Chicago DNC 2024 security fences coming down, streets reopening as officials celebrate success

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are returning to the city they once called home to take the stage in support of Harris' nomination.

The Obamas are expected to headline the convention's second night, a day after the unofficial farewell for Biden, who served eight years as Obama's vice president. Biden won't be in the hall to see his former running mate speak, having departed Chicago after his own speech.

According to the Harris campaign, Michelle Obama is expected to argue how Harris' experiences and values make her qualified to serve as president. Her husband, Harris campaign officials said, will focus on what Democrats need to do in order to defeat Trump in the general election.

In addition to the Obamas, Harris' husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, is also scheduled to give his speech on Tuesday night. Emhoff, the nation's first second gentleman, would also be the first man to be first gentleman if Harris is elected president.

Also on the schedule is Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a potential future presidential hopeful whose name for a time was mentioned as a possible running mate for Harris.

The Illinois delegation has a plum spot on the main convention floor at the United Center, seated just behind Harris' home state of California.

Chicago was chosen to host the convention in part because party leaders see this as a city and state where Democrats have delivered.

They were on their feet most of the night for President Biden's address, as much of the conversation on the convention floor centered on his legacy.

"When America was perhaps at its most vulnerable point, he brought us back, and we invested in the essential things that will keep our country running for many years," said U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia.

"I think he's the epitome of leadership. This is, this is what continuity looks like. This is what passing the torch is. This is ensuring the future of our country," said 11th Ward Ald. Nicoe Lee.

"He gets to take a bow and be remembered as the president who saved our democracy," said U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley.

Chicago was chosen to host the convention in part because party leaders see this as a city and state where Democrats have delivered.

"How do you balance budgets? How do you pay down debts? How do you stimulate the economy and grow jobs? We're doing it here in this microcosm of Illinois, and the Democrats are going to do it nationally," said Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

How many people are at the first night of the DNC?

It's so packed inside the United Center that if you leave the arena area, they aren't allowing you back into the arena area.

Nearly every seat is full.

The first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago got off to an eventful start, from protests and security breaches to the arrival of political luminaries, and new national poll numbers on the state of the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

ABC7's Liz Nagy gets you up to speed:

A refreshed Democratic Party is gathering for a valedictory speech from President Joe Biden, whose decision to end his reelection bid released newfound energy.