WATCH LIVE: 2024 Democratic National Convention Night 1

The Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday, Aug. 19 in Chicago, as Vice President Kamala Harris steps into the spotlight as the party’s presidential nominee.
It’s been mere weeks since Harris leaped into the race, endorsed by President Joe Biden when he decided to step aside. He’ll champion her again when he speaks to the convention on Night 1, capping off a five-decade career in politics that reached its pinnacle in the White House.
Other speakers on Monday include United Automobile Workers president Shawn Fain, New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn.
Our direct feed of the convention floor begins at 6:15 p.m. EDT. Watch live in our player above.
PBS News will have gavel-to-gavel special coverage each day of the convention, with a continuous stream from the main floor.
The News Hour broadcast begins at 6 p.m. EDT from the anchor desk in Chicago. Starting at 8, Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett host on-air special analysis with a group of panelists and special guests, while correspondent Laura Barrón-López reports from the convention floor, talking to delegates and elected officials.
PBS News special coverage begins at 8 p.m. EDT. Watch below.

When special coverage ends each night around 11 p.m. EDT, digital video producer Deema Zein will host a live chat with Barrón-López on major takeaways.
You can also follow PBS News coverage on YouTube, X, Facebook and TikTok, and see highlights on our Instagram.