The 2020 U.S. Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday night as the party prosecutes its case against a second term for President Donald Trump.
The events, originally slated to take place in Milwaukee, will go on mostly remotely from around the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. Former Vice President Joe Biden plans to accept the party’s presidential nomination on Thursday night.
Popular former first lady Michelle Obama will headline the group along with Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, the runner-up to Biden in the 2020 Democratic primary race. Also speaking is Republican former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who was one of the last GOP candidates to drop out of the 2016 race against Trump.
Sanders’ speaking slot emphasizes the importance of the party’s efforts to reach out to more liberal voters. Other speakers include Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, the House majority whip whose endorsement helped to propel Biden to the nomination, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who leads the critical swing state of Michigan.
