'Too busy sucking up to dictators': Mark Kelly rips Trump on foreign policy at DNC
U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona joined a lineup of speakers at the Democratic convention on Thursday, marking the final evening of a whirlwind four-day event that saw Vice President Kamala Harris accepting her party's nomination for president.
Before his remarks, Kelly appeared on stage with his wife, former Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who shared her story of surviving a shooting that took place during a constituent meeting in Tucson in 2011. Giffords argued that Harris, if elected to the Oval Office, would fight for gun safety legislation.
Kelly, a Navy veteran, astronaut, and U.S. Senator elected to represent Arizona in 2020, focused his speech on the need to maintain critical alliances like NATO. He argued that it takes a team to secure the country against adversaries and maintain world peace. "Kamala Harris knows that standing with our allies means standing up for Americans," he said.
What to know about Arizona U.S. Senator Mark Kelly
- Who is he? U.S. Senator Mark Kelly is a former astronaut and U.S. Navy captain. Kelly was one of the final contenders for Harris' vice presidential pick before ultimately being passed over with Walz's selection.
- What role does he play? U.S. Senator representing a border state, a past critic of the Biden administration's border policies and serves as a centrist voice in the Democratic party.
- Key quote: "Donald Trump skipped his intelligence briefings, he was too busy sucking up to dictators and dreaming of becoming one himself," Kelly said.
Watch Sen. Mark Kelly's full speech here:
When and where is the DNC
The DNC will take place in Chicago from August 19-22.
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 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.
Paste BN 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"