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  • ‘In less than 90 days it’s either going to be me or him in the Oval Office’: Kamala Harris holds one final rally in Atlanta

    ‘In less than 90 days it’s either going to be me or him in the Oval Office’: Kamala Harris holds one final rally in Atlanta

    Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the site of the former Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice)

    The final large-scale campaign rally for United States Vice President Kamala Harris in Atlanta took place on Saturday afternoon outside the Atlanta Civic Center.

    The “When We Vote We Win” rally was similar to the many Harris has held in metro Atlanta, featuring high-profile politicians, musical artists, actors, and local celebrities and large, energetic crowds. On Saturday rappers 2 Chainz and Pastor Troy performed, and director Spike Lee, actress, singer Victoria Monet, and Atlanta’s own Monica made appearances on behalf of the Harris-Walz ticket.

    “I really do believe Atlanta will be a difference-maker in this election. If you think you can sit this one out, you are absolutely wrong.”

    Victoria Monet

    Several large American flags served as a backdrop for what is Harris’ last rally in the largest county in battleground Georgia. As of Friday, more than four million Georgians cast ballots, according to data from the Secretary of State’s Office. Fulton County saw a 58% turnout during early voting, which amounted to 439,944 ballots. If Harris was going to reach any undecided voters it might not be in decidedly blue Atlanta. She was amongst friends and ardent supporters on this day.

    “I really do believe Atlanta will be a difference-maker in this election. If you think you can sit this one out, you are absolutely wrong,” said Victoria Monet.

    A first-time voter, Justin Martinez Posadas welcomed Harris to the stateg just before 2 p.m. Martinez, a senior at a local high school, said he cast his first ever presidential election ballot for Harris alongside his grandparents.

    Harris took the stage and immediately thanked Martinez and the many Georgia politicians in attendance, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Georgia Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock.

    “In less than 90 days it’s either going to be me or him in the Oval Office,” said Harris. “It’s time for new leadership in America and I’m ready to be that leader.”

    Harris pledged to the supporters in attendance to be a “President for all people” and asked them for their vote. “Now please talk to your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and your families.”

    Victoria Monet speaks during a campaign rally for the Democratic nominee for U.S. President, Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the site of the former Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice)

    To people who haven’t voted, Harris said to have a plan for when and where they votes. “Polls are open here in Georgia from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” she said.

    “We are all here because we love our country, and we know that when you love something you fight for it,” Harris said.

    Harris was in Raleigh, North Carolina on Wednesday and will move on to Charlotte, following her rally in Atlanta, according to her campaign. Saturday is the last day for early voting in North Carolina. In Georgia, there was a record number of Black voter participation, according to data from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. Over one million Black voters cast ballots during the early voting period, which ended on Friday, Nov. 1.

    Harris told the crowd to be intentional in how they build community. “There is power in that and it will strengthen our country,” Harris said during her closing remarks.

    Donnell Suggs

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  • “Come out & Vote Early”: Martin Luther King III, Harris-Walz campaign hosts early voting event

    “Come out & Vote Early”: Martin Luther King III, Harris-Walz campaign hosts early voting event

    “Today was an incredibly special and powerful day because as a mother of a 16-year-old who has progressively lost rights the day she was born, she and her peers have fewer rights than the day they were born,” Andrea Waters King said. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

    Martin Luther King III and his wife, Andrea Waters King partnered with the Harris-Walz campaign to host an in-person early voting event.

    Waves of voters were in and out of the Buckhead public library branch on Monday afternoon, eager to cast their ballots and contribute to the upcoming election. King said their message to all voters is to “come out and vote early.”

    “Come and vote early because it’s the best way to make sure your vote is counted and it’s the best way to make sure you do your civic duty,” he said. “My father once said, ‘A voteless people, are a cowardice people,’ we must ensure everyone in Georgia gets to the ballot box, the earlier the better.”

    Waters King said they want to ensure everyone knows and sees how easy it is to vote early and talked about her daughter, Yolanda Renee King, and others losing their rights.

    “Today was an incredibly special and powerful day because as a mother of a 16-year-old who has progressively lost rights the day she was born, she and her peers have fewer rights than the day they were born,” she said. “This day, certainly for us, is crucial but most importantly for all the roles and people coming behind us.”

    King also said this year is one of the most consequential elections and one of those issues, he said, on the ballot is “Is Democracy Sustainable” and he believes more young people need to go out and vote.

    “It’s very dangerous to hear a candidate talk about being a dictator and we should all be beyond concerned. When someone tells you who they are, believe them the first time,” he said. “When we talk about democracy, it’s about everyone, but we want everyone in this state registered.”

    Additionally, he says there’s a significant role to play every election cycle, but this one is “as critically important” as those in the past. “There’s a lot of momentum all around the country and especially in the light of the fact some are trying to change voting provisions and getting restrictions in place to make it harder for voters.”

    Furthermore, 1.4 million ballots have been cast in Georgia since early voting began last Tuesday. Waters said it’s important to see such a record turnout.

    “We know and understand that we can do this in spite of laws that’s been passed to make it harder to vote,” she said. “It’s showing people have a hunger to make their voices heard and no matter the hindrances, more than ever, people are wanting to make sure they are heard, felt, and standing for democracy.”

    Early voting began Oct. 15 and will end Nov. 1, Election Day is Nov. 5. For more information about early voting, visit https://georgia.gov/vote-early-person.

    Isaiah Singleton

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  • Teachers, union leaders join Harris-Walz campaign in Orlando to slam Project 2025

    Teachers, union leaders join Harris-Walz campaign in Orlando to slam Project 2025

    click to enlarge

    photo by McKenna Schueler

    In a second term, Trump ‘would slash funding for our K-12 schools,’ predicted Dr. Robert Cassanello (Oct. 4, 2024)

    Just ahead of World Teachers Day, local teachers and leaders of unions that represent staff in Orange County public schools gathered at the teachers’ union hall Friday with the Harris-Walz campaign to slam Project 2025, the right-wing policy playbook tied to members of the former Trump administration.

    At the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association union hall, University of Central Florida professor Dr. Robert Cassanello and other local educators slammed parts of Project 2025 that could decimate the public education system as we know it, and undercut the labor unions that fight to preserve it.

    “[Trump’s] extreme Project 2025 has a blueprint of getting rid of the Department of Education if he’s re-elected,” Cassanello, who teaches history at UCF and sits as vice chair of the statewide United Faculty of Florida labor union, pointed out.

    A vocal critic of the GOP’s war on what they see as “ideological indoctrination” in higher education, and faculty like himself, Cassanello painted a grim picture for what he believes would occur under a second Trump administration, should the former President be victorious in the Nov. 5 election.

    “He would slash funding for our K-12 schools,” Cassanello predicted, “all the while giving massive tax cuts to the billionaires and big corporations.”

    click to enlarge Ron Pollard, president of OESPA, and local educators speak out against Project 2025 (Oct. 4, 2024) - photo by McKenna Schueler

    photo by McKenna Schueler

    Ron Pollard, president of OESPA, and local educators speak out against Project 2025 (Oct. 4, 2024)

    Project 2025, a manifesto published by the right-wing Heritage Foundation, is a 922-page policy playbook developed for the next Republican administration that reaches the White House. Based on the outcome of this November’s election, that could be an administration led by former President and billionaire Donald Trump.

    While Trump has repeatedly denied any ties to Project 2025 and continues to claim he hasn’t read it, a number of his close allies directly contributed to it. A review by CNN identified at least 140 people who worked in the former Trump administration involved in the book’s policy proposals, including longtime adviser and notorious xenophobe Stephen Miller.

    The Project 2025 playbook has been highlighted by Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail as a preview of what Americans could expect if Trump is re-elected to the White House.

    Critical for educators is the part of the manifesto that directly tackles issues regarding education — by in part promoting policies unpopular with public school advocates, some of which have already started to play out in Florida — from efforts to undermine public employee unions to the deregulation of child labor laws and the expansion of school voucher programs that generally don’t improve educational outcomes, even as they divert funds away for public schools and worsen inequality.

    “Florida has been a testing ground for Project 2025 ideas,” said Ron Pollard, president of the Orange Education Support Professionals Association, a labor union that represents thousands of non-instructional staff in schools, from custodial workers to bus drivers, cafeteria workers and paraprofessionals. “I want everyone who is listening today to hear this when we say we will never stop fighting against those who think of our children’’s education and safety as just a means to an end.”

    Pollard, a former custodian for Orange County Public Schools and former member of the U.S. Steelworkers union, described Harris and her VP pick, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, as leaders “who understand that our country is only as strong as its students.”

    Maira Rivera, a local teacher and vice president of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, agreed. “They believe that education is a key to the middle class, and they know that when our middle class is strong, America is strong,” said Rivera, a grandmother of three OCPS students and mother of a daughter who also teaches in the public school system.

    click to enlarge Teachers, union leaders join Harris-Walz campaign in Orlando to slam Project 2025

    photo by McKenna Schueler

    Rivera noted several pillars of Harris’ platform that directly touch on issues important to many parents, students and teachers, including access to affordable childcare, advancing the Biden administration’s efforts on student debt relief, and investing in financial aid programs to help make higher education more affordable for families with fewer means.

    “I don’t need to remind anyone that Gov. Tim Walz is a teacher and a coach. He knows firsthand what our educators are facing. Or that Vice President Kamala is a staunch supporter of unions and their right to collectively bargain,” Rivera said.

    As a result of a controversial law (SB 256) approved by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last year, more than 68,000 public employees in Florida have lost their union representation and thus the protections and benefits they received under their union contracts. Some of those unions were first established decades ago, but due to stringent new mandates for unions, have been decertified.

    Several groups affiliated with Project 2025 contributors or that otherwise sit on its advisory board directly lobbied or otherwise proudly advocated for that Florida legislation, including lobbying arms for the Florida-based Foundation for Government Accountability, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, and the out-of-state James Madison Institute.

    The bill was also a priority of the Florida chapter of Americans for Prosperity, a Koch-affiliated think tank that seeks to defund the public education system and drain it of resources.

    Pollard, whose union is facing a recertification election as a result of the new regulations (essentially, a vote by members on whether to keep the union or dissolve it), argued Friday that unions are “vital” to the middle class. Research shows public employee unions in particular can help shrink the pay gap between the private and public sectors — a problem that disproportionately affects women and Black workers.

    Unions, said Pollard, provide “an avenue for better raises, for better benefits, for the very things that we strive for as family members to feed our children.” Without a union, individual workers lack the power of that collective voice, and the opportunity to demand meaningful change to wages and working conditions at the bargaining table.

    “This Project 2025 stuff is designed to take us back to a time when we fought for everything, and had nothing,” he continued. “This country was built on the back of unions.”

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    McKenna Schueler

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  • DNC Day 2: Delegates nominate Harris in ceremonial roll call; Obamas to deliver primetime speeches

    DNC Day 2: Delegates nominate Harris in ceremonial roll call; Obamas to deliver primetime speeches

    The Democratic National Convention heads into its second day Tuesday.Former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and second gentleman Doug Emhoff will speak at the DNC, a day after the unofficial farewell for President Joe Biden, who served eight years as Obama’s vice president. Biden won’t be in the hall to see his former running mate speak, as he departed Chicago Monday after delivering his own speech.With President Biden having addressed delegates, the week’s full focus now turns to Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov Tim Walz.Read live updates from Day 2 of the DNC below.Harris makes surprise video appearance as roll call wrapsIt was never really in doubt, but after the celebratory roll call, Rea confirmed Harris’ nomination as Democrats’ top-of-the-ticket pick. Harris was officially nominated earlier this month in a virtual roll call of delegates.Following the roll call, Rea tossed to incoming video from Harris’ and Walz’s campaign appearance in Milwaukee, where the two are on stage in the same arena that hosted Republicans last month for their convention. They entered the stage to Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” which has become an anthem for the campaign.“I thank everyone there and here for believing in what we can do together,” Harris said.That split screen moment created a powerful visual for Harris: two arenas simultaneously full of her supporters.Green Bay Packers shoutout met with boos in ChicagoWhen Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers took his turn at the mic during Democrats roll call vote Tuesday, he name-checked the Green Bay Packers football team.That did not sit well in Chicago, the DNC’s host city, where utterances of support for the Packers are often taken as fighting words by long-suffering Chicago Bears fans.Evers was showered with boos after name-checking the Packers.In their long-running Midwestern rivalry, the Packers routinely best the Bears, winning 107 games to the Bears’ 95.Delegates nominate Harris, WalzDelegates from all 50 states have voted to make Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz the Democratic presidential ticket in a ceremonial roll call.Harris to talk about Roe v. Wade in MilwaukeeHarris plans to draw attention to Trump saying Monday he had “no regrets” about appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the constitutional right to abortion, according to an excerpt of the speech she plans to give in Milwaukee.“That’s because he hasn’t had to face the consequences,” Harris plans to say. “Women and families have. Well, we will make sure he does face the consequence at the ballot box this November.”As they awaited Harris’ speech, her supporters listened to the Chicago convention’s roll call blasting from the arena speakers.Video below: Hadley Duvall speaks about abortion rights at DNCThe odd coupleThey may be a somewhat unlikely pair, but DNC Secretary Jason Rae and DJ Cassidy are tag-teaming the celebratory roll call of states.Rae calls out the states and territories as they come up in the voting order, and Cassidy chimes in with occasional commentary as he flips from track to track for each batch of delegates.Why California and Minnesota passed during the roll callCalifornia and Minnesota, the home states of Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, have passed during the convention roll call — letting the party roll on.This year’s roll call has been unlike any in political history. But one tradition held, the one mandating that the home state of the nominee generally passes, then goes near the end to pass the deciding vote to formally clinch the nomination.This year, Minnesota, where Walz is governor, could get the count close and let Harris’ California and its motherlode of delegates put her over the top as the Democratic nominee.Sean Astin joins Indiana delegationActor Sean Astin, best known for playing the titular Notre Dame football player in “Rudy,” joined the Indiana delegation to help cast its 86 delegates for Harris and Walz.“I want what’s best for Indiana and that means electing Kamala Harris the first woman president of the United States of America,” Astin said. Delegates show off their home-state tunesDecked out in blue satin, DJ Cassidy is spinning a special song for each state in the roll call at the Democratic Convention.Alabama, obviously, got “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Alaska announced their backing of Vice President Harris to “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man, a band from Wasilla. Florida committed its delegates to “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty, who was born in Gainesville. The rapper Lil Jon appeared over the music of DJ Snake’s “Turn Down for What” ahead of Georgia awarding its delegates to Harris.Lil Jon makes a surprise appearance during Harris roll callIn a surprise appearance, rapper Lil Jon joined the Georgia delegation to help deliver its 123 votes for Harris. The rapper’s hit song ‘Get Low’ has became a sort of rally cry for the Harris-Walz campaign in the last few weeks.‘Present’Under Democratic Party rules, only Harris garnered enough signatures to be entered into nomination. Votes for any other person or uncommitted votes were tallied as “present” during the virtual roll call earlier this month. Tuesday night’s “celebratory” vote is following that earlier’s roll calls vote total.The roll call beginsDemocrats are holding a “celebratory” roll call vote to nominate Harris on the second night of their convention in Chicago. The party held a virtual vote on Aug. 6 that made her the party’s official nominee. Tuesday’s vote is taking place with a DJ and light show in the United Center arena.Teamsters members make DNC appearance absent President Sean O’BrienWhile Teamsters President Sean O’Brien chose to speak at the Republican convention at Trump’s invite, members of his union decided to appear at the Democratic convention to say they’re with Vice President Harris. It was another jab at Trump for claiming to back workers even as his administration tried to restrict the power of organized labor, a sign of how Harris hopes to diminish his backing from blue-collar voters.“If they win, working people like my friends here from the Teamsters will pay the price,” said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., with several Teamsters by his side.Kenneth Stribling, a retired Teamster, then explained how the Biden administration had helped rescue the financially troubled pensions of union members like himself as part of its pandemic aid.“They got it done without one single Republican vote in Congress,” Stribling said. “They saved over 1 million pensions.”Democrats highlight former Trump voters who switched to supporting HarrisFor the second in as many nights, the Democratic convention has frequently featured stories from ordinary voters, who talked about voting for Trump in 2016 or 2020 or both, but said they wouldn’t do so again.The voters, filmed in what to be in their homes in states around the country, described being fed up with Trump’s criminal conviction, his frequent lying for political gain and his leading a mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.The effort recalled Republicans, who during their convention featured frequent videos of “everyday Americans” to fire up their own crowd last month in Milwaukee.Trump’s former press secretary backs HarrisTrump’s former White House press secretary says she used to be a “true believer” who spent holidays with the Trump family, but now she’s backing Harris.Stephanie Grisham told Democratic delegates that Trump “mocks” his supporters behind closed doors and “has no empathy, no morals and no fidelity to the truth.”This fall, Grisham said she’s backing Harris because the Democrat “tells the truth, she respects the American people and she has my vote.”Grisham resigned from her White House post following the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, the first senior staffer to do so that day.She held no press briefings as Trump’s press secretary, explaining “unlike my boss, I never wanted to stand behind that podium and lie.”Common feels ‘fortunate’ to have Kamala HarrisRapper Common performed his hit song “Fortunate.” In the second verse, he changed the lyrics to say, “Fortunate, yo, we got the gold in Paris, we fortunate, y’all, for Kamala Harris.” The Chicago native also added in several ad-libs about “Chi Town” as the host city of the DNC.“I thank God for this moment in time where Kamala Harris will change the world for the better with love, hope and grace,” he said as he introduced the song. Grammy-winning gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds joined Common on stage, singing some of his song “God is God” between verses and vocalizing to “Fortunate.”Common, a Grammy and Oscar-winning musician and actor, is no stranger to political advocacy. He endorsed Biden in 2020 and performed at his rallies and had previously supported Obama’s campaigns. He also performed poetry at an event at the White House in 2011 at Obama’s invitation.The performance, which was followed by a funky instrumental rendition of “Tell Me Something Good,” signaled the convention’s shift out of its country music moment Monday into a focus on R&B and hip-hop.Democrats throw the book at Trump (again)One of Democrats’ favorite new political props, a massive book labeled Project 2025, made a repeat appearance at the second night of the DNC.On Tuesday, Malcolm Kenyatta, a Pennsylvania state representative and rising Democratic star, totted the book out onto the convention stage before roasting Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance.“Usually Republicans want to ban books, but now they are trying to shove this down our throats,” Kenyatta said.In a sign of how unpopular Project 20205 is with the public, Trump has disavowed the effort. Still, it was crafted by many leading conservatives who would likely hold influential positions in a future Trump administration.The book made its first appearance on Monday when Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow walked on stage and dropped the hefty tome on the top of the speaking lectern.Presidential grandsons stump for HarrisGrandsons of former Presidents Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy cast Vice President Haris in the same image as their famous family members.“Kamala Harris carries my grandfather’s legacy,” said Jason Carter. “She knows what is right.”He said the 99-year-old former president wishes he could be in attendance. “His body may be weak tonight, but his spirit is stronger than ever,” Carter said. “My grandfather can’t wait to vote for Kamala Harris.”Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy’s grandson, said like when his grandfather was elected in 1960, “Once again, the torch has been passed to a new generation,” he said. “She believes in America like my grandfather did — that we do things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”Patti LaBelle performs ‘You Are My Friend’The DNC crowd didn’t get James Taylor singing “You’ve Got a Friend” but they did get another music legend — R&B star Patti LaBelle — singing “You Are My Friend.”LaBelle sang the stirring number during a memorial segment as the proceedings began for the evening. “God bless America, Kamala Harris!” she called out at the end.This isn’t the first time at the DNC for LaBelle — she wowed the crowd two decades ago at the 2004 convention with her rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”Last month, LaBelle kicked off her 8065 Tour at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles — “80 years of life, 65 years in music.” And in June, she sang “Oh, People” on the White House lawn for President Joe Biden’s Juneteenth concert, joined by Gladys Knight among other artists.Day 2 of the DNC has begunThe second day of the convention has officially been gaveled in.Obama will make the case for Harris during his DNC addressFormer President Barack Obama will use his remarks tonight to make the case for Harris’ election and lay out the task before Democrats in the coming 10 weeks.That’s according to an Obama aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss his speech in advance. Obama will also make the case for the values of the party and nation he believes are at stake in the race against Trump.The speech comes as Obama plans to increase his political activity this fall to support Democrats up and down the ticket. No credible danger following bomb threat, Secret Service and Chicago PD reportThe U.S. Secret Service and Chicago Police Department found no credible dangers after checking into bomb threats made Tuesday at “a number of locations” in downtown Chicago where the Democratic National Convention is taking place.Law enforcement cleared the affected areas and are continuing to assess any reported threats.Day 2 speakers:Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy CarterJack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. KennedyState Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, of PennsylvaniaKyle Sweetser, former Trump voterStephanie Grisham, former Trump White House press secretaryNabela Noor, content creatorSen. Gary Peters, of MichiganKenneth Stribling, retired TeamsterAna Navarro, television personality and political strategist Sen. Chuck Schumer, of New YorkSen. Bernie Sanders, of VermontGov. JB Pritzker, of IllinoisKen Chenault, business executiveGov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, of New MexicoAngela Alsobrooks, U.S. Senate nominee in MarylandMayor John Giles, of Mesa, ArizonaDouglas Emhoff, second gentleman of the United StatesMichelle Obama, former first lady of the United StatesFormer President Barack Obama

    The Democratic National Convention heads into its second day Tuesday.

    Former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and second gentleman Doug Emhoff will speak at the DNC, a day after the unofficial farewell for President Joe Biden, who served eight years as Obama’s vice president. Biden won’t be in the hall to see his former running mate speak, as he departed Chicago Monday after delivering his own speech.

    With President Biden having addressed delegates, the week’s full focus now turns to Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov Tim Walz.

    Read live updates from Day 2 of the DNC below.

    Harris makes surprise video appearance as roll call wraps

    It was never really in doubt, but after the celebratory roll call, Rea confirmed Harris’ nomination as Democrats’ top-of-the-ticket pick. Harris was officially nominated earlier this month in a virtual roll call of delegates.

    Following the roll call, Rea tossed to incoming video from Harris’ and Walz’s campaign appearance in Milwaukee, where the two are on stage in the same arena that hosted Republicans last month for their convention. They entered the stage to Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” which has become an anthem for the campaign.

    “I thank everyone there and here for believing in what we can do together,” Harris said.

    That split screen moment created a powerful visual for Harris: two arenas simultaneously full of her supporters.

    Green Bay Packers shoutout met with boos in Chicago

    When Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers took his turn at the mic during Democrats roll call vote Tuesday, he name-checked the Green Bay Packers football team.

    That did not sit well in Chicago, the DNC’s host city, where utterances of support for the Packers are often taken as fighting words by long-suffering Chicago Bears fans.

    CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images

    Wisconsin delegates cast their vote during the ceremonial roll call vote on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 20, 2024.

    Evers was showered with boos after name-checking the Packers.

    In their long-running Midwestern rivalry, the Packers routinely best the Bears, winning 107 games to the Bears’ 95.

    Delegates nominate Harris, Walz

    Delegates from all 50 states have voted to make Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz the Democratic presidential ticket in a ceremonial roll call.

    Harris to talk about Roe v. Wade in Milwaukee

    Harris plans to draw attention to Trump saying Monday he had “no regrets” about appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the constitutional right to abortion, according to an excerpt of the speech she plans to give in Milwaukee.

    “That’s because he hasn’t had to face the consequences,” Harris plans to say. “Women and families have. Well, we will make sure he does face the consequence at the ballot box this November.”

    As they awaited Harris’ speech, her supporters listened to the Chicago convention’s roll call blasting from the arena speakers.

    Video below: Hadley Duvall speaks about abortion rights at DNC

    The odd couple

    They may be a somewhat unlikely pair, but DNC Secretary Jason Rae and DJ Cassidy are tag-teaming the celebratory roll call of states.

    Rae calls out the states and territories as they come up in the voting order, and Cassidy chimes in with occasional commentary as he flips from track to track for each batch of delegates.

    Why California and Minnesota passed during the roll call

    California and Minnesota, the home states of Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, have passed during the convention roll call — letting the party roll on.

    This year’s roll call has been unlike any in political history. But one tradition held, the one mandating that the home state of the nominee generally passes, then goes near the end to pass the deciding vote to formally clinch the nomination.

    This year, Minnesota, where Walz is governor, could get the count close and let Harris’ California and its motherlode of delegates put her over the top as the Democratic nominee.

    Sean Astin joins Indiana delegation

    Actor Sean Astin, best known for playing the titular Notre Dame football player in “Rudy,” joined the Indiana delegation to help cast its 86 delegates for Harris and Walz.

    “I want what’s best for Indiana and that means electing Kamala Harris the first woman president of the United States of America,” Astin said.

    Delegates show off their home-state tunes

    Decked out in blue satin, DJ Cassidy is spinning a special song for each state in the roll call at the Democratic Convention.

    Alabama, obviously, got “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Alaska announced their backing of Vice President Harris to “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man, a band from Wasilla. Florida committed its delegates to “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty, who was born in Gainesville. The rapper Lil Jon appeared over the music of DJ Snake’s “Turn Down for What” ahead of Georgia awarding its delegates to Harris.

    Lil Jon makes a surprise appearance during Harris roll call

    In a surprise appearance, rapper Lil Jon joined the Georgia delegation to help deliver its 123 votes for Harris. The rapper’s hit song ‘Get Low’ has became a sort of rally cry for the Harris-Walz campaign in the last few weeks.

    CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 20: Rapper Lil Jon (R) performs with the Georgia delegation during the Ceremonial Roll Call of States on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her party's presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

    Chip Somodevilla

    Rapper Lil Jon (R) performs with the Georgia delegation during the Ceremonial Roll Call of States on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois.

    ‘Present’

    Under Democratic Party rules, only Harris garnered enough signatures to be entered into nomination. Votes for any other person or uncommitted votes were tallied as “present” during the virtual roll call earlier this month. Tuesday night’s “celebratory” vote is following that earlier’s roll calls vote total.

    The roll call begins

    Democrats are holding a “celebratory” roll call vote to nominate Harris on the second night of their convention in Chicago. The party held a virtual vote on Aug. 6 that made her the party’s official nominee. Tuesday’s vote is taking place with a DJ and light show in the United Center arena.

    Teamsters members make DNC appearance absent President Sean O’Brien

    While Teamsters President Sean O’Brien chose to speak at the Republican convention at Trump’s invite, members of his union decided to appear at the Democratic convention to say they’re with Vice President Harris. It was another jab at Trump for claiming to back workers even as his administration tried to restrict the power of organized labor, a sign of how Harris hopes to diminish his backing from blue-collar voters.

    “If they win, working people like my friends here from the Teamsters will pay the price,” said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., with several Teamsters by his side.

    US Senator from Michigan Gary Peters (L) speaks alongside retired teamsters on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the party's nomination for president at the DNC which runs from August 19-22 in Chicago. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

    (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

    US Senator from Michigan Gary Peters (L) speaks alongside retired teamsters on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 20, 2024.

    Kenneth Stribling, a retired Teamster, then explained how the Biden administration had helped rescue the financially troubled pensions of union members like himself as part of its pandemic aid.

    “They got it done without one single Republican vote in Congress,” Stribling said. “They saved over 1 million pensions.”

    Democrats highlight former Trump voters who switched to supporting Harris

    For the second in as many nights, the Democratic convention has frequently featured stories from ordinary voters, who talked about voting for Trump in 2016 or 2020 or both, but said they wouldn’t do so again.

    The voters, filmed in what to be in their homes in states around the country, described being fed up with Trump’s criminal conviction, his frequent lying for political gain and his leading a mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.

    The effort recalled Republicans, who during their convention featured frequent videos of “everyday Americans” to fire up their own crowd last month in Milwaukee.

    Trump’s former press secretary backs Harris

    Trump’s former White House press secretary says she used to be a “true believer” who spent holidays with the Trump family, but now she’s backing Harris.

    Stephanie Grisham told Democratic delegates that Trump “mocks” his supporters behind closed doors and “has no empathy, no morals and no fidelity to the truth.”

    This fall, Grisham said she’s backing Harris because the Democrat “tells the truth, she respects the American people and she has my vote.”

    CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 20: Former Trump White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham speaks on stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her party's presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

    Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    Former Trump White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham speaks on stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

    Grisham resigned from her White House post following the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, the first senior staffer to do so that day.

    She held no press briefings as Trump’s press secretary, explaining “unlike my boss, I never wanted to stand behind that podium and lie.”

    Common feels ‘fortunate’ to have Kamala Harris

    Rapper Common performed his hit song “Fortunate.” In the second verse, he changed the lyrics to say, “Fortunate, yo, we got the gold in Paris, we fortunate, y’all, for Kamala Harris.” The Chicago native also added in several ad-libs about “Chi Town” as the host city of the DNC.

    “I thank God for this moment in time where Kamala Harris will change the world for the better with love, hope and grace,” he said as he introduced the song. Grammy-winning gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds joined Common on stage, singing some of his song “God is God” between verses and vocalizing to “Fortunate.”

    Common, a Grammy and Oscar-winning musician and actor, is no stranger to political advocacy. He endorsed Biden in 2020 and performed at his rallies and had previously supported Obama’s campaigns. He also performed poetry at an event at the White House in 2011 at Obama’s invitation.

    The performance, which was followed by a funky instrumental rendition of “Tell Me Something Good,” signaled the convention’s shift out of its country music moment Monday into a focus on R&B and hip-hop.

    Democrats throw the book at Trump (again)

    One of Democrats’ favorite new political props, a massive book labeled Project 2025, made a repeat appearance at the second night of the DNC.

    On Tuesday, Malcolm Kenyatta, a Pennsylvania state representative and rising Democratic star, totted the book out onto the convention stage before roasting Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance.

    “Usually Republicans want to ban books, but now they are trying to shove this down our throats,” Kenyatta said.

    In a sign of how unpopular Project 20205 is with the public, Trump has disavowed the effort. Still, it was crafted by many leading conservatives who would likely hold influential positions in a future Trump administration.

    The book made its first appearance on Monday when Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow walked on stage and dropped the hefty tome on the top of the speaking lectern.

    Presidential grandsons stump for Harris

    Grandsons of former Presidents Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy cast Vice President Haris in the same image as their famous family members.

    “Kamala Harris carries my grandfather’s legacy,” said Jason Carter. “She knows what is right.”

    He said the 99-year-old former president wishes he could be in attendance. “His body may be weak tonight, but his spirit is stronger than ever,” Carter said. “My grandfather can’t wait to vote for Kamala Harris.”

    Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy’s grandson, said like when his grandfather was elected in 1960, “Once again, the torch has been passed to a new generation,” he said. “She believes in America like my grandfather did — that we do things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”

    Patti LaBelle performs ‘You Are My Friend’

    The DNC crowd didn’t get James Taylor singing “You’ve Got a Friend” but they did get another music legend — R&B star Patti LaBelle — singing “You Are My Friend.”

    LaBelle sang the stirring number during a memorial segment as the proceedings began for the evening. “God bless America, Kamala Harris!” she called out at the end.

    This isn’t the first time at the DNC for LaBelle — she wowed the crowd two decades ago at the 2004 convention with her rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

    Last month, LaBelle kicked off her 8065 Tour at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles — “80 years of life, 65 years in music.” And in June, she sang “Oh, People” on the White House lawn for President Joe Biden’s Juneteenth concert, joined by Gladys Knight among other artists.

    US singer and actress Patti LaBelle performs on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the party's nomination for president at the DNC which runs from August 19-22 in Chicago. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

    (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

    US singer and actress Patti LaBelle performs on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 20, 2024.

    Day 2 of the DNC has begun

    The second day of the convention has officially been gaveled in.

    Obama will make the case for Harris during his DNC address

    Former President Barack Obama will use his remarks tonight to make the case for Harris’ election and lay out the task before Democrats in the coming 10 weeks.

    That’s according to an Obama aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss his speech in advance. Obama will also make the case for the values of the party and nation he believes are at stake in the race against Trump.

    The speech comes as Obama plans to increase his political activity this fall to support Democrats up and down the ticket.

    No credible danger following bomb threat, Secret Service and Chicago PD report

    The U.S. Secret Service and Chicago Police Department found no credible dangers after checking into bomb threats made Tuesday at “a number of locations” in downtown Chicago where the Democratic National Convention is taking place.

    Law enforcement cleared the affected areas and are continuing to assess any reported threats.

    Day 2 speakers:

    • Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter
    • Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy
    • State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, of Pennsylvania
    • Kyle Sweetser, former Trump voter
    • Stephanie Grisham, former Trump White House press secretary
    • Nabela Noor, content creator
    • Sen. Gary Peters, of Michigan
    • Kenneth Stribling, retired Teamster
    • Ana Navarro, television personality and political strategist
    • Sen. Chuck Schumer, of New York
    • Sen. Bernie Sanders, of Vermont
    • Gov. JB Pritzker, of Illinois
    • Ken Chenault, business executive
    • Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, of New Mexico
    • Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Senate nominee in Maryland
    • Mayor John Giles, of Mesa, Arizona
    • Douglas Emhoff, second gentleman of the United States
    • Michelle Obama, former first lady of the United States
    • Former President Barack Obama

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