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What’s happening tonight at the Democratic convention
“Americans Coming Together” is the theme for the Sept. 5 program of the Democratic National Convention, which begins at 5 p.m. at the Times Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.
Attendees – and viewers – can expect to hear a lot about immigration, choice and labor, as well as LGBT equality and the economy, including from former employees of companies owned by Bain Capital.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, the convention committee chair, will call the convention to order.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first woman elected bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will deliver the invocation, which will be followed by the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and then the national anthem, performed by Branford Marsalis.
At the podium, early speakers including Chicago Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez, a leader in the campaign to enact the DREAM Act, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado, California Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, U.S. Rep. Judy Chu of California, Steve Westly of California, U.S. Rep. John Larson of Connecticut, Iowa deputy Ken Myers, AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka, U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, non-voting U.S. Rep. Pedro R. Pierluisi of Puerto Rico, Advanced Energy Economy co-founder Tom Steyer, U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Rep. Karen Bass of California, U.S. Rep. Al Green of Texas, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri and Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy.
About 8 p.m., Denis Juneau of the Montana Office of Public Instruction will speak, followed by U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, women of the U.S. Senate, Arne Duncan, Johanny Adames, former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt, former Charlotte Mayor Harvey B. Gantt, singer Jessica Sanchez, Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Bruce, Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards, U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, Ed Meagher, Gen. Eric Shinseki, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Sister Simone Campbell of the Roman Catholic social justice NETWORK and Delaware Gov. Jack Markell.
About 9 p.m., the delegates – and a TV audience – will hear from Karen Mills, Bill Butcher, California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, DREAM Act activist Benita Veliz, journalist Cristina Saralegui, women’s rights activist Sandra Fluke, CarMax CEO Austin Ligon, Karen Eusanio, UAW president Bob King, former employees of Bain Capital companies and U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.
At 10 p.m., former Costco CEO Jim Sinegal will speak, followed by U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren and then the nomination process set-up, followed by the nomination speech by former President Bill Clinton and then the roll call.
The last night of the convention, Sept. 6, will take place at the Times Warner Cable Arena instead of the Bank of America Stadium because of forecasts for severe weather. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will accept the party's nominations.
