Under theme of unity, speakers will represent progressive, traditional platforms
August 17, 2020, 11:02 PM
5 min read
Share to FacebookShare to TwitterEmail this articleDemocrats will open their mostly virtual convention in Milwaukee Monday under the theme of unity, with speakers who represent the party's progressive and traditional platforms.
"As we have learned throughout our history, when we stand united, we can overcome anything, including the monumental challenges we face today," the Democratic National Convention Committee said in a release.
Traditionally, political conventions are painstakingly choreographed live productions that are planned years in advance. But the coronavirus pandemic has reduced the nominating celebration to a minimal footprint in Milwaukee -- with major programming and production details still in flux just days before it is set to begin.
ABC News Live will kick off primetime coverage each day at 7 p.m. ET on the network's steaming news channel and primetime coverage will air from 10-11 p.m. ET each night of the convention on the ABC Television Network.
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Michelle Obama is seen during the 2020 BET Awards, June 28, 2020.
Michelle Obama is seen during the 2020 BET Awards, June 28, 2020.via Getty Images, FILE7 p.m. Who is speaking at the DNC Monday
Former first lady Michelle Obama will be the keynote speaker of the night, after remaining mostly on the sidelines throughout the 2020 political season.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, the former rival of presumptive Democratic candidate Joe Biden, and former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican candidate for president in 2016, will also speak.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, wears a protective mask while standing in an elevator following a vote in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, July 22, 2020.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, wears a protective mask while standing in an elevator following a vote in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, July 22, 2020.Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILEMonday's lineup of speakers:
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.New York Gov. Andrew CuomoMichigan Gov. Gretchen WhitmerRep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C.Convention chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss.Former Ohio Gov. John KasichRep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis.Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala.Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.Former first lady Michelle ObamaABC News' Kendall Karson, John Verhovek and Benjamin Siegel contributed to this report.
This report was featured in the Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, episode of "Start Here," ABC News' daily news podcast.
"Start Here" offers a straightforward look at the day's top stories in 20 minutes. Listen for free every weekday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, the ABC News app or wherever you get your podcasts.
