Tonight: Jill Biden and Hillary Clinton Join President Biden as Featured Speakers on Opening Night of the DNC
Plus, FLARE to host virtual program: ‘First Ladies on the Campaign Trail’ on Wednesday.
Opening night at the Democratic National Convention will include remarks from two first ladies—Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary Hillary Clinton—before President Joe Biden takes the stage.
President Biden is expected to make a forceful case for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in a symbolic passing of the torch just weeks after he bowed out of the race under pressure from members of his own party in the wake of a poor debate performance against Republican nominee Donald Trump.
His speech, in part, is expected to remind people of the importance of how quickly the president endorsed Harris after announcing he would end his candidacy, an action that helped unify the party, officials told NBC News.
Primetime speakers:
Tuesday: “A Bold Vision for America’s Future”
Former President Barack Obama, Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
Wednesday: “A Fight for Our Freedoms”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
Thursday: “For Our Future”
Vice President Kamala Harris nomination acceptance speech
Calendar
Aug. 19, 2024
Virtual First Ladies on the Page Book Discussion: White Houses by Amy Bloom
Join the National First Ladies Library & Museum from 7 to 8 p.m. EDT on Monday, Aug. 19, for a discussion of author Amy Bloom’s White Houses. In this historical fiction, Amy Bloom aptly explores the friendship and romance between Lorena Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt. The discussion meets live on Zoom. This interactive program will not be recorded. Zoom info, questions, and pertinent links will be sent out to participants before the meeting. Read more
Aug. 21, 2024
FLARE August Virtual Program: First Ladies on the Campaign Trail
The First Ladies Association for Research and Education at 7 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Aug. 21, presents a panel discussion composed of Paulette Brinka, Janette Kenner Muir, Katie Sibley, and Nancy Kegan Smith who will explore four powerful spouses as surrogates—Lady Bird Johnson, Rosalynn Carter, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama. All traveled extensively through their campaigns, sometimes with their husbands, sometimes independently. All drew a certain amount of lightning. All were pillars of support for their husbands, as well as keen monitors of the pulse of the campaign. View on Facebook or on YouTube.
Sept. 17, 2024
Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song
Tickets are available to the public starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 5 for Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song. Tickets are $100 (excluding taxes and fees)—in honor of Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday—and are available at FoxTheatre.org/JimmyCarter100. Proceeds from the event to be held on Sept. 17, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, will support The Carter Center, continuing Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s work to promote peace and improve health around the world. Read more
Oct. 20, 2024
Eleanor Roosevelt: The First Lady of Today's First Ladies
Learn about the remarkable life of Eleanor Roosevelt, who served as the “eyes and ears” for President Roosevelt. Eleanor was the first lady from 1933 until 1945. Through her travels throughout the country, as an early advocate for human rights, and her public engagement, she redefined the role of First Lady. This remarkable person even served as the United States Delegate to the United Nations.
Presented by Mark Mutter, who spent summer months working as a docent at Campobello Island, where the Roosevelts had their summer cottage. During his time there Mark did extensive research on Eleanor Roosevelt.
Mark has been historian and business administrator for Toms River Township, serves as the official Toms River historian, and is currently adjunct professor of law at Ocean County College.
These events take place at our museum at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River. Our speaker series is always free; but donations are appreciated. Seating is limited, so reserve a seat early by sending your name, zip code, email address, telephone number, and the name and date of the program (Oct. 20, 2024) to: oceancountyhistory.programs@gmail.com
Submit calendar items, announcements and press releases to East Wing Magazine at jtaylor@eastwingmagazine.com.