Aug 21, 2024 - 10:29
By npr.org

Who spoke at the DNC: Watch speeches from the Obamas, Bernie Sanders and Doug Emhoff

The NPR Network will be reporting live from Chicago throughout the week bringing you the latest on the Democratic National Convention.

Night 2 of the Democratic National Convention is a wrap. The program featured more Democratic heavy-hitters (and a couple of Republicans) who sought to promote a message of hope while also sharpening attacks against Donald Trump.

Former president Barack Obama closed out the night, coming after Michelle Obama and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.

The cast of speakers hit on reproductive rights, healthcare, family, billionaires, the war in Gaza and the history of the Democratic Party. And there was also the ceremonial roll call — complete with a custom-picked song for every state.

Catch up and watch key speeches from the night.

Barack Obama — former president

The former president entered the stage to chants from the crowd of "Yes We Can," echoing his original 2008 campaign slogan.

Barack Obama sought to draw a parallel between Vice President Kamala Harris’ story and his own, saying “this convention has always been pretty good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible.”

Obama also picked up a key theme of the first night of the convention, using his speech to pay tribute to President Joe Biden — praising his “empathy and decency” — traits he said the country has needed in the nearly four years since Trump left office. He described Biden as someone history will remember “as a president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger.”

He contrasted those attributes with Trump who, he said, “has not stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago.”