MILWAUKEE (SPECTRUM NEWS) — The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) announced the lineup of people that will speak at the 2020 Democratic National Convention (DNC) next week.
According to the DNCC, the speakers come from different backgrounds, communities, and political affiliations.
“Over the last several months in planning this convention, we had two goals in mind: to include more Americans than ever before, and to ensure that all Americans see themselves reflected in what they were viewing,” 2020 DNC Program Executive Stephanie Cutter said. “These are the stories of the millions of working Americans that are struggling in the Trump recession, and as a result of Trump's complete mismanagement of the COVID crisis. Like the overwhelming majority of the American people, they are looking for a steady, experienced leader who is fighting for them, not for himself or for those at the top.”
A sample of the speakers, as noted by the DNCC in a media release, includes:
Rick Telesz - Lawrence County, Pennsylvania: Rick runs a farm that has been in his family for generations. In 2016, Rick voted for Trump, but after seeing how Trump’s trade war has threatened his family farm, he plans to vote for Joe Biden.
Aldo Martinez - Fort Myers, Florida: Aldo is a paramedic responding to 911 calls, and a DACA recipient on the frontlines of COVID. Born and raised in Mexico City, Aldo immigrated to the U.S at the age of 12. He previously worked in one of the busiest emergency rooms in the country. Aldo wants a President who will fight for people like him, so he can focus on caring for others and becoming a surgeon.
Luz Chaparro Hernandez - Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Luz is a mom, teacher and member of the National Education Association (NEA). She teaches a bilingual program for second and third graders at a Milwaukee elementary school. When the pandemic began, Luz had to quickly adjust in order to continue teaching children against the backdrop of a pandemic. She is hopeful about the future, but concerned for her students' safety and wellbeing.
Dr. Angie Taylor - Reno, Nevada: Dr. Taylor is an assistant pastor and cancer survivor who understands firsthand why providing safe and affordable care to all Americans is a sacred, moral obligation. That’s why Dr. Taylor is a passionate believer that we must protect and strengthen the Affordable Care Act—which is why she’s voting for Joe Biden.
DeAndra Dycus - Indianapolis, Indiana: In 2014, DeAndra’s 13-year-old son, Dre, an honor student and star athlete, was shot and sustained major injuries at a birthday party he was attending. DeAndra started a non-profit dedicated to helping families and survivors of gun violence, and she volunteers with the Everytown Survivor Network and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
Jeff Jeans - Sedona, Arizona: Jeff was a conservative Republican his whole life. When the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, Jeff strongly opposed the legislation. Later, when Jeff’s employer went out of business and he no longer had health insurance coverage, Jeff was diagnosed with throat cancer. Because of the Affordable Care Act, Jeff was able to get covered even though he had a preexisting condition. Jeff received his cancer treatments, and they saved his life. He’s now a supporter of the Affordable Care Act—and Joe Biden.
Gerald Lang - Lake Orion, Michigan: Gerald is a proud United Auto Worker (UAW) and team leader at a General Motors assembly plant in Lake Orion, Michigan. Increasingly, Gerald and his team are building clean, electric vehicles, including the Chevy Electric Bolt. The auto industry has been through a lot in recent years, and Gerald wants a president who will fight for workers like him, so that American workers build American cars in America. That’s why Gerald supports those who support America’s workers, like Joe Biden.
Natasha Taylor - Atlanta, Georgia: Natasha drives a bus for MARTA, the public transit system in Atlanta. She takes great pride in helping people travel across Atlanta, but she worries about her safety amidst the pandemic. Natasha is a proud member of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 732, and a strong Joe Biden supporter.
Julie Buckholt - Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Julie is a retired educator, who—like her two daughters—suffers from Myasthenia Gravis. Julie is grateful for the protections in the Affordable Care Act, and for the peace of mind it provides her and her family. She opposes Donald Trump’s efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and she is voting for Joe Biden in November.
Additional speakers will be announced in the coming days.
The DNCC also recently announced the themes that will guide each of the four nights of convention programming, with “Uniting America” serving as the primary theme.
“The message we aim to deliver is simple: Joe Biden is the steady, compassionate and experienced leader America needs right now to bring us together and steer our nation out of Trump’s crises and constant chaos and build a better future for all,” Cutter said.
Over the course of the four nights, programming centered around the following thematics will aim to unite Americans from coast-to-coast, per the DNCC:
Monday, August 17: We the People—This convention is about Americans rising up to take our country back—and move forward as a nation together. As we have learned throughout our history, when we stand united, we can overcome anything, including the monumental challenges we face today. With Joe Biden as president, ‘we the people’ will mean all the people.
Tuesday, August 18: Leadership Matters—A moment like now demands real leadership. A leader who has the experience and character to meet the moment. A leader who will unite us, tell us the truth, take responsibility, listen to experts and be an example for the nation. Strong people and strong countries rise up during crises, don’t shy away from what is tough, and lead with competence. With Joe Biden as our president, we will restore honesty and integrity to our government, and stake out a renewed leadership role in the world. And we will create more justice, more fairness and more equality for all.
Wednesday, August 19: A More Perfect Union—We are not going back to where we were before Donald Trump’s economy and mishandling of the pandemic—for too many Americans, that wasn’t good enough. As president, Joe Biden will lead us to a better America we know is possible. As he leads us out of Trump’s chaos and crises, he will help America build back better.
Thursday, August 20: America’s Promise—The measure of a president is the same as the measure of a person: What principles guide them? How do they handle adversity? Being president doesn’t change who you are, it reveals who you are. Joe Biden is a good man who believes in the promise of America, and as president, he will deliver on that promise for all.
The official live stream for the 2020 DNC will be hosted on DemConvention.com over four nights from August 17-20. Convention programming will air from 8-10 p.m. CST.