vox--2020-08-19--Read: Jill Biden’s moving DNC speech on Covid-19 and American families

So said Jill Biden during the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night , standing in front of the empty Delaware high school classroom where she once taught English , and which has remained unused since March due to the threat of Covid-19 .
It was a powerful line in a moving speech in which Biden mourned the devastating loss of life and livelihood amid the Covid-19 crisis while also offering hope for the future .
The remote convention format had given many speakers that evening the opportunity to speak to Americans from meaningful locations in their home states , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alabama , or the mountains of the Pueblo of Sandia in New Mexico .
And the former second lady chose a setting that was laden with emotion not just for her , but for the millions of students , teachers , and parents whose lives have been thrown into fear and uncertainty as the pandemic shutters school buildings — and as the virus appears to spread dangerously in those that have reopened .
Biden , an educator for decades who now teaches community college , opened her speech by acknowledging those struggles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bright young faces that should fill them are now confined to boxes on a computer screen , ” she said .
“ I hear it from so many of you — the frustration of parents juggling work while they support their children ’ s learning ... afraid that their kids might get sick from school .
The concern of every person working without enough protection.
” And she broadened her message to acknowledge the pain that the entire nation is feeling during the pandemic — and to promise that Joe Biden , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he lost his first wife , infant daughter , and son , would have the strength as president to heal that pain .
“ How do you make a broken family whole ?
” she asked .
“ The same way you make a nation whole : with love and understanding and with small acts of kindness.
” “ I know that if we entrust this nation to Joe , he will do for your family what he did for ours , ” she finished : “ Bring us together and make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sounds of a classroom .
The quiet that sparks with possibility just before students shuffle in , the murmur of ideas bouncing back and forth as we explore the world together , the laughter and tiny moments of surprise you find in materials you ’ ve taught a million times .
When I taught English here at Brandywine High School I would spend my summer preparing for the school year about to start , filled with anticipation .
But this quiet is heavy .
You can hear the anxiety that echoes down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scent of new notebooks or freshly waxed floors .
The rooms are dark as the bright young faces that should fill them are now confined to boxes on a computer screen .
I hear it from so many of you — the frustration of parents juggling work while they support their children ’ s learning are afraid that their kids might get sick from school .
The concern of every person working without enough protection .
The despair in the lines that stretch out before food banks .
And the indescribable sorrow that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilators turn off .
As a mother and a grandmother , as an American , I am heartbroken by the magnitude of this loss , by the failure to protect our communities , by every precious and irreplaceable life gone .
Like so many of you I am left asking , how do I keep my family safe ?
You know , motherhood came to me in a way I never expected .
I fell in love with a man and two little boys standing in the wreckage of unthinkable loss , mourning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sister .
I never imagined at the age of 26 I would be asking myself , how do you make a broken family whole ?
Still , Joe always told the boys , mommy sent Jill to us .
And how could I argue with her ?
And so we figured it out together , in those big moments that would go by too fast — Thanksgivings and state championships , birthdays and weddings — in the mundane ones we didn ’ t even know for shaping our lives — reading stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dinners and arguments .
Listening to the faint sounds of laughter that would float downstairs as Joe put the kids to bed every night while I studied for grad school or graded papers under the pale yellow kitchen lamp , the dinner dishes waiting in the sink .
We found that love holds a family together .
Love makes us flexible and resilient .
It allows us to become more than ourselves , together , and though it can ’ t protect us from the sorrows of life , it gives us refuge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a broken family whole ?
The same way you make a nation whole : with love and understanding and with small acts of kindness .
With bravery , with unwavering faith .
We show up for each other in big ways and small ones again and again .
It ’ s what so many of you are doing right now for your loved ones , for complete strangers , for your communities .
There are those who want to tell us that our country is hopelessly divided , that our differences are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I ’ ve seen .
We ’ re holding onto each other and coming together .
We ’ re finding mercy and … differences are precious and our similarities this nation still beats with kindness and courage .
That ’ s the soul of America Joe Biden is fighting for now .
After our son Beau died of cancer , I wondered if I would ever smile or feel joy again .
It was summer , but there was no warmth left for me .
Four days after Beau ’ s funeral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his suit .
I saw him steel himself in the mirror , take a breath , put his shoulders back , and walk out into a world empty of our son .
He went back to work .
That ’ s just who he is .
There are times when I couldn ’ t even imagine how he did it .
How he put one foot in front of the other and kept going .
But I ’ ve always understood why he did it — for the daughter who convinces her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screening and misses work to drive her to the clinic , for the community college student who has faced homelessness and survived abuse but finds the grit to finish her degree and make a good life for her kids .
For the little boy whose mom is serving as a Marine in Iraq , who puts on a brave face in his video call and doesn ’ t complain when the only thing he wants for his birthday is to be with her .
For all those people Joe gives his personal phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ones he talks to for hours after dinner , helping them smile through their loss , letting them know that they aren ’ t alone .
He does it for you .
Joe ’ s purpose has always driven him forward .
His strength of will is unstoppable , and his faith is unshakable .
Because it ’ s not in politicians or political parties or even in himself — it ’ s in the providence of God .
His faith is in you , in us .
Yes , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The playgrounds are still .
But if you listen closely , you can hear the sparks of change in the air .
Across the country , educators , parents , first responders , Americans of all walks of life are putting their shoulders back , fighting for each other .
We haven ’ t given up .
We just need leadership worthy of our nation .
Worthy of you .
Honest leadership to bring us back to together , to recover from this pandemic and prepare for whatever else is next .
Leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s Joe .
He and Kamala will work as hard as you do every day to make this nation better .
And if I have the honor of serving as your first lady , I will , too .
And with Joe as president , these classrooms will ring out with laughter and possibility once again .
The burdens we carry are heavy , and we need someone with strong shoulders .
I know that if we entrust this nation to Joe , he will do for your family what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together and make us whole , carry us forward in our time of need , keep the promise of America for all of us .
Will you become our 20,000th supporter ?
When the economy took a downturn in the spring and we started asking readers for financial contributions , we weren ’ t sure how it would go .
Today , we ’ re humbled to say that nearly 20,000 people have chipped in .
The reason is both lovely and surprising : Readers told us that they contribute both because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people can access it , too .
We have always believed that explanatory journalism is vital for a functioning democracy .
That ’ s never been more important than today , during a public health crisis , racial justice protests , a recession , and a presidential election .
But our distinctive explanatory journalism is expensive , and advertising alone won ’ t let us keep creating it at the quality and volume this moment requires .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will help keep Vox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as little as $ 3 .

“This quiet is heavy.”
So said Jill Biden during the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night, standing in front of the empty Delaware high school classroom where she once taught English, and which has remained unused since March due to the threat of Covid-19.
It was a powerful line in a moving speech in which Biden mourned the devastating loss of life and livelihood amid the Covid-19 crisis while also offering hope for the future.
The remote convention format had given many speakers that evening the opportunity to speak to Americans from meaningful locations in their home states, like the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, or the mountains of the Pueblo of Sandia in New Mexico. And the former second lady chose a setting that was laden with emotion not just for her, but for the millions of students, teachers, and parents whose lives have been thrown into fear and uncertainty as the pandemic shutters school buildings — and as the virus appears to spread dangerously in those that have reopened. Biden, an educator for decades who now teaches community college, opened her speech by acknowledging those struggles.
“The rooms are dark as the bright young faces that should fill them are now confined to boxes on a computer screen,” she said. “I hear it from so many of you — the frustration of parents juggling work while they support their children’s learning ... afraid that their kids might get sick from school. The concern of every person working without enough protection.”
And she broadened her message to acknowledge the pain that the entire nation is feeling during the pandemic — and to promise that Joe Biden, whose own life has been marked by grief as he lost his first wife, infant daughter, and son, would have the strength as president to heal that pain.
“How do you make a broken family whole?” she asked. “The same way you make a nation whole: with love and understanding and with small acts of kindness.”
“I know that if we entrust this nation to Joe, he will do for your family what he did for ours,” she finished: “Bring us together and make us whole.”
Dr. Jill Biden's keynote speech during Tuesday's #DemConvention wove her family’s story into America’s story.
“Love makes us flexible and resilient,” she said as she closed out the night. https://t.co/IXGCDyfKQE pic.twitter.com/WDYRLNvdFC — Vox (@voxdotcom) August 19, 2020
Read a rush transcript of Jill Biden’s speech below.
I have always loved the sounds of a classroom. The quiet that sparks with possibility just before students shuffle in, the murmur of ideas bouncing back and forth as we explore the world together, the laughter and tiny moments of surprise you find in materials you’ve taught a million times.
When I taught English here at Brandywine High School I would spend my summer preparing for the school year about to start, filled with anticipation. But this quiet is heavy. You can hear the anxiety that echoes down empty hallways. There’s no scent of new notebooks or freshly waxed floors. The rooms are dark as the bright young faces that should fill them are now confined to boxes on a computer screen. I hear it from so many of you — the frustration of parents juggling work while they support their children’s learning are afraid that their kids might get sick from school. The concern of every person working without enough protection.
The despair in the lines that stretch out before food banks. And the indescribable sorrow that follows every lonely last breath when the ventilators turn off. As a mother and a grandmother, as an American, I am heartbroken by the magnitude of this loss, by the failure to protect our communities, by every precious and irreplaceable life gone. Like so many of you I am left asking, how do I keep my family safe? You know, motherhood came to me in a way I never expected. I fell in love with a man and two little boys standing in the wreckage of unthinkable loss, mourning a wife and mother, a daughter and sister.
I never imagined at the age of 26 I would be asking myself, how do you make a broken family whole? Still, Joe always told the boys, mommy sent Jill to us. And how could I argue with her? And so we figured it out together, in those big moments that would go by too fast — Thanksgivings and state championships, birthdays and weddings — in the mundane ones we didn’t even know for shaping our lives — reading stories piled on the couch, rowdy Sunday dinners and arguments. Listening to the faint sounds of laughter that would float downstairs as Joe put the kids to bed every night while I studied for grad school or graded papers under the pale yellow kitchen lamp, the dinner dishes waiting in the sink.
We found that love holds a family together. Love makes us flexible and resilient. It allows us to become more than ourselves, together, and though it can’t protect us from the sorrows of life, it gives us refuge, a home. How do you make a broken family whole? The same way you make a nation whole: with love and understanding and with small acts of kindness. With bravery, with unwavering faith. We show up for each other in big ways and small ones again and again.
It’s what so many of you are doing right now for your loved ones, for complete strangers, for your communities. There are those who want to tell us that our country is hopelessly divided, that our differences are irreconcilable. But that’s not what I’ve seen. We’re holding onto each other and coming together. We’re finding mercy and … differences are precious and our similarities this nation still beats with kindness and courage. That’s the soul of America Joe Biden is fighting for now.
After our son Beau died of cancer, I wondered if I would ever smile or feel joy again. It was summer, but there was no warmth left for me. Four days after Beau’s funeral, I watched Joe shave and put on his suit. I saw him steel himself in the mirror, take a breath, put his shoulders back, and walk out into a world empty of our son. He went back to work. That’s just who he is.
There are times when I couldn’t even imagine how he did it. How he put one foot in front of the other and kept going. But I’ve always understood why he did it — for the daughter who convinces her mom to finally get a breast cancer screening and misses work to drive her to the clinic, for the community college student who has faced homelessness and survived abuse but finds the grit to finish her degree and make a good life for her kids. For the little boy whose mom is serving as a Marine in Iraq, who puts on a brave face in his video call and doesn’t complain when the only thing he wants for his birthday is to be with her. For all those people Joe gives his personal phone number to at rope lines and events. The ones he talks to for hours after dinner, helping them smile through their loss, letting them know that they aren’t alone. He does it for you.
Joe’s purpose has always driven him forward. His strength of will is unstoppable, and his faith is unshakable. Because it’s not in politicians or political parties or even in himself — it’s in the providence of God. His faith is in you, in us. Yes, so many classrooms are quiet right now. The playgrounds are still. But if you listen closely, you can hear the sparks of change in the air. Across the country, educators, parents, first responders, Americans of all walks of life are putting their shoulders back, fighting for each other. We haven’t given up.
We just need leadership worthy of our nation. Worthy of you. Honest leadership to bring us back to together, to recover from this pandemic and prepare for whatever else is next. Leadership to reimagine what our nation will be. That’s Joe. He and Kamala will work as hard as you do every day to make this nation better. And if I have the honor of serving as your first lady, I will, too. And with Joe as president, these classrooms will ring out with laughter and possibility once again.
The burdens we carry are heavy, and we need someone with strong shoulders. I know that if we entrust this nation to Joe, he will do for your family what he did for ours. Bring us together and make us whole, carry us forward in our time of need, keep the promise of America for all of us.
Will you become our 20,000th supporter? When the economy took a downturn in the spring and we started asking readers for financial contributions, we weren’t sure how it would go. Today, we’re humbled to say that nearly 20,000 people have chipped in. The reason is both lovely and surprising: Readers told us that they contribute both because they value explanation and because they value that other people can access it, too. We have always believed that explanatory journalism is vital for a functioning democracy. That’s never been more important than today, during a public health crisis, racial justice protests, a recession, and a presidential election. But our distinctive explanatory journalism is expensive, and advertising alone won’t let us keep creating it at the quality and volume this moment requires. Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation, but it will help keep Vox free for all. Contribute today from as little as $3.


vox--2020-08-19--Trump just embraced followers of the violent QAnon conspiracy movement

President Donald Trump for the first time embraced the growing conspiracy movement QAnon , despite its followers having been identified as a potential domestic terrorism threat by the FBI and linked to numerous acts of violence .
In a White House press briefing on Wednesday , Trump told a reporter , “ I don ’ t know much about the movement other than I understand they like me very much , which I appreciate.
” Born in 2017 on the internet forum 4Chan , QAnon is a collection of blatantly false conspiracy theories that push the idea that a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including a “ deep state ” of officials within the US government who are said to be plotting against Trump .
In the past few weeks , QAnon has been accelerating its years-long shift into the political mainstream .
Last week , congressional candidate Marjorie Taylor Greene won the Republican nomination for Georgia ’ s 14th Congressional District , making her the first open QAnon supporter to likely be elected into the House of Representatives this fall .
Several other QAnon supporters are also running as Republican candidates across the US .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether they were a serious signal of his potential belief in QAnon or just his usual pandering to any enthusiastic base of supporters — are lending the troubling group more legitimacy .
When the reporter followed up to ask Trump if he backs QAnon ’ s conspiracy theory that he is “ secretly saving the world from this satanic cult of pedophiles , ” Trump replied : “ Well , I haven ’ t heard that , but is that supposed to be a bad thing or a good thing ?
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world from problems , I ’ m willing to do it , and I will put myself out there.
” In May 2019 , the FBI identified QAnon as a potential domestic terrorism threat .
Some QAnon followers have committed acts of violence inspired by their beliefs , including attempted arson and blocking a bridge with a homemade armored vehicle full of weapons .
Although it appears that only a minority of QAnon believers so far have engaged in violence in support of the movement , many experts have expressed concern about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its followers .
In the past few years , QAnon has gained significant traction on social media platforms like Facebook , Twitter , and YouTube , where its claims have been shared with millions of people , according to an internal Facebook investigation .
Although some of these major social media platforms have recently tried to limit QAnon ’ s spread ( on Wednesday , Facebook said it took down nearly 800 Facebook QAnon Groups ) , the conspiracy theory has already amassed influence in the political and cultural sphere .
While Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past on social media , his remarks on Wednesday were the first time he has directly said something positive about the group .
Rather than denouncing QAnon ’ s links to senseless violence , Trump seemed to welcome his role as the messiah of a movement .
His comments demonstrate how QAnon has expanded beyond being a fringe conspiracy theory promoted in dark corners of the internet to become part of mainstream political discourse .
While a few Republican senators have openly denounced QAnon , they ’ ve been the exception so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political leaders have either stayed quiet or showed support for Greene and other QAnon-supporting political candidates .
Trump ’ s comments on Wednesday have extended a more official welcome to QAnon ’ s followers into the Republican Party .
Will you become our 20,000th supporter ?
When the economy took a downturn in the spring and we started asking readers for financial contributions , we weren ’ t sure how it would go .
Today , we ’ re humbled to say that nearly 20,000 people have chipped in .
The reason is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us that they contribute both because they value explanation and because they value that other people can access it , too .
We have always believed that explanatory journalism is vital for a functioning democracy .
That ’ s never been more important than today , during a public health crisis , racial justice protests , a recession , and a presidential election .
But our distinctive explanatory journalism is expensive , and advertising alone won ’ t let us keep creating it at the quality and volume this moment requires .
Your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it will help keep Vox free for all .
Contribute today from as little as $ 3 .

President Donald Trump for the first time embraced the growing conspiracy movement QAnon, despite its followers having been identified as a potential domestic terrorism threat by the FBI and linked to numerous acts of violence.
In a White House press briefing on Wednesday, Trump told a reporter, “I don’t know much about the movement other than I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate.”
Born in 2017 on the internet forum 4Chan, QAnon is a collection of blatantly false conspiracy theories that push the idea that a group of Satan-worshiping pedophiles secretly run the world, including a “deep state” of officials within the US government who are said to be plotting against Trump.
In the past few weeks, QAnon has been accelerating its years-long shift into the political mainstream. Last week, congressional candidate Marjorie Taylor Greene won the Republican nomination for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, making her the first open QAnon supporter to likely be elected into the House of Representatives this fall. Several other QAnon supporters are also running as Republican candidates across the US. Now, Trump’s comments — whether they were a serious signal of his potential belief in QAnon or just his usual pandering to any enthusiastic base of supporters — are lending the troubling group more legitimacy.
When the reporter followed up to ask Trump if he backs QAnon’s conspiracy theory that he is “secretly saving the world from this satanic cult of pedophiles,” Trump replied:
“Well, I haven’t heard that, but is that supposed to be a bad thing or a good thing?” He continued, “If I help save the world from problems, I’m willing to do it, and I will put myself out there.”
In May 2019, the FBI identified QAnon as a potential domestic terrorism threat. Some QAnon followers have committed acts of violence inspired by their beliefs, including attempted arson and blocking a bridge with a homemade armored vehicle full of weapons. Although it appears that only a minority of QAnon believers so far have engaged in violence in support of the movement, many experts have expressed concern about how its conspiracy theories can quickly radicalize its followers.
In the past few years, QAnon has gained significant traction on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, where its claims have been shared with millions of people, according to an internal Facebook investigation. Although some of these major social media platforms have recently tried to limit QAnon’s spread (on Wednesday, Facebook said it took down nearly 800 Facebook QAnon Groups), the conspiracy theory has already amassed influence in the political and cultural sphere.
While Trump has promoted posts from QAnon followers in the past on social media, his remarks on Wednesday were the first time he has directly said something positive about the group. Rather than denouncing QAnon’s links to senseless violence, Trump seemed to welcome his role as the messiah of a movement. His comments demonstrate how QAnon has expanded beyond being a fringe conspiracy theory promoted in dark corners of the internet to become part of mainstream political discourse.
While a few Republican senators have openly denounced QAnon, they’ve been the exception so far in their party. Most Republican political leaders have either stayed quiet or showed support for Greene and other QAnon-supporting political candidates.
Trump’s comments on Wednesday have extended a more official welcome to QAnon’s followers into the Republican Party.
Will you become our 20,000th supporter? When the economy took a downturn in the spring and we started asking readers for financial contributions, we weren’t sure how it would go. Today, we’re humbled to say that nearly 20,000 people have chipped in. The reason is both lovely and surprising: Readers told us that they contribute both because they value explanation and because they value that other people can access it, too. We have always believed that explanatory journalism is vital for a functioning democracy. That’s never been more important than today, during a public health crisis, racial justice protests, a recession, and a presidential election. But our distinctive explanatory journalism is expensive, and advertising alone won’t let us keep creating it at the quality and volume this moment requires. Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation, but it will help keep Vox free for all. Contribute today from as little as $3.


vox--2020-08-19--The Democratic National Convention’s speaker lineup and how to watch

The Democratic National Convention has gone fully virtual this year .
Rather than days of full programming , the convention will be condensed into two hours of televised speeches each day spread out from Monday , August 17 , to Thursday , August 20 .
Former Vice President Joe Biden is set to accept his party ’ s nomination on Thursday night from his home in Delaware , rather than the original planned location of Milwaukee , Wisconsin .
Fears about the Covid-19 outbreak and the potential to spread the virus even with a severely reduced crowd caused the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convention .
Starting at 9 Eastern each night , the Democratic convention will be broadcast on all major television networks , social media sites like Facebook , Twitter , and YouTube , and streaming services like Apple TV and Roku .
The convention will also be streamed live from the DNC ’ s website .
The DNC lineup features big Democratic names including former first lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama , Sen. Bernie Sanders , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , and Sens .
Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren .
Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate and Ohio Gov .
John Kasich , who delivered an appeal to his fellow Republicans to support Biden for president .
The week will culminate with Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris accepting their nominations to be president and vice president .
The lineup has not been without controversy .
Ocasio-Cortez was given just one minute of speaking time on Tuesday ; she served as one of the officials symbolically nominating Sanders , who crossed the delegate threshold for nomination to the ticket .
Many progressives have criticized the decision — Ocasio-Cortez is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Party and among its brightest young stars , and she is a compelling speaker .
But Politico reported moderate Democrats worried giving her too high a profile would allow Republicans to paint Biden as a “ vessel ” of the left .
The New York Congress member responded by tweeting out a poem by Benjamin E. Mays , “ I have only just a minute , ” which the late Rep. Elijah Cummings recited in his first speech to Congress in 1996 , and ultimately used her limited time to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There has also been outcry that former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro , the only Latino candidate in the 2020 primary field , won ’ t deliver an address during the event .
Initially , former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang was left off the list of speakers , but the entrepreneur said he has since been added .
Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg has been given a slot as well .
Some progressives have expressed dismay at the DNC ’ s apparent prioritization of figures like Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the show goes on .
These bigger names are giving speeches Monday through Thursday , alongside American business owners , teachers , factory workers , and front-line health care workers .
Here ’ s the lineup of speakers at this year ’ s Democratic National Convention ( which is still subject to change ) .
There will be a slate of speakers each night , including former presidents and sitting US senators , governors , and US representatives .
The themes for each day ( and links to our coverage ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come , broken out by day .
The third night of the convention has the theme of “ A More Perfect Union , ” and will feature Sen. Kamala Harris officially accepting her nomination for vice president .
Full run-of-show is listed below , with descriptions from the Democratic National Convention ’ s media guidance .
• Remarks by DeAndra Dycus , a mother whose son was left paralyzed by a stray bullet at the age of 13 • Remarks by former US Rep. Gabrielle Giffords , a gun control activist • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigrant in North Carolina , along with her daughters Jessica ( a DREAMer ) and Lucy • Remarks by Hillary Clinton , the 2016 Democratic nominee for president and a former US secretary of state • Remarks by US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi • Remarks by Mariska Hargitay , American actress and advocate ; Ruth Glenn , CEO and president of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence ; and Carly Dryden , at-large regional adviser of “ It ’ s On Us ” • A presentation highlighting Biden ’ s work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Against Women Act • A conversation between Biden and union workers focused on economic revitalization • A conversation between Sen. Sherrod Brown ( D-OH ) , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti , and Rep. Cindy Axne ( D-IA ) and small-business owners about the current state of the economy • Former Vice President Joe Biden accepts the Democratic nomination for president Why the DNC is virtual this year In previous years , the national party convention would be a moment for unity and celebration .
But amid a once-in-a-century pandemic that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counting , Democrats are hoping their virtual convention sends a larger message about how their nominee plans to govern in a time of national crisis .
With an absence of federal leadership from President Donald Trump , the Biden campaign and national Democrats are portraying themselves as the party of responsibility .
“ I ’ ve wanted to set an example as to how we should respond individually to this crisis , ” Biden said at a recent virtual fundraiser , speaking about the virtual convention .
“ From the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear .
... Science matters.
” Democrats have known for months that the coronavirus meant the normal throng of thousands of cheering delegates was out of the question .
A recent public health order from Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett would have limited the convention ’ s in-person capacity to 250 people , but coronavirus cases in Wisconsin are also still on the rise , and interstate travel comes with risk .
Even with stringent safety measures like mandatory masks and daily temperature checks already in place , some Democrats feared even the sparsest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After Trump ’ s June rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , coronavirus cases in that city surged , and former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain died of Covid-19 .
Democrats didn ’ t want to risk any new cases emerging from their national convention .
“ From the very beginning of this pandemic , we put the health and safety of the American people first , ” DNC Chair Tom Perez said in a statement .
“ We followed the science , listened to doctors and public health experts , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to protect lives .
That ’ s the kind of steady and responsible leadership America deserves .
And that ’ s the leadership Joe Biden will bring to the White House.
” Democrats want one message to dominate their convention : Where Trump has failed , Biden will lead America out of its current crisis .
“ People care about one thing : They care about being safe , ” former Virginia Gov .
Terry McAuliffe told Vox .
“ It ’ s a totally different dynamic ; we have one message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will you become our 20,000th supporter ?
When the economy took a downturn in the spring and we started asking readers for financial contributions , we weren ’ t sure how it would go .
Today , we ’ re humbled to say that nearly 20,000 people have chipped in .
The reason is both lovely and surprising : Readers told us that they contribute both because they value explanation and because they value that other people can access it , too .
We have always believed that explanatory journalism is vital for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never been more important than today , during a public health crisis , racial justice protests , a recession , and a presidential election .
But our distinctive explanatory journalism is expensive , and advertising alone won ’ t let us keep creating it at the quality and volume this moment requires .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will help keep Vox free for all .
Contribute today from as little as $ 3 .

The Democratic National Convention has gone fully virtual this year.
Rather than days of full programming, the convention has been condensed into two hours of televised speeches a day spread out from Monday, August 17, to Thursday, August 20. Former Vice President Joe Biden is set to accept his party’s nomination on Thursday night from his home in Delaware, rather than the original planned location of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Fears about the Covid-19 outbreak and the potential to spread the virus even with a severely reduced crowd caused the Democratic National Committee to scrap its in-person Milwaukee convention.
Starting at 9 Eastern each night, the Democratic convention has been broadcast on all major television networks, social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and streaming services such as Apple TV and Roku. The convention will also be streamed live from the DNC’s website.
In its first three nights, the DNC lineup featured big Democratic names including former first lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren. Monday, the convention also featured former Republican presidential candidate and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who delivered an appeal to his fellow Republicans to support Biden for president. The week will culminate with Biden accepting his nomination to be president on Thursday, one day after Sen. Kamala Harris accepted her vice presidential nomination.
The lineup has not been without controversy. Ocasio-Cortez was given just one minute of speaking time on Tuesday; she served as one of the officials symbolically nominating Sanders, who crossed the delegate threshold for nomination to the ticket.
Many progressives criticized the decision — Ocasio-Cortez is one of the highest-profile members of the Democratic Party and among its brightest young stars, and she is a compelling speaker. But Politico reported moderate Democrats worried giving her too high a profile would allow Republicans to paint Biden as a “vessel” of the left.
The New York Congress member responded by tweeting out a poem by Benjamin E. Mays, “I have only just a minute,” which the late Rep. Elijah Cummings recited in his first speech to Congress in 1996, and ultimately used her limited time to make a compact case for sweeping progressive reforms.
“I only have a minute.
Sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon me, I did not choose it,
But I know that I must use it.
Give account if I abuse it.
Suffer, if I lose it.
Only a tiny little minute,
But eternity is in it.”
- Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
(and recited by Elijah Cummings) https://t.co/ul9CE7NriV — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) August 12, 2020
There has also been outcry that former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro, the only Latino candidate in the 2020 primary field, was not invited to deliver an address during the event. Initially, former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang was left off the list of speakers, but the entrepreneur said he has since been added — Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg has been given a slot as well. Both are expected to speak Thursday evening. Throughout the proceedings, some progressives have expressed dismay at the DNC’s apparent prioritization of figures like Bloomberg and Kasich over Castro and Ocasio-Cortez.
But the show goes on, with these bigger names giving speeches Monday through Thursday, alongside American business owners, teachers, factory workers, and front-line health care workers.
Here’s the lineup of speakers at this year’s Democratic National Convention (which is still subject to change).
The DNC speaker schedule and lineup
There will be a slate of speakers each night, including former presidents and sitting US senators, governors, and US representatives. The themes for each day (and links to our coverage):
Here’s the list of Thursday night’s speakers:
The fourth and final night of the 2020 convention has the theme of “America’s Promise,” and will feature former Vice President Joe Biden officially accepting the nomination for president. Full run-of-show is listed below, with descriptions from the Democratic National Convention’s media guidance.
“This Time Next Year:” A short presentation from a diverse group of Americans on how they imagine their lives one year into a Biden presidency
Remarks by Andrew Yang, American businessman
Introduction by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, American actress
Pledge of Allegiance, led by Rep. Cedric Richmond Jr. (D-LA)
National anthem, performed by the Chicks
Invocation by Sister Simone Campbell, American Roman Catholic religious sister
Remarks by Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE)
Remarks by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms
A tribute to John Lewis directed by Dawn Porter, director of the film John Lewis: Good Trouble
Performance by John Legend, American singer-songwriter, and Common, American rapper, actor, and writer
Remarks by Jon Meacham, American writer and author
Remarks by Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM)
Remarks by California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
Remarks by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)
“You Built America”: A conversation between Biden and a panel of union workers from around the US
Remarks by former Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Vivek Murthy
Remarks by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
A presentation on Biden’s plan for supporting military families
Remarks by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
A video tribute to Biden’s late son, former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden
Remarks by former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg
“United We Stand:” A presentation on Biden’s candidacy from his Democratic primary rivals, including Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and businessman Andrew Yang
Remarks by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg
A short film on the Biden family, focused on Biden’s grandchildren
Remarks by Biden’s daughter and son, Ashley Biden and Hunter Biden
A brief video biography of Biden
Remarks and acceptance speech by Joe Biden
Why the DNC is virtual this year
In previous years, the national party convention would be a moment for unity and celebration. But amid a once-in-a-century pandemic that’s claimed more than 163,000 American lives and counting, Democrats are hoping their virtual convention sends a larger message about how their nominee plans to govern in a time of national crisis.
With an absence of federal leadership from President Donald Trump, the Biden campaign and national Democrats are portraying themselves as the party of responsibility.
“I’ve wanted to set an example as to how we should respond individually to this crisis,” Biden said at a recent virtual fundraiser, speaking about the virtual convention. “From the start of the process, we’ve made it clear. ... Science matters.”
Democrats have known for months that the coronavirus meant the normal throng of thousands of cheering delegates was out of the question. A recent public health order from Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett would have limited the convention’s in-person capacity to 250 people, but coronavirus cases in Wisconsin are also still on the rise, and interstate travel comes with risk.
Even with stringent safety measures like mandatory masks and daily temperature checks already in place, some Democrats feared even the sparsest indoors convention could still potentially spread Covid-19. After Trump’s June rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, coronavirus cases in that city surged, and former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain died of Covid-19. Democrats didn’t want to risk any new cases emerging from their national convention.
“From the very beginning of this pandemic, we put the health and safety of the American people first,” DNC Chair Tom Perez said in a statement. “We followed the science, listened to doctors and public health experts, and we continued making adjustments to our plans in order to protect lives. That’s the kind of steady and responsible leadership America deserves. And that’s the leadership Joe Biden will bring to the White House.”
Democrats wanted one message to dominate their convention: Where Trump has failed, Biden will lead America out of its current crisis.
“People care about one thing: They care about being safe,” former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe told Vox. “It’s a totally different dynamic; we have one message to come out of that convention.”
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