Former President Jimmy Carter To Speak At Night Two Of Democratic Convention

TOPLINE

The Democratic Convention is rolling out some of its heavy hitters for its second night of prime-time programming, with a slew of young rising stars, scions of political dynasties and former Presidents speaking, including one late addition: former President Jimmy Carter.

KEY FACTS

Surprising Fact

Night two will feature not only two former presidents, but the scions of two iconic presidential dynasties. James Roosevelt III, an attorney and grandson of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, serves as the co-chair of the Rules and Bylaws Committee of the convention. Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy, daughter of John F. Kennedy, will speak alongside her son, Jack Schlossberg.

Crucial Quote

Kerry gave a preview of his remarks at a Biden campaign press briefing on Monday. “For the first time in my memory as a public person and even back when I was in the military, the United States of America is not the leader of the free world,” he told reporters. “The world does not have a leader of the free world at the moment.”

Chief Critic

Progressives have hit at the DNC for only giving Ocasio-Cortez 60 seconds to speak, in contrast with the several minutes given to former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican. “The DNC should really give AOC more time tonight,” tweeted former presidential candidate and tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang. “There aren’t many people who can cut through and convey a real message.”

Big Number

44%. Bill Clinton’s speech has also attracted some controversy. A YouGov/CBS News poll released Sunday found that 44% of Democrats oppose the former president speaking, while 42% oppose a speech by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who lost to Trump in the 2016 election.

What To Watch For

The convention will feature a “reimagined” roll call vote to nominate Biden, which Democratic Party spokesperson Xochitil Hinojosa says will “take convention viewers to all 57 states and territories over the course of 30 minutes.” Other notable speakers include former Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), DNC Chair Tom Perez, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), health care activist Ady Barkan, and Dr. Jill Biden.