Sen. Tammy Baldwin delivers DNC speech, promises Dems will preserve social security
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., took the stage at the Democratic convention in Chicago on Thursday, speaking of the importance of preserving social security and her endorsement of the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz presidential ticket.
Baldwin connected with the family-forward messaging seen in Walz’s acceptance speech on Wednesday, opening with an anecdote about her family.
“We know that all families don’t look alike. My mother was a teenager when I was born, and she struggled with addiction. I never met my father. But I had two incredible grandparents who stepped in and raised me,” Baldwin said. “When I work to protect Medicare and social security, I do it with a personal knowledge of what those big programs meant in small but deeply meaningful ways to my grandparents.”
More: DNC live updates: Elizabeth Warren gives emotional speech, Kamala Harris to take the stage
Baldwin contrasted her position, and that of the Democratic party, with that of Donald Trump, who in the past said that he was “open to” cuts on Social Security and Medicare. Baldwin said that Harris and Walz would protect Social Security and ended the speech with an upbeat shoutout to her home state.
“We Democrats, we honor our elders and ask the wealthy to pay their fair share,” Baldwin said. “Wisconsin’s state motto is “Forward,” and my friends, that’s where we’re headed,” Baldwin said.
The DNC takes place in Chicago through Thursday evening, when Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to formally accept the party’s presidential nomination.
What to know about Sen. Tammy Baldwin
- Who is she? Baldwin was first elected into the U.S. Senate in 2012 and is running against Republican Eric Hovde in the general election in November in what is projected to be a close race. Baldwin’s seat is a priority for both parties as the Democrats fight to maintain their slim majority in the Senate.
- What role does she play? After growing up with a mother affected by opioid addiction, Baldwin worked in the U.S. Senate to support local prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts throughout the state. She also authored legislation signed into law by President Obama that strengthened oversight of the VA’s opioid prescribing practices and provided safer and more effective care for veterans. Baldwin also championed the Affordable Care Act and the RAISE Family Caregivers Act.
- Key quote: “My grandparents were there for me, and as they grew older, it was my privilege to be there for them. So when I work to protect Medicare and Social Security, I do it with a personal knowledge of what those big programs meant in small but deeply meaningful ways to my grandparents,” she added.
Watch Baldwin’s full DNC Convention speech here:
When and where is the DNC
The Democratic National Committee 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 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”