[Ads /]
For the Illinois delegation, women leaders and women's rights will be the highlight as they come off a successful first night with a speech from former First Lady Michelle Obama. Tuesday's plan includes two former presidents who are expected to champion Joe Biden's experience and reputation. They are said to continue their efforts to portray Biden as everything President Donald Trump is not.
RELATED: Democratic National Convention: Dems to focus on Trump's global leadership deficit for Day 2
DNC Day 2 preview: AOC, Bill Clinton, Jill Biden to speak
One of those watching closely this year is Victor Shi. At just 18-years-old, the recent Stephenson High School graduate is the youngest Illinois delegate at the 2020 DNC.
"The biggest takeaway for me was just seeing the importance of defeating Donald Trump," Shi said. "We saw that with Michelle Obama, Bernie Sanders, really stressing the importance of electing Democrats up and down the ballot."
Shi even appeared in a brief video clip Monday night, sharing his support for Joe Biden.
RELATED: 2020 Democratic National Convention night 1: Left and Not-So-Left unite against Trump
[Ads /]
Michelle Obama assails Trump as Democrats open convention
"I know that Joe Biden is the person to restore the values that we hold so near and dear to our hearts," said Shi, who says Biden can attract young people. "When Bernie Sanders dropped out, there was some hesitancy from on behalf of the younger generation to support Joe Biden, but what we've seen since is really promising."
VIDEOS: Watch Michelle Obama, Bernie Sanders, more deliver remarks for Day 1 of the DNC
Watch former first lady Michelle Obama's full remarks on the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
Women's rights are a big focus Tuesday as the country marks the 100th anniversary of their right to vote.
"This is a moment for women, a transformational moment," said Jan Schakowsky. "A lot can be said about this President and the sexism that he exhibits every single day."
[Ads /]
RELATED: President Trump to pardon women's suffrage leader Susan B. Anthony
Lori Lightfoot, Chicago's first openly gay black woman mayor, also joined former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and others in the LGBTQ caucus rallying in support of Joe Biden.
"We, the LGBTQ plus movement, have learned to fight for our rights. We've learned to fight like hell and organize. We've learned to lead, the mayor said.
RELATED: Everything to know about the 2020 Democratic National Convention
Former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton are among the big-name speakers Tuesday night, with rising star Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez also having a part; although, she reportedly was only given one minute for a recorded message. Former Second Lady Jill Biden is the keynote speaker.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza also chimed in, saying "our country's soul and the very fabric of our democracy is at stake with Donald Trump at the helm. And it's really our moral and civil civic obligation to get out as women and set our country on a better course."
But virtual meetings are presenting a challenge for firing up voters and generating the post-convention bounce, North Central College Professor Stephen Maynard Caliendo said. He teaches political science at the Naperville school.
"It's hard to generate that; the cutaways to people in their living rooms and watch parties applauding after the speeches were probably the best attempt that could have been done because people can't be together, but it still falls rather flat when you're at home watching it on television," he said.