Bernie Sanders will join a host of Democratic heavyweights in addressing the party’s national convention later this month in Philadelphia, underscoring Democrats’ desire to draw a contrast with Donald Trump by highlighting their party’s unity. The theme for the convention is “Stronger Together,” Hillary Clinton’s new campaign slogan, and it will feature appearances from Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Joe Biden and more, the party announced Friday.
The convention will put an emphasis on families, reflecting Democrats’ belief that suburban and married women are key to their path to victory. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has also been offered a prime speaking slot, party sources told NBC News, but her name was not included in a press release announcing the speakers. Sanders, who endorsed Clinton earlier this week, will speak on the first night of the convention, a week from Monday. First Lady Michelle Obama will also speak that night, along with immigration reform activist Astrid Silva.
Bill Clinton will address the convention Tuesday night, which will also feature the roll call vote that will officially nominate his wife. It will also include the “Mothers of the Movement,” the relatives of young people of color killed by gun violence. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will speak Wednesday, with a focus on the stakes of the election and the progress made under their administration. On the final night of the convention, Hillary Clinton will address the party faithful along with her daughter Chelsea Clinton.
Democrats believe the speaking list shows they have an embarrassment of riches, while Trump has struggled to attract top-Republicans to his party’s convention , which kicks off Monday in Cleveland. On Thursday night, the celebrity who had reportedly been given top speaker billing at the RNC, NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, dismissed the news as “a rumor.”
(NBC News)
