Michelle Obama Among Presidential Spouses to Speak at Democratic Convention
The former first lady is slated to address the DNC on Tuesday evening.
Consistently ranking as one of the most popular figures in American politics, former First Lady Michelle Obama will speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, her hometown, on Tuesday evening.
Mrs. Obama is expected to speak on the same evening her husband, former President Barack Obama is scheduled to take the stage, sources told NBC News first.
At the 2016 Democratic National Convention, the country heard Michelle Obama coin the Obama presidency phrase: “When they go low, we go high.”
In 2020, after four years of President Donald Trump, her tone was less hopeful.
“If you think things cannot possibly get worse, trust me they can; and they will, if we don’t make a change in this election,” the former first lady bluntly told Democrats on the first night of the convention four years ago.
She went on in her speech, which was delivered remotely during the pandemic in a home setting with a Biden campaign sign over her shoulder, declaring Trump was “in over his head” and the “wrong president for our country.”
One wonders how different her remarks could be this time around given the enduring polarizing political landscape.
In the meantime, convention organizers continue to set the stage for the four-day event.
On Sunday, the Democratic National Convention previewed “Coming Together”—a roll call celebration of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz that will take place inside the United Center on Tuesday. During the roll call, all 57 delegations will deliver remarks and cast ceremonial votes for Harris and Walz as the Democratic nominees for President and Vice President of the United States, the convention announced in a news release.
“Coming Together” marks a return to the arena as Democrats gather for the first in-person convention in eight years.
“The roll call is a beloved and time-honored tradition, and we’re proud to bring it back in a new and fun format,” said Jaime Harrison, Democratic National Committee Chair in a statement. “Democrats from all across the country have made their voices heard in support of our Democratic nominees, and we look forward to using this convention to drive historic momentum behind the Harris-Walz ticket as we unify in our mission to defeat Donald Trump.”
In 2020, the Democratic National Convention, in the midst of the pandemic, reimagined the roll call across America, showcasing delegates and special guests in their home states to bring the country together, even when they had to be apart. This year’s roll call will build on those innovations, utilizing live shots and visual effects to showcase the diversity and beauty of America, according to a convention news release.
Vice President Harris officially became the Democratic Party’s nominee for president on Aug. 6 after receiving a majority of votes on the virtual roll call.
Democrats on Sunday also announced the themes that will guide programming through the four nights of the convention: “For the People, For Our Future.” The convention will further introduce Harris and Walz to the nation and lay out their vision for America.
“Our convention is an opportunity to bring the story of our party to the American people—not just the story of what we’ve achieved under the Biden-Harris administration, but how the Harris-Walz ticket is planning to build on that historic record for a new way forward into the future,” said Convention Chair Minyon Moore in a statement. “The story here is simple and it’s one that will resonate with Americans across the country: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for the American people and America’s future—Donald Trump is only fighting for himself.”
The convention will take place over four nights Monday through Thursday. Convention programming will air live from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15-11 p.m. Eastern/5:15-10 p.m. Central on Monday, and 7-11 p.m. Eastern/6-10 PM Central for all other days. Over the course of the four nights, programming will center around four themes:
“For the People” on Monday when Sec. Hillary Clinton and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and President Joe Biden are scheduled to address the convention.
“A Bold Vision for America’s Future” on Tuesday when Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and former First Lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama are expected to speak.
“A Fight for Our Freedoms” on Wednesday when former President Bill Clinton and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are scheduled to speak.
And, “For Our Future” on Thursday when Vice President Kamala Harris accepts the nomination for president.