'Aren't you proud': Bill Clinton endorses Kamala Harris in torch passing at 2024 DNC

James Powel
·3 min read
8

Former President Bill Clinton took to the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Tuesday night to help pass the party's torch Wednesday night and endorse the Harris-Walz ticket.

After the former president took the stage to a rapturous ovation and recognized the notable change of energy surrounding the party after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race saying, "aren't you proud to be a Democrat."

Clinton took multiple shots at Republican's economic record, saying that 50 million jobs had been created under Democrats since the end of the Cold War compared to one million jobs under Republicans.

Clinton also took swipes at Republican nominee Donald Trump, including his propensity to mention fictional characters in his speeches.

"When you send a signal to other countries you want them to know, whether they agree with you or not, that you're on the level about what you say and what you believe," Clinton said. "What are they supposed to think about the endless tributes to the late great Hannibal Lecter?"

Clinton's appearance was a reminder that the convention at the United Center served as a transition from the party away from triangulation and NAFTA to a party of infrastructure spending and child tax credits.

"I love seeing all these young leaders," Clinton said. "They look better, they sound better and they'll be exciting."

Watch President Bill Clinton's full speech at the 2024 DNC

Democratic convention live updates: What time does the DNC start? What's the speaker lineup?

  • Who are they: 42nd President of the United States

  • What role they play: Party elder, convention speaker

  • Key quote: "Will this president take us backwards or forwards? Will this president give our kids a better future?"

Former President Bill Clinton speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center Wednesday.
Former President Bill Clinton speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center Wednesday.

The Democratic National Convention will take place from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois.

The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the main venue for the DNC.

Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second time.

USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.

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The convention will air live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.

The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention. The title of the convention is "For the People, For Our Future."

Here are the themes for each night:

  • Monday: "For the People"

  • Tuesday: "A Bold Vision for America's Future"

  • Wednesday: "A Fight for our Freedoms"

  • Thursday: "For our Future"

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch: Bill Clinton passes torch to Kamala Harris at 2024 DNC

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