The 2024 Democratic National Convention begins in Chicago on Monday, August 19, with President Joe Biden as a featured speaker. Want to know what time the DNC starts? Read on for details about Day 1 and how to tune into the major televised event.
On Day 1, President Biden, who stepped down from seeking re-election last month, will ceremonially pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, the party's confirmed new nominee. Biden, along with First Lady Jill Biden, will deliver remarks. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Democratic party's 2016 nominee, will also speak on Monday night.
Each day of the DNC centers around a theme tied to the convention’s tagline, "For the People, For Our Future." Monday's theme, "For the People," also nods to Harris' 2020 presidential campaign, a phrase she’s also intertwined in her current one.
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The DNC is set to be a star-studded event, with actor Tony Goldwyn serving as the celebrity host for the first night. The Scandal star, known for his role as fictional President Fitzgerald Grant on ABC’s long-running drama, will open the convention with remarks and make special appearances throughout the evening. The View co-host Ana Navarro will take over hosting duties on Tuesday, followed by actress Mindy Kaling on Wednesday, with Kerry Washington, Goldwyn's former Scandal co-star, closing out the week on Thursday.
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For performers, singer-songwriter James Taylor, country singer Mickey Guyton and folk/Americana star Jason Isbell will be taking the stage on Day 1 at the United Center.
Here’s what time the DNC festivities are slated to begin on Monday.
What Time Does The DNC Start On Monday?
The 2024 DNC in Chicago starts on Monday, August 19, at 5:30 p.m ET. However, key parts of the convention are expected to begin around 6:15 p.m. ET.
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What Is The DNC Day 1 Schedule?
Here's the complete schedule for Day 1 of the DNC, provided by the Democratic National Convention Committee. The events are listed in order of appearance from 6:15 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. ET.
Call to Order
Minyon Moore
Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee
The Honorable Jaime R. Harrison
Chairman of the Democratic National Committee
Remarks and Video Introduction
The Honorable Brandon Johnson
Mayor of Chicago
Confirmatory and Ceremonial Vote for the Vice Presidential Nominee
Minyon Moore
Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee
Welcome Remarks
The Honorable Peggy Flanagan
Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
Remarks
The Honorable Lauren Underwood
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Illinois
Video
Rich Logis
Former Donald Trump Voter
Remarks
The Honorable Robert Garcia
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, California
Joint Remarks
Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
April Verrett, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Brent Booker, General President of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA)
Kenneth W. Cooper, International President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA)
Elizabeth H. Shuler, President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
Remarks: “Project 2025—Chapter One: Introduction”
The Honorable Mallory McMorrow
Michigan State Senator
Remarks
The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo
United States Secretary of Commerce
Remarks
The Honorable Kathy Hochul
Governor of New York
Remarks
Shawn Fain
President of the United Automobile Workers
Remarks
The Honorable Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New York
Remarks
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
Former United States Secretary of State
Remarks
The Honorable James E. Clyburn
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, South Carolina
Remarks
The Honorable Jamie Raskin
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Maryland
Remarks
The Honorable Jasmine Crockett
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Texas
Remarks
The Honorable Grace Meng
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New York
Joint Remarks
Amanda and Josh Zurawski, Texas
Kaitlyn Joshua, Louisiana
Hadley Duvall, Kentucky
Remarks
The Honorable Andy Beshear
Governor of Kentucky
Remarks
The Honorable Reverend Raphael G. Warnock
United States Senator, Georgia
Remarks
The Honorable Chris Coons
United States Senator, Delaware
Remarks
Dr. Jill Biden
First Lady of the United States
Introduction
Ashley Biden
Remarks
The Honorable Joe Biden
President of the United States
How To Watch The DNC On Cable And Streaming
You can watch the DNC on major cable news channels, including CBS News, ABC News, Fox News, CNN, NewsNation, NBC News, MSNBC, and C-SPAN. If you don't have cable, you can stream the networks on live TV streaming platforms like DirecTV, Fubo and Hulu+ Live TV, all of which are currently offering free trials.
The DNC will also be available on streaming services like Max (CNN only), Paramount+ (CBS only), and Peaco*ck (NBC only). Additionally, the DNC’s official YouTube channel will stream the convention for free from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
