Democratic National Convention kicks off with speakers including Michelle Obama, Bernie Sanders


ABC News Corona Virus Political Impact

Under the theme of unity, speakers will represent progressive, traditional platforms

Democrats will open their most virtual convention in Milwaukee on Monday under the theme Unity, with speakers representing the party’s progressive and traditional platforms.

“As we have learned throughout history, if we stand united, we can overcome everything, including the monumental challenges we face today,” the Democratic National Convention Commission said in a release.

Traditionally, political conventions are carefully choreographed live productions planned years in advance. But the coronavirus pandemic has reduced the nomination celebration to a minimal footprint in Milwaukee – with key programming and production details still in flux just days before it was set to begin.

Former first lady Michelle Obama will be the keynote speaker of the night, after staying 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.

ABC News Live will begin airing prime time every day at 7pm ET on the network’s steaming news channel and airing prime time airing from 10-11am ET every night of the convention on the ABC Television Network . Check back here for live updates from 7pm

Monday’s lineup of speakers:

  • First Chamber Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.
  • First Chamber Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.
  • Andrew Cuomo of New York
  • Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
  • Rep. Jim Clyburn, DS.C.
  • Congress Speaker Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss.
  • Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich
  • Rep Gwen Moore, D-Wis.
  • Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala.
  • First Chamber Member Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
  • Former First Lady Michelle Obama
  • ABC News’ Kendall Karson, John Verhovek and Benjamin Siegel contributed to this report.

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