Obamas, Clintons to headline Biden’s nominating convention

The Obamas and Clintons will have prominent speaking roles when former Vice President Joe Biden officially accepts the party’s presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention next week.

The mostly virtual convention will take place over four nights beginning on Monday and ending with Biden’s acceptance speech on Thursday.

Biden will accept the nomination over video from his home in Delaware, rather than travel to the convention site in Milwaukee, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Democrats have planned a four-night event to showcase the biggest names in Democratic and progressive politics, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican who opposes President Trump, will speak on the first night of the convention.

Former President Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will have speaking roles on Wednesday evening, the same night as Biden’s eventual running mate. Biden has not yet announced his VP pick, but the decision is expected shortly and he has committed to picking a woman.

Pelosi and Warren will also speak on Wednesday, when the theme will focus on how Biden and the first female vice president in U.S. history would lead the country out of the pandemic and economic crisis if elected.

It appears from the lineup card that Obama will close out the night on Wednesday. Biden served eight years as vice president under Obama, the nation’s first Black president.

Former first lady Michelle Obama, a pop culture icon with a best-selling memoir, will close out the first night of the convention. Monday evening will also feature speeches from Sanders and Kasich, with a focus on the challenges the U.S. faces in dealing with COVID-19, unemployment and racial injustice.

Former President Clinton will speak on Tuesday before the night’s events are closed out by Biden’s wife, Jill Biden. Ocasio-Cortez also has a speaking role that evening, when the theme will be about making sure the government works toward the national interest, rather than for the political interests of insiders.

Leading up to Biden’s acceptance speech on Thursday night, the party will showcase testimonials about Biden’s character, with remarks from people like former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).

The Democratic National Committee said other national leaders, advocates and celebrities will be added in the coming days.