welcome someone who has strong ties to our state and is here in maine with me. She is reminding all of us to keep fighting through, with her song that she is performing back in my body. Please help me welcome someone who is an inspiration to all of us and one of my favorite artists, maggie rogers. I was stopped in london when i felt it coming down me with all around great triumphant sound dam wasa like the breaking and my mind came rushing in i was stopped in london, oh, i was awakening. I was i was so embarrassed when i almost ran away the block before i decided to stay puffed along a cigarette that went in mid basic that went and made me sick spent another day pretending i was over it this time i know im fighting mys time i know i am back in this time i know im fighting inis time i know im back everywhereelf going this time i know im fighting this time i know i am back in my body, oh back in my body, oh im back in my body, oh [applause] when the covid19 pandemic had all i could think about where my students and their families. All of the suffering and pain, and death that really did not have to be this way. If we had leadership in place that would have taken this pandemic seriously in the beginning we would not be in the situation we are in. We still at this time do not have the necessary ppe. And i am very worried about what is appropriate. We are going to have classrooms that are maybe not sanitize because we do not have the money for that kind of equipment paired we will have classrooms packed with students of be hard to contain. I hope the new leadership takes american lives seriously. I know joe biden understands the only way to keep people safe and the economy strong is to follow the recommendations of doctors. We want to do everything we can to get joe biden elected. Gov. Whitmer hello america. Witmervernor gretchen here at local 652 in lansing michigan. Other workers across our state could have lost their jobs if not for barack obama and joe biden. In 2009, the Obama Biden Administration inherited the worst economic crisis since the great depression. The Auto Industry on the brink of collapse, a million jobs at stake. But president obama and Vice President biden did not waste time blaming anyone else, or shirking the responsibility. They got to work. They brought together union members, companies, and lawmakers, on both sides of the aisle. And they saved the Auto Industry. You know, just a few months ago, as our nation began battling covid19, auto workers across michigan sprang into action. They started making protective equipment for doctors and nurses on the front lines. Let me break it down. President obama and Vice President biden safety these autoworkerslivelihoods. And these workers did their part to save american lives. That is the story of this great nation. Action begets action. Progress gets progress. And when we Work Together, we can accomplish anything. After all, democracy is a team sport. Especially now. It is crucial that we rally together to fight this virus, and build our economy back better. From the jump, we took this pandemic seriously in michigan. We listened to medical experts. We planned. With a lot of work from the autoworkers and too little help from the white house, we executed our plan. We saved thousands of lives. Just imagine, if we had a National Strategy . So everyone who needs a test gets one free . So everyone has access to a safe vaccine . So our kids and educators have the resources they need to safely get back to school . With joe biden and Kamala Harris in the white house, we will. Joe biden and Kamala Harris will lead by example. It will be science and not politics or ego that will drive their decisions. They note the health of our people was handinhand with the strength of our economy. They know action begets action. Over the past few months we have learned what is essential, rising to the challenge, not denying it. We have learned who is essential. Not just the wealthiest among us, not the president who fights his fellow americans rather than fight the virus that is killing us and our economy. It is the people who put their own health at risk, to care for the rest of us. They are the mvps. The nurses and the doctors. The utility workers, Truck Drivers and grocery clerks. The tired coworkers, parents and teachers. The postal carriers and autoworkers. Many of these essential workers have lost their lives to covid. Nearly 1000 healthcare workers. More than 170,000 people across america. Including a fiveyearold girl name skyler from detroit, whose mom is a Police Officer and dad is a firefighter. Ourration after generation, nation has been defined by what we do, or what we fail to do. Parents,kyler, for her and in the memory of all of those we have lost, let us act. Let us heal as one nation. Let us find strength, to do the work. I have been down this road before i remember every tree of grassingle blade holds a special place for me , andemember every town every hotel room, every song i ever sang, on a guitar out of tune night, your every ocean eyes of blue, i will miss you in the morning light, like miss the dew. We the people means all of the people, even those with whom he might not agree. Even those we might not expect to see at a democratic convention. Joe biden is a guy who has earned the respect he commands across the world and across the aisle. The stakes in this election call for that kind of leadership. We have to think about more than one party. We have to think about the very core of our democracy. That is why you are about to hear from some unexpected voices. Im governor Christine Todd whitman. What am i doing here . Im a lifelong republican. My parents were introduced but at a republican National Convention by their parents. That is how far back it goes. This is not about public and our democrat. It is about a person. A person decent enough, stable enough, strong enough, to get our economy back on track. A person who can work with everyone, democrats and republicans, to get things done. Donald trump is not that person. Joe biden is. Im meg whitman, longtime republican and ceo. Let me tell you, donald trump has no clue how to run a business let alone an economy. Joe biden has a plan to strengthen our economy for working people and Small Business owners. For me the choice is simple. I am with joe. Am susan molinari, former republican member of congress from york city and i have known donald trump for most of my clinical career. So disappointing and lately so disturbing. I have also got to know and work with joe biden on issues related to women that are so important to all of us. Women in business, violence against women. That is why im so proud to call him my friend. And honored to join in support his candidacy for president. He is a really good man. And he is exactly what this nation needs at this time. Now i am delighted and honored to introduce a former colleague of mine. The former congressman from ohio, the former governor of ohio, john kasich. Americas crossroads. Which path we want to take when it comes to challenging times. Americas at that crossroads today. The stakes in this election are greater than any in modern times. Many of us have been deeply concerned about the current path we have been following for the past four years. It is a path that has led to division, dysfunction, irresponsibility, and growing vitriol between our citizens. Continuing to follow that path will have terrible consequences for americas soul, because we are being taken down the wrong road by a president who has pitted one against the other. He is unlike all of our best leaders before him who worked to unite us, to bridge our differences, and lead us to a united america. Im a lifelong republican. But that attachment holds second place to my responsibility to my country. That is why i have chosen to appear at this convention. In normal times, Something Like this would probably never happen. But these are not normal times. I am proud of my republican heritage. Whos the party of lincoln, reflected its founding printables of unity and a higher purpose. Founding principles. What i have witnessed these past four years belies those printable. Many of us cannot imagine four more years going down this path. That is why i ask you to join with me in choosing a better way forward. I believe the best of america lies ahead. But only when we rediscover our shared belief in the United States of america. For our childrens future. Which can be bright, hopeful and inspired, if we choose to make it so. I have known joe biden for 30 years. Of profoundtory, grief, that has so deeply affected his character. I know joe is a good man, a man of faith. A unifier. Someone who understands the hopes and dreams of the common man and the common woman. A man who can help us to see the humanity in each other. He knows that the path to a restored and rejuvenated america lies in respect and unity, and a common purpose for everyone. Yes, there are areas where joe and i absolutely disagree, but that is ok. Because that is america. Because whatever our differences, we respect one another as human beings. Each of us, searching for justice, and for purpose. We can all see what is going on in our country today. And all the questions facing us. And no one person or party has all of the answers. But what we do know, is that we can do better. Then what we have been seeing today for sure. I know that joe biden, with his experience and wisdom and decency, can bring us together. To help us find that better way. I am sure there are republicans and independents could not imagine crossing over to support a democrat. They fear joe may turn sharp left and leave the behind. I do not believe that. Because i know the measure of the man. It is reasonable, faithful, respectful. And you know, no one pushes joe around. Joe biden is a man for our times. Times that call for all of us to take off our partisan hats and put our nation first for ourselves, and of course, for our children. When america chooses the right path and pulls together like we have done so many times before, we can dream big dreams. And we can see the top of the mountain as the United States of america, with the sole that is a beacon of freedom to the united soul that is a beacon of freedom to the entire world. Rise up my name is terri williams, a lifelong republican. I have a lifelong republican. Republican. Republican. Longstanding republican. I have voted for a campaign for republican since the reagan years but i will not vote for donald trump november. Im supporting joe biden. We need a positive leader who can work with both sides, republicans and democrats. I do not think we can do what the type of person we have in the white house any longer. Vote america, that is the only way to get out of this. And it joe biden is just the person to ensure we get our lives back to normal. Joe biden is a decent man with a long history of Public Service to america. He will restore order and integrity to the executive branch. I would strongly encourage all of us to come together and hopefully return our countrys political discourse back to some measure of normalcy and decency. I am sure. Im absolutely sure hes going to help us bring this country together once again. And now, from alabama, senator doug jones. I am senator doug jones from the great state of alabama. Growing up in the south meant growing up in the midst of chart divisions. It was here in alabama where rosa parks helped ignite a movement by refusing to give up her seat on a bus. Where freedom writers have different races came together and pursued equality. It was here in alabama where john lewis marched across a bridge toward freedom. From a young age i knew the hope that comes from seeing good people work to heal our divisions. It is what led me to become the United States attorney, where i convicted two klansmen who murdered for young black girls in a 1963 Birmingham Church bombing, and delivered longoverdue justice. I am standing in front of an exhibit dedicated to their memory. Alabama has shown me that even our deepest divisions can be overcome. Because each of us want the same thing. To be treated fairly and given the same opportunities. And the freedom to live with dignity and respect. Now, some politicians try to pit us against each other. I believe americans have more in common than what divides us. In november, we have a chance to elect a president who believes that. I have known joe for 40 years. I met him as a wideeyed law student. He has been my friend and champion ever since. The joe i know is exactly the leader our country needs right now. He can bring people together to find, ground, while standing up for what he believes is right. After years of bitter partisanship he can unite our country and get things done for working families and everyone looking for a Better Future. Because it is not about what side of the aisle we are on, it is about whether or not we are on the side of the people. The great john lewis would often quote the old african proverb, when you pray, move your feet. Then challenge us to do just that. As a nation he said, if we care for the beloved community, we must move our feet. Our hands, our resources, do build and not tear down. To reconcile and not divide. To love and not to hate. To heal and not kill. In the final analysis, we are one people, one family. One house. The american house. The american family. Vice President Biden understands that. He is who we need as our next president. A monday nighton in 2020. We need to talk about the post office. The u. S. Postal service. It is central to so much of our lives. Veterans count on the post office to get the prescriptions. Social security beneficiaries out on the post office to get their checks. Grandparents depend on the post office to send birthday cards to their grandkids. Small businesses need the post office to do business. Guess what . The post office is also one of the ways we cast our votes. To find out how to exercise that right this november, by mail or 30330. On, text vote to here to say more is the first latina elected to that u. S. Senate. Catherine cortez masto. Hello, i ammasto senator Catherine Cortez masto from nevada. This year more americans than ever before are going to vote from rooms just like this, marking their ballots at the kitchen table. And exercising one of our most fundamental rights from home. Despite what the president says, voting by mail has been a secure, proven option for decades. Million americans voted by mail. Even donald trump requested an absentee ballot twice this year. This fall, some americans will choose to vote in a voting booth with a mask on, while many of us will choose to vote by mail. My home state took the advice of scientists and medical experts, and listened to the people of nevada, to put in place a vote by mail system. So voters have a lot of options this fall. But donald trump is trying to divide us by undermining that right. He has threatened to withhold federal funding to nevada because of our vote by mail system. That is funding our schools and seniors rely upon. He has challenged us in court with a meritless lawsuit one hour republican secretary of state has asked the judge to dismiss. Now, he is putting the lives of nevada seniors at risk, by trying to defund the post office. Heres what that means. Seniors will not be able to get the prescriptions. Because he wants to win an election. Mr. President , nevada is not intimidated by you. America is not intimidated by you. We are united by shared values. Shared history. And shared rides. Shared rights. Including our. Thats our fundamental right to vote. Biden to thejoe white house. We will protect Voting Rights. America we need you on our side. To joe biden. Com to fit head over to flip the senate. Com. Donald trump and Mitch Mcconnell know how to divide but we know how to stand together and turn this country around. Eva this year we had a historic field of president ial candidates. As dork number of women including our Vice President ial nominee a historic number of women including our Vice President ial nominee, Kamala Harris. More candidates than ever and the first openly gay man to win a caucus. This party encourages everyone to lead and advise everyones ideas to ensure this country build back better. This is what our next speaker believes. Senator amy klobuchar. Hello, america. Like my friend catherine, i believe the right to vote is fundamental, at the post office is essential. You know, the president may hate the post office. [laughter] but he is still going to have to send them a change of address card in january. Donald trump happens to be in my state today, trying to divide people, instead of responding to the pandemic. And the significant needs of our economy. The democrats, independents and yes, many republicans, have had enough of his divisiveness. Tonight, my friends, in contrast, we have heard a lot about how we can unite as americans. About our shared values, our shared dreams, how we have come together in the face of christ is. But i want to be clear. Unity is not about settling. It is about striving for something more. It is not the end. It is the means. It is how we get stuff done. Unity is about reaching up toward a higher purpose, Better Future for all of us. Ght laura bassoon them e pluribus unum. Out of many, one. It is the northstar for our democracy. Now more than ever we need a president he will unite our country. Who in George Floyds memory instead of using the bible as a prop will heed its words, to act justly. We need a president for the workers who have lost their jobs, because this the administration is selling American Workers out, when we need to buy american. For the farmers and manufacturers and the people of rural america, who are sick and tired of reaping what he has sown, we need a president who will look out for the seniors like my dad. Whose families visit them through glass windows, never knowing if it will be the last time they see them. We need a president for all of america. I come from the middle of this country, where we believe in people joining together to solve problems. We see Common Ground to reach higher ground. That has been joe bidens lifes work. He is a man of scrappy, workingclass roots. A man whose own hardships have only made him more determined to lift up those who have been left out. He understands redemption. And he knows resilience. Joe biden is a man of deep experience. Obama,ama barack better known tonight as michelles husband, he leaned on joe for his strength and decency. And you can too. Most candidates when they and their campaign, that day is a hard one. For me it was a moment filled with great joy because the day i ended my president ial campaign was also the day i endorsed joe biden. Joe ran for the same reasons i did when i announced my campaign in the middle of that blizzard on the banks of the mississippi river. To cross the river of our divides, to bring this nation together, to be a president for all of america. As i said the day i endorsed him, if you feel stuck in the middle of the extremes in our politics, if you are tired of the noise and the nonsense, you have a home with me. And you have a home with joe biden. That is why i was so proud to stand with him then. And across this great country. That is why we are all now standing united behind joe, and my friend kamala. Our nations motto is, out of many, one. As you are about to see, it is also the story of the democratic primary. Thank you, america. Where motivated by the same reasons. As i watched President Trump divide the country more and more i thought to myself, what are you willing to do to stop him . You have the most destructive, hateful, racist president in the history of this country, who has literally tearing apart the fabric of the United States of america. Donald trump is a failed business person. And a president. I ran for president because i feel it is urgent we heal divisions in this nation. We are still in control of our own future and we need to provide millions of americans a real path forward. A green jobs program. Increasing the memo number wage the minimum wage. Student loan debt. Mental Health Starts with veterans. Economic justice. Racial justice. There so much a new president can do to bring us together. It is time to get up. Starting at present campaign is daunting. You have to reach hundreds of millions of people. You have these incredibly long days, often capped by evening events that go on for hours and hours. The challenge is a candidate is to be true to yourself and true to why you ran in the first place. That is something i really admire about joe biden. He really is his own man. He knows we has. Joe biden is somebody who deeply cares about people, people who are marginalized, who are been left behind, who are being ignored. Iou everything. And you are staying, man. He has that hard times in his life, he has had some losses in his life. I think that is something people relate to. Are you doing ok . Yes, close to 15 years cancer free. God love you. I was at a service for candidates and soldiers and i saw families so comforted by joe biden when they walked out, they knew someone cared for them, someone who can relate to the own pain they were having and we need that in the white house. I still remember standing sidebyside with him on the debate stage. We were having a go of it but what was remarkable to me was, in the commercial break, he puts his arm around me and starts telling me, how good my ideas are. The next thing you know i feel like he is giving me a pep talk. And literally telling me how important it is, how really important it is that im on that stage. Joe called me the night i suspended and was extraordinarily gracious and comforting. He told me i should be proud of myself. He said that i did myself and my family a real service. And the country a service. That meant a lot coming from joe. It is not easy tonight the democratic party. Joe biden has pulled it off. He wants to get the best ideas on the table so we can move forward in the best way possible. He has included my family bill of rights. He has unified our group around a clean energy strategy. The Domestic Workers bill of rights, im excited that is in their. He is the kind of leader who brings other leaders in. This is a guy that is going to walk into the oval office and not have to find his way around, who will walk in and have already honed the instincts he needs to late the most powerful nation to lead the most powerful nation on earth through a crisis. On the other, donald trump does not understand who we are as americans he really doesnt. This is a guy that blames everyone for everything. You know, he blames the city of baltimore. He blames the country of denmark. He blames the Prime Minister of canada for cutting him out on the canadian version of home alone to. Who does that . There are no sidelines. There is no sitting this one out. There is no hoping someone else is going to save the day. We are the cattle the cavalry. We are the calvary, the moment has found the person. That person is joe biden. Joe biden has my vote because he will bring decency and dignity back to the white house. We have one shot to make donald trump a one term president. That shot is right now. Here. We understand that things are rough right now economically but were going to beat donald trump in november we need your help. Va if youre able to go to joebiden. Com and chip in 5, 10, whatever you can, to fund change we need to save our democracy because every bit matters and its going to take happen and no one knows that more than our next peaker, the cochair, representative Cedric Richmond louisiana. Leans, mr. Richmond think about the places that make your feels like home. The barbershop where you can catch up on the latest neighborhood news while you get haircut. The restaurants where they know heart. Der by or a creative guy with a ton of hustle turned an abandoned second home for the entire community. You know, economists will tell like at Small Businesses this one are critically important to our recovery. Theyre also just plain important. Without them, the places we call be the same. Ldnt thats the thing joe biden understands that donald trump has and never will. When we talk about the economy, stock t just about the market. Its about whether you can find work that really means something instead of feeling like youre supposed to be grateful just to get a paycheck. Who about whether people didnt inherit millions from heir parents can whether a Small Business can build a business from the ground up and have a chance to compete. And its about whether in the country in the world, everyone, including women and feel included , and empowered. Economists will also tell you rebuild bidens plan to our economy will create millions of jobs. Ut joe will tell you that his plan is about more than that. Because he has seen the world a different perspective than most politicians. He knows what its like to live neighborhood, not just penthouse apartments. He knows what its like to take not just a work, chauffeured limousine. Why he looks at the problems the same way working do. Le joe biden respects americas workers because he truly work. Tands the dignity of you know, it was mostly small we met. N when i would collect his ticket and time went on i learned more and more about him as our friendship grew. Think hes most comfortable around everyday working class people. Just always make you feel like you belong. For more than 30 years, joe the train to work. As a single dad, he promised to home to kiss the boys every ight and then make them breakfast in the morning. When he got on the train, everyone seemed equal to him. He had time for everybody. Was a regular. He bought rounds of coffee for crew. Passengers and he got to know the people he traveled with. These guys broke their next. Help e always rocking, people with their bags that are heavy as hell and theyre doing hours and they became really good friends. He was very interested in my children. S time went on, my grandchildren. People dont do that today. People dont take time to say head to the their average working person. They looked at us like we were people. T he would treat the conductor the same he would as the president of the United States. What dad taught us, that everybody deserves to be treated respect. Ity and after joe became vice his dent, he cut down on commute. Touch. Kept in when gregg weaver had a heart call. , he got a phone i was in a barbershop in new york city and the phone rings it was vice gh President Biden asking me how im doing. Wanted to know the whole story. Of funny youre talking to the Vice President of the United States, but if i ould have told the people in the barbershop i dont think they would have believed me. It was i was special. Everybody was special to him. All over this country and a lot of the essential workers out there that we dont even see that are scenes are keeping this country going. He understands that. He average guy is important to him. The average guy is important to him. Good evening. Ur great nation is now living in an unprecedented moment. Enator sanders were facing the worst Public Health crisis in a hundred years and the worst since the llapse great depression. We are confronting systemic acism and the enormous threat to our planet of Climate Change. This, the midst of all of we have a president who is not addressing le of these crises but is leading us own the path of authoritarianism. This election is the most important in the modern history country. In response to the unprecedented an es we face, we need unprecedented response, a before, of e never people who are prepared to stand and d fight for democracy ecency and against greed, oligarchy and bigotry, and we eed joe biden as our next president. Let me take this opportunity to of a word to the millions people who supported my campaign 2016. Ear and in y friends, thank you for your trust, your support, and the ove you showed jane, me, and our family. Together, we have moved this bold, new a direction, showing that all of s, black and white, latino, native american, asian american, gay and straight, native born immigrant, yearn for a principles on the of justice, love, and compassion. Ended several months ago, but our Movement Getting and is stronger every day. Plane of the ideas many of fought for that just a few years ago were onsidered radical are now mainstream. But let us be clear. F donald trump is reelected, all the progress we have made jeopardy. At its most basic, this election our out preserving democracy. During this president s term, become inkable has normal. He has tried to prevent people voting, undermine the u. S. Postal service, deployed the agents and federal against Peaceful Protesters, hreatened to delay the election, and suggested that he ill not leave office if he loses. This is not normal, and we must like it is. It under this administration, you a tore tarianism authoritarianism has taken root country. I and my family and many of way know the insidious authoritarianism destroys humanity. Decency and as long as i am here, i will progressives, with oderates, and, yes, with conservatives to preserve this nation from a threat that so heroes fought and died to defeat. The president is not just threat to our democracy, but by hes put our nce, jeopardy. Health in trump has attacked doctors and scientists, trying to protect us the pandemic, while refusing to take strong action masks, gowns and loves our Health Care Workers desperately need. While wont dle trump golfs, his actions in this pandemic has resulted in a nation000 deaths and till unprepared to protect its people. Furthermore, trumps negligence the economic d crisis we are now experiencing. Began, over ndemic 30 Million People have lost and many have lost their health insurance. Millions of working families are wondering how they will feed their kids, and theyre worried will be evicted from their homes. And how has trump responded . Of maintaining the 600 a week unemployment supplement workers were receiving and the 1,200 emergency checks that of you received, instead of elping Small Businesses, trump concocted fraudulent executive nothinghat do virtually to address the crisis while hreatening the very future of Social Security and medicare. Ut the truth is that even before trumps negligent response to this pandemic, too hardworking families have een caught on an economic treadmill with no hope of ever getting ahead. Build a nationst that is more equitable, more more sionate, and inclusive. Begin that joe biden will that fight on day one. Et me offer you just a few examples of how joe will move us forward. Minimumorts raising the wage to 15 an hour. 40 million ve workers a pay raise and push the everyone else. Or joe will also make it easier for unions, create 2 weeks of paid family leave, fund universal prek for 3 and make childcare affordable for millions of families. Crumbling build our infrastructure and fight the hreat of Climate Change by transitioning us to 100 clean 15 tricity over the next years. These initiatives will create of goodpaying jobs all across our country. Know, we are the only ndustrialized nation not to guarantee health care for all people. The joe and i disagree on best path to get universal has a plan that will greatly expand health care the cost of prescription drugs. Further, hell lower the age of medicare from 60. Own to to help reform our broken joe nal justice system, will end private prisons and centers, cash bail and schooltoprison pipeline and to heal the soul of our nation, joe biden will end the trump has vision created. He will stop the demonization of mmigrants, the coddling of white nationalists, the racist og whistling, the religious bigotry and the ugly attacks on women. To you, to i say everyone who supported other primary and tohe those who may have voted for donald trump in the last future of our democracy is at stake. Economy is at ur stake. He future of our planet is at stake. We must come together, defeat trump, and elect joe biden and Kamala Harris as our vice resident and president. My friends, the price of failure is just too great to imagine. Thank you. [applause] rise up my American Dream is to have an america where we have people housing. Able for every human being in this that has access to Quality Health care and Economic Needs to care for themselves and families. Access to equality and equitable education. A system of government that workers and their families. Joe biden, throughout his career, has focused on the middle class. We need a leader that actually supports our unions for hardworking people. Real leadership to show genuine support to small downturn during this due to the covid crisis. The believe joe biden has xperience, the platform, to build america back better. He wants good things for all americans. Just a select few. We long to hear right now are the ones that kindness, courage and trength and wisdom, love and compassion. Theyre unafraid to speak the truth and talk about their own and struggles. They make us feel seen and inspire us to become the best ourselves. Our next speaker is that for all of us. Is my honor and privilege to introduce the former first lady, michelle obama. Obama good evening, everyone. Everyonesd time, and feeling it in different ways. And i know a lot of folks are to tune in to a Political Convention right now or to politics in general. Me, i get that. But i am here tonight because i my this country with all heart, and it pains me to see so hurting. Le i met so many of you. I heard your stories. Through you, i have seen promise. Trys and thanks to so many who came to their toil ks and sweat and blood, ive been ble to live that promise myself. Thats the stories of america. Those folks who sacrificed their rcame so much in own times because they wanted something more, Something Better kids. Eir theres a lot of beauty in that story. It, s a lot of pain in too. A lot of struggle and injustice to do. K left and who we choose as our will ent in this election determine whether or not we honor that struggle and chip that injustice and keep live the very possibility of finishing that work. People of a handful of living today who have seen immense weight and awesome power of the presidency. Once again tell you this. Hard. B is it requires clearheaded judgment, a mastery of complex competing issues, a devotion moral s and history, a ompass, and an ability to listen. And an abiding belief that each 330 million lives in this worth. Has meaning and a president s words have the markets. Move they can start wars or broker peace. Better summon our angels. Instincts. Ur worst you simply cannot fake your way job. Gh this as i said before, being youident doesnt change who are. Are. Veals who you well, a president ial election too, and who we are, four years ago, too many people chose to believe that their matter. Dnt maybe they were set up. Maybe they thought the outcome wouldnt be close. Barriers felt too steep. End,ever the reason, in the those choices sent someone to lost the ffice who National Popular vote by nearly three million votes. Of the states that determined the outcome, the averaged out to just two votes per precinct. Two votes and weve all been living with consequences. When my husband left office with we had a at his side, record breaking stretch of job creation. The right to health care for 20 Million People. Respected around the world, rallying our allies to Climate Change. And our leaders had worked hand help d with scientists to prevent an Ebola Outbreak from pandemic. Global four years later, the state of is very different. People have ,000 died, and our economy is in of a virus that this president downplayed for too long. Millions of people jobless. Their health lost care. Too many are struggling to take care of basic necessarities like and necessities like food and rent. Too many communities have been in the lurch to grapple with whether and how to open our schools safely. Internationally, weve turned agreementsot just on forged by my husband, but on championed by president s like reagan and eisenhower. At home, as george taylor, and a ever ending list of people of color continue to be murdered, that g the simple fact met with s matter, is der vision from the highest office. To leadership or consolation or any semblance of teadiness, what we get, instead, is chaos, division, and total and utter lack of empathy. Empathy, thats something ive been thinking a lot about lately. Walk in someone elses shoes. That someone n elses experience has value, too. Practice this without a second thought. F we see someone suffering or struggling, we dont stand in judgment. Out. Ach because there but for the grace of god go i. Concept to ard grasp. Its what we teach our children. You, barack y of and i have tried our best to strong, n our girls a moral foundation, to Carry Forward the values that our and grandparents poured into us. In this now, kids country are seeing what happens empathy top requiring of one another. Theyre looking around wondering if weve been lying to them this and time about who we are what we truly value. They see people shouting in stores, unwilling to wear a mask to keep us all safe. Calling the le police on folks minding their own business just because of the of their skin. They see an entitlement that certain people belong here. That greed is good and winning because as long as you come out on top, it doesnt matter what happens to else. Ne and they see what happens when empathy is ginned up into outright disdain. Leaders labeling fellow citizens, enemies of the emboldening torchbearing white supremacists. In horror as children are torn from their families and and pepper cages spray and rubber bullets are for on Peaceful Protesters a photo op. Sadly, this is the america that display for the next generation. Thats underperforming, not simply on matters of policy, matters of character, and disappointing. Its downright infuriating. Goodness and the the grace that is out there in neighborhoods all across this nation. Regardless of our race, age, religion, or when we close out the noise and the fear and truly our hearts, we know that hats going on in this country is just not right. Not who we want to be. Now . At do we do whats our strategy . Ver the past four years, a lot of people have asked me, when solo, does oing going high still really work . Going high is the only thing that works. Low, when we e go use those same tactics of and dehumanizing others, we just become part of the ugly noise thats drowning everything else. We degrade ourselves. Causes for he very which we fight. But lets be clear. Does not mean putting on a smile and saying nice by gs when confronted viciousness and cruelty. Taking the eans harder path. Clawing scraping and our way to that mountain top. Fierceigh means standing against hatred while remembering under g e one nation god, and if we want to survive, to live o find a way together and Work Together differences. And going high means unlocking lies and es of mistrust with the only thing free. An truly set us the coldhard truth. Honest and clear as i possibly can. The wrong p is president for our country. He has had more than enough time to prove that he can do the job, but he is clearly in over his head. Cannot meet this moment. Need ply cannot be who we him to be for us. Is. S what it now, i understand that my essage wont be heard by some people. We live in a nation that is a blackivided, and i am woman speaking at the democratic convention. But enough of you know me by now. Ou know that id tell you exactly what im feeling. You know i hate politics. That i care know about this nation. About w how much i care all of our children. From myu take one thing words tonight, it is this. Cannot hink things possibly get worse, trust me. They can and they will if we make a change in this election. Ending ve any hope of this chaos, we have got to vote or joe biden like our lives depend on it. Joe. W he is a profoundly decent man faith. By he was a terrific Vice President. To rescuehat it takes an economy, beat back a our country. Lead and he listens. Truth and trust science. He will make smart plans and team. A good and he will govern as someone rest lived a life that the of us can recognize. Hen he was a kid, joes father lost his job. When he was a young senator, joe his baby ife and daughter. And when he was Vice President , son. St his beloved so joe knows the anguish of an emptyt a table with chair, which is why he gives his grieving eely to parents. Joe knows what its like to struggle, which is why he gives personal phone number to kids overcoming a studer of their wn stutter of own. His life is a testament to getting back up. Channel that g to same grit and passion to pick us all up, to help us heal and guide us forward. Joe is not perfect, and hed be the first to tell you that. There is no perfect candidate, no perfect president , his ability to learn and grow we find in that the kind of humility and maturity that so us yearn for right now. Served joe biden has this nation his entire life without ever losing sight of who he is. But more than that, hes never of who we are, all of us. Joe biden wants all of our kids to go to a good school, see a live when theyre sick, on a healthy planet. And hes got plans to make all that happen. Joe biden wants all of our kids, they look like, to be able to walk out the door ithout worrying about being harassed or arrested or killed. E wants all of our kids to be able to go to a movie or a math lass without being afraid of getting shot. He wants all our kids to grow up leaders who wont just serve themselves and their will provide aut safety net for people facing hard times. We want a chance to pursue any of these goals, any of if we want a chance to pursue any of these goals, for a functioning society, we have to vote for joe biden in numbers that cannot be ignored. Because right now, folks who know that they cannot win fair and square at the ballot box are doing everything they can to stop us from voting. Theyre closing down polling places in minority neighborhoods. They are purging voter rolls. They are sending people out to intimidate voters. And they are lying about the security of our ballots. These tactics are not new. But this is not the time to withhold our vote in protest or play games with candidates who have no chance of winning. Didave got to vote like we in 2008 and 2012. We have to show up with the same level of passion and hope, for joe biden. We have to vote early. In person if we can. We have to request our mailin ballots right now. Tonight. And send them back immediately. And followup to make sure they are received. And then make sure our friends and families do the same. We have got to grab our comfortable shoes, put on our masks, pack a brownbag dinner, and maybe breakfast. Because we have got to be willing to stand in line all night if we have to. Already sacrificed so much this year. So many of you are already going that extra mile. Even when you are exhausted, you are mustering up unimaginable courage, to put on those scrubs, and give our loved ones a fighting chance. Even when youre anxious, you are delivering those packages, stocking the shelves, and doing all of that essential work, so that all of us can keep moving forward. Even when it all feels so overwhelming, working parents are somehow piecing it all together, without town care. Without childcare. Teachers targeting creative so our children can still learn and grow. Our young people are disbelief fighting to pursue their dreams, and when the horrors of systemic racism shook our country and our consciences, millions of americans of every age, every background, rose up to march for each other. Crying out for justice and progress. This is who we still are. Compassionate. Resilient. Decent people. Whose fortunes are bound up with one another. And it is well past time, for our leaders to once again reflect our truth. So, it is up to us. To add our voices, and our votes, to the course of history. Echoing heroes like john lewis who said, when you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. That is the truest form of empathy. Not just feeling. But doing. Not just for ourselves, for our kids, but for everyone. For all of our kids. And if we want to keep the possibility of progress alive in our time, if we want to the able to look our children in the eye after this election, we have got to reassert our place in american history. And we have got to do everything we can to elect my friend joe biden, as the next president of the United States. Thank you all. God bless. [applause] eva wow, thank you, michelle obama. You are what we need more of in this country. Thank you for been part of this unconventional convention. Thank you for you all who have been tuning in. It is a convention about you and for you, the American People. These is a chance to hear from people who will be leading our nation out of the current crises on the economy, the pandemic, racial injustice, to listen and to learn about joe biden and ka mala harris plans to bring about changes we all need. This is our chance to unite across america. In addition we will call the roll, and hear from the future first lady, dr. Jill biden. I want to thank you again for joining us. Join us the rest of the week. This is your convention. This is your campaign. And we the people are going to save this democracy in november. Right now billy porter and Stephen Stills are going to reminder what it is all worth. Good night. There is something happening here, what it is aint exactly clear, there is a man they got over there, telling me, ive got to be where, its time we stop children once that sound, everyone looked whets . Ng down drawn,ttle lines being nobody is right, if everybody is wrong. There youngin people speaking their mind, getting so must resistance from behind, youve gotta stop, children, what is that sound, everybody look what is going wn, what a field day for the heat a thousand people in the , street singing songs and carrying signs mostly say, hooray for our side its s time we stop, hey, whats that sound everybody look whats going down paranoia strikes deep into your life it will creep it starts when youre always afraid you step out of line, the man come and take you away its time we stop, hey, whats that sound everybody look whats going down stop, hey, whats that sound everybody look whats going down stop hey, look around everybody , look whats going down oh, oooh, oh, oh the 48th people call quadrennial democratic convention. Today we gather virtually, however we gather unified in spirit. Unified in our values and purpose. To carry on the fight for justice. Our actions. We cannot let up. Wille biden and, harris lead by example. It will be science, not politics or ego that will drive their decision. They know that the health of our people goes handinhand with the strength of our economy. My dad was a healthy 55yearold. Is only preexisting condition was trusting donald trump. For that he paid with his life. The future of our democracy is at stake. The future of our economy is at stake. The future of our planet is at stake. We want to be able to look our children in the eye after this election. We have got to reassert our place in american history. And we have got to do everything we can to elect my friend, joe biden, as the next president of the United States. Jerry o, i am pastor young, let us pray together. Almighty god we are grateful to you to have rented to our nation the democratic ideal after which our destiny may be fashioned. We are thankful to you for having blessed this destiny this United States to survive a climate of confusion and chaos, racism and an justice, uncertainty, helplessness and a response ability. We now, oh lord, invoke your presence and participation, throughout the life of this convention. It is our prayer that you will enable this convention to produce a vision that will promote healing, hope, and health, for our nation. A vision that will inspire, inform, and be inclusive of all americans. A vision that will rekindle in us, a renewed commitment to the higher ideals of our democracy. That we are created equal, and are endowed by the creator, with certain and alienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We would pray that you would grant to those to whom we will and trust with the authority of government, to be competent, compassionate, courageous, committed, and consecrated. And guide us, the people, to support them in all good and wise legislation, that we all may prosper under an equal law. Defend our liberties, and grant us a sense of our own responsibility, achieve unity of purpose among us, and grant unto us, the victory of faith and freedom, in the ideas to which we are committed as a nation. Strengthen us with honor, and grant us peace. Provide us, oh god, with the strength and spiritual sustenance, to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our god. And the strong name of jesus. Amen. Delegates and distinguished guests, we have concluded this evenings convention program. The convention will stand in recess until tomorrow evening. Cspan, your unfiltered view of politics. Our campaign 2020 coverage continues on the first day of the Democratic National convention, the first ever had virtually. We willple of minutes, get the perspective of former republican congressman tom davis, and the chair of the Michigan Democratic party. Tomorrow evening the coverage will begin at 9 00 p. M. Among the speakers, former president bill clinton. What they are calling the roll call across america. Also, a brief speech by