2024-08-21 12:30:02
Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth spoke Tuesday at the second night of the Democratic National Convention, sending a message to American families and the Republican party about reproductive rights: “Stay out of our doctor’s offices!”
The second-term senator and Iraq War veteran, has been an advocate for in vitro fertilization rights and disability rights. Duckworth, who struggled for ten years with infertility, called the experience “more painful than any wound I earned on the battlefield.”
The convention is underway in Chicago until Thursday. On the first night, Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris made some surprise remarks and President Joe Biden capped off the evening with a speech recounting his achievements.
Democratic convention live updates:Barack Obama, Michelle Obama set to take the stage
Watch Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s full DNC speech here
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What to know about Sen. Tammy Duckworth
- Who is she? Illinois Senator, Iraq war veteran and advocate for veterans and families
- What role does she play? She is the first sitting Senator to give birth while in office. She is highlighting the distinction between Trump and Harris’ reproductive policies.
- Key quotes: “Trump’s anti-woman crusade has put other Americans’ right to have their own families at risk, cause if they win, Republicans will not stop at banning abortion. They will come for IVF next. They’ll prosecute doctors. They will shame and spy on women, and if you think that’s far-fetched, just look up what happened in Alabama last year.”
- “How dare the GOP endanger the dreams of countless veterans whose combat wounds prevent them from having kids without IVF, punishing our heroes for their willingness to serve. It’s simple, every American deserves the right to be called ‘Mommy’ or ‘Daddy’ without being treated like a criminal.”
When and where is the DNC
The Democratic National Convention will take place from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois.
The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the main venue for the DNC.
Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second time.
How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC
The convention will air live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.
USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.
What are the themes for each night of the DNC?
The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention. The title of the convention is “For the People, For Our Future.”
Here are the themes for each night:
- Monday: “For the People”
- Tuesday: “A Bold Vision for America’s Future”
- Wednesday: “A Fight for our Freedoms”
- Thursday: “For our Future”