1 of 12 | Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is the featured speaker during night three of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago. Photo by Mark Black/UPI |
License PhotoAug. 21 (UPI) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and former President Bill Clinton headline night three of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday, as the theme shifts to “A Fight for Our Freedoms,” with many of the speakers focusing on abortion, reproductive and civil rights.
Walz is the keynote speaker and will be preceded by Clinton and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who are slated to address the DNC event at the United Center a day before Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage during the event’s final night.
The convention’s third night is also expected to feature performances by singers Stevie Wonder and John Legend, who were both seen conducting soundchecks earlier in the day.
There are reports that Oprah Winfrey could make a guest appearance, while a post on Facebook shows Amanda Gorman scheduled to recite a new poem, as she wrote, “See you soon.”
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., opened the third night of the convention with a tribute to Rep. Bill Pascrell — a longtime New Jersey Democrat — who died Wednesday morning at the age of 87. Booker called Pascrell a “Jersey legend” who “fought for the people.”
The parents of an Israeli-American, being held hostage in Gaza, took the stage to plead for the release of all 109 hostages.
“You kept us breathing in a world without air,” Jon Polin, whose 23-year-old son Hersh Goldberg-Polin is one of the hostages, said as he thanked both Democrats and Republicans for their support.
“Hersh, if you can hear us, we love you. Stay strong. Survive,” his mother, Rachel Goldberg, said. “Bring them home.”
Prior to the evening’s events, the DNC hosted several other micro events.
A daylong “DemPalooza” was held to help organize election activities across the ballot for the general election on Nov. 5.
Separate labor, small business and LGBTQ+ meetings took place in the afternoon.
Other meetings included a global strategy group meeting to discuss climate, a discussion of Project 2025 and “Winning the Narrative on Safety, Accountability and Justice.
Bill Clinton’s appearance will make him the third former president to address the DNC. His wife and former Democratic Party presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke on Monday.
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama separately addressed the event Tuesday night.
President Joe Biden spoke to the crowd late Monday night, which made him the first of three current or former presidents to address the convention.
