Joe Biden wipes away a tear as daughter Ashley brings him on stage for his swansong convention speech

President Biden revealed he hasn't spoken to Nancy Pelosi since he dropped out of the race when asked if he was 'mad' at the former House Speaker.

The 81-year-old briefly addressed reporters before leaving Chicago for a week-long vacaction in California.

'No I haven’t spoken to her. No one made my decision but me. No one knew it was coming, ' Biden said.

He also address the Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

It’s still in play, but you can't predict. So far as of four hours ago, I've not spoken my team in four hours. Well as of six hours now. … Israel says they can work it out. … Hamas is now backing away

President Joe Biden mangled his words as his swan song speech at the Democratic National Convention was delayed until the dead of night.

Biden's keynote address - which concluded day No. 1 of the four-day Chicago gathering - didn't start until 10:25 p.m. local time and he concluded after clocks had struck midnight on the east coast.

The speech started with tears, with the president embracing daughter Ashley, who had introduced him, and ended with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and a flurry of Biden family members, including son Hunter by his side.

During the nearly hour-long address, the 81-year-old touted his record, trashed former President Donald Trump, mocked his own stutter and vowed to help Harris capture the White House in November.

'I promise I will be the best volunteer Harris and Walz's campaign has ever seen,' the president said.

President Joe Biden addressed the looming presence of pro-Palestinian agitators in Chicago during his swansong convention speech by admitting they 'have a point'.

Protesters demanding a ceasefire in Gaza were arrested near the convention site before the 81-year-old took the stage late on Monday night.

He then broached the elephant in the room, and added he was working constantly to end 'civilian suffering'.

We’ll keep working to bring hostages home and end the war in Gaza and bring peace and security to the Middle East.

Those folks down the street have a point: a lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides.

President Joe Biden also offered his full-throated support for Kamala Harris with a joke.

Grinning, he said: 'Like many of our best presidents, she was also vice president.'

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

In what came off as a farewell speech on the first night of the Democratic Convention, President Joe Biden was spared from his usual gaffes.

The 81-year-old got into a battle with the teleprompter when trying to say the phrase 'electoral power.'

In trying to quote the majority opinion of the Supreme Court in overturning Roe v. Wade, Biden said:

'Women are now without electrical... not allowed, excuse me, not without electoral, electoral... or political power.' No kidding

In the middle of the fumbling sentence, Biden raised his eyebrows to acknowledge the misspeak, to which audience members chuckled.

In wrapping his speech later on, the president spoke about his struggle with a childhood stutter.

'All this talk about how I'm angry about all the people who said I should step down, that's not true,' Biden said during his DNC address.

Reports have said that Biden allies are mad at Democratic powerhouses like Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama for their covert pressure to get Biden to drop out of the 2024 running.

A series of delays pushed President Biden’s speaking time well past the planned 9:50 pm Central Time start time, an hour later on the East Coast.

By the time daughter Ashely finished her introduction, where she spoke about the loss of her brother, Beau, it was 10:25 pm local time.

That came after run-of-show where there were a few pauses, at least one scheduled speaker who didn’t come on, and teleprompter issues.

Biden was still speaking well past 12:00 a.m. on the east coast.

An emotional President Joe Biden walked onto the Democratic National Convention stage, seemingly wiping away a tear.

His visibly emotional state came just after his daughter Ashley professed her deep love and admiration for her father.

Thousands of delegates and attendees held up signs that said 'We <3 Joe' and started chanting.

He couldn't cut through the minutes-long cheers as he took the podium for his farewell address and official passing of the baton to Kamala Harris.

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Jill Biden arrived on stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday.

The first lady spoke before her daughter Ashley came out to introduce President Joe Biden for remarks wrapping night one.

Jill was greeted by audience members holding green signs with her name on it as she spoke lovingly about her husband and his decision to stand down for Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the ticket in 2024.

Joe and I have been together for almost 50 years. And still there are moments when I fall in love with him all over again.

She noted that she was reminded of one of these instances nearly a month ago 'when I saw him dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris.'

Members of President Joe Biden's family were situated in a special box on the Democratic National Convention hall ahead of the president's farewell speech.

Grandchildren Naomi, Finnegan, Maisy, Natalie, little Hunter and baby Beau were on hand, alongside Hunter Biden's wife Melissa Cohen, Naomi's husband Peter Neal and Ashley Biden's husband Howard Krein.

First daughter Ashley Biden is introducing her father, speaking directly after first lady Jill Biden.

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Democrats heard stories on Monday from women and families affected by rape and abortion restrictions that were implemented after the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

Hadley Duvall, a Kentucky resident, was one of the women who spoke on stage at the Democratic National Convention on night one.

The survivor described how she became pregnant at age 12 after her step father raped her.

That was the first time I was ever told, 'you have options.' I can't imagine not having a choice.

But today, that's the reality for many women and girls across the country because of Donald Trump's abortion bans. He calls it a beautiful thing. What is so beautiful about a child having to carry her parent's child?

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she would be 'happy' to be a bartender as she deemed Donald Trump 'two-bit union buster' who would sell the country out for 'a dollar.'

'Republicans have attacked me by saying that I should go back to bartending,' the New York Democrat said during her speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC).

'Let me tell you, I'm happy to any day of the week because there is nothing wrong with working for a living.'

'Donald Trump would sell this country for $1 if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing the palms of his Wall Street friends,' Ocasio-Cortez went on.

Nancy Pelosi brushed off questions about her under-the-radar feud with former top Biden adviser Anita Dunn on Monday.

'Nobody wants to have a fight with Nancy Pelosi at this time because we're a united party,' Dunn said on CNN Monday, even if Biden allies are frustrated at reports that she was instrumental in getting Biden to step down from the 2024 running.

'I have my relationship with the president, and I just wanted to win this election. So if they're upset, I'm sorry for them. but the country is very happy. I don't know who they are, but you know that's their problem. Not mine,' Pelosi had told reporters earlier.

'[Biden] made the decision for the country,' Pelosi said when asked by CNN about her own involvement in the decision. 'My concern was not about the president it was about his campaign.'

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Americans need to 'tear away any chance' of Donald Trump becoming president again.

The Democrat who is leading a red state delivered remarks at the DNC on Monday defending the party's promise to protect women's abortion rights.

Beshear, who was on the short list to be Kamala Harris' running mate, said on stage at the United Center on night one:

Donald Trump appointed to Supreme Court justices who got us into this mess his project 2025 goes even further.

Here's the thing, Trump and Vance simply don't believe in your freedom.

South Carolina Democrat Rep, James Clyburn celebrated his ally Joe Biden's record and lauded the next generation of liberal leadership under Kamala Harris.

The veteran who has served since 1992 and is widely credited for turning Joe Biden's initially rocky 2020 campaign election around credited the administration for lowering costs, rescuing America from the COVID pandemic and restoring democracy.

He then shared his exuberance for the vice president's surging campaign.

'We're all grateful for the greatest decision he's made selecting Kamala Harris as his vice president and selecting her to succeed him.'

'Her experiences have prepared her for this moment. Kamala Harris is a true battle-tested leader,' Clyburn said.

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

A riled-up Democratic National Convention crowd chanted 'Trump's a scab' during night one on Monday.

United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain took stage where he voiced support for Kamala Harris' candidacy.

Speaking on stage at the United Center, Fain said:

For us in the Labor Movement, it's real simple – Kamala Harris is one of us. She's a fighter for the working class. And Donald Trump. Is. A. Scab.

This prompted the chants.

Fain took off his blazer in the middle of his remarks to reveal a red t-shirt with the same attack line concluding with 'Vote Harris.'

By Nikki Schwab, Chief Campaign Correspondent

Former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton was greeted at the Democratic National Convention to wild cheers - so much that she had to linger at the podium and wait for the crowd to die down.

Clinton - the first female Democratic nominee of a major party - spoke of the women in politics who broke barriers: Shirley Chisholm, Geraldine Ferraro and then her run in 2016.

'And then there was 2016. It was the honor of my life to accept our party's nomination for president,' she said. 'Nearly 66 million Americans voted for a future where there are no ceilings on our dreams.'

'Afterward, we refused to give up on America. Millions marched. Many ran for office. We kept our eyes on the future,' she continued.

'Well my friends, the future is here,' she said to more loud cheers.

During her speech, she gave her former rival, Donald Trump a taste of his own medicine.

When she brought up his criminal indictments, the DNC crowd responded with a 'lock him up' chant.

Clinton stood back, smiled and nodded.

Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer broke into song at the party's convention when asked to reveal his message to Donald Trump.

An NBC reporter asked the Senate Majority Leader the question, and he responded bizarrely by singing: 'You can't always get what you want'.

By Nikki Schwab, Chief Campaign Correspondent

Actor Tony Goldwyn kicked off Hollywood's role at the Democratic National Convention, as he appeared as the official host of night No. 1 of the four-day convention.

The Scandal star appeared onstage at the United Center directly after Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, arrived at the convention - to thunderous cheers and screams.

'Now how was that for an opening act?' said the actor, who played the President Fitzgerald Grant III.

He applauded Harris' message for being 'joyful' and not 'mean-spirited,' saying unlike former President Donald Trump she didn't stand for 'chaos and division.'

Goldwyn said Harris' message was one 'that has woken us up to who we are - to who we've always been - because Americans are not a cynical people.'

'We are not small-minded,' he continued.

'We are already writing a new chapter of the American story,' Goldwyn added.

A number of Hollywood celebrities have descended on Chicago now that Harris is the nominee.

There was renewed interest in the convention after President Joe Biden pulled out of the 2024 race in July.

Basketball coach Steve Kerr takes the stage on Monday night of the Democratic National Convention as the crowd chants 'USA, USA, USA.'

He says it was too important to speak up at the convention.

'I believe that leaders must display dignity. I believe that leaders must tell the truth,’ he said. 'I believe that leaders must care for and love the people that they're leading.'

On Kamala Harris and Tim Walz said ‘they have devoted their lives to serving other people.’

He also praised Walz as a coach.

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Kamala Harris arrived at the United Center for the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday.

Harris was all smiles as she came onto the stage just after 8:00 p.m. on Monday following a hype-up video with Beyoncé's anthem Freedom.

She surprised the crowd with brief on-stage remarks right after entering the arena paying tribute to Biden:

I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible President, Joe Biden, who will be speaking later tonight.

Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, foir your lifetime of service to this nation and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you.

The vice president will be in place to hear President Joe Biden's speech later in the evening, where he will ceremoniously pass the torch to his No. 2.

The Chicago police have arrested multiple demonstrators who breached security perimeters while trying to gain entry to the Democratic National Convention.

At least several protestors were arrested who attempted to break through the security fence, sources on the ground told DailyMail.com.

The police intervention came after thousands of protestors joined the 'March on the DNC' demonstration, terminating blocks from the United Center arena where President Joe Biden is expected to speak Monday evening.

Chaos ensued after protestors broke down the first layer of fencing around the convention, but got caught in between another layer of fencing.

The activists had nowhere to go and were neatly pushed back by authorities, who made several arrests.

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow rolled out a comically large book with a print-out of the conservative Project 2025 proposals.

The state lawmaker slammed the massive book on the podium at the Democratic National Convention on Monday before reading parts aloud from the Heritage Foundation’s now-defunct transition initiative.

McMorrow said after delegates booed the book:

Over the next four nights, you’re going to hear a lot about what is in this 900-page document. Why? Because this is the Republican blueprint for a second Trump term.

Donald Trump and his team have repeatedly said they do not align the campaign with Project 2025, but Democrats still draw the parallel.

The fiery speech by Teamsters President Sean O’Brien underlined Donald Trump’s push to win over rank-and-file union workers in Milwaukee.

Kamala Harris had her answer on Monday, seeing Trump’s union boss and raising him by putting a total of six union heads on stage.

The crowd held signs that said ‘UNION – YES!’ and gave a huge cheer to AFL-CIO president Elizabeth Shuler. It came after O’Brien requested to speak at both conventions and didn’t land a slot.

The fiery speech by Teamsters President Sean O’Brien underlined Donald Trump’s push to win over rank-and-file union workers in Milwaukee.

Kamala Harris had her answer on Monday, seeing Trump’s union boss and raising him by putting a total of six union heads on stage.

The crowd held signs that said ‘UNION – YES!’ and gave a huge cheer to AFL-CIO president Elizabeth Shuler. It came after O’Brien requested to speak at both conventions and didn’t land a slot.

Rep. Rob Garcia, D-Calif., a Biden and Harris campaign surrogate and rising Democratic star, tore into Donald Trump over his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and revealed he lost both his mother and step father to Covid-19.

'What we needed was national leadership, but instead we got Donald Trump,' Garcia said. 'He peddled conspiracy theories throughout the country.'

'I miss them every single day,' he said of his late parents. 'So when Donald Trump and his MAGA extremists like Marjorie Taylor green downplay the horror of the pandemic, it should make us all furious.'

'My mom taught me to love this country. She taught me that real American patriotism is not about screaming and yelling America first. Real American patriotism is loving your country so much that you want to help the people in your country.'

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was ceremoniously named the Democratic vice presidential candidate at the party's Convention in Chicago, Illinois on Monday.

Convention Chairwoman Minyon Moore said on the stage:

On August 6, the Democratic Party officially nominated Governor Walz as our vice presidential candidate. While Gov. Walz's nomination has already been certified, we couldn't miss the opporuntiy to celebrate this future vice president's integrity, commitment, decency and service to our nation.

The chair will entertain the motion to ceremonially confirm Gov. Walz's selection as the Democratic Party's vice presidential nominee.

At 7:31 p.m. on the first night of the Democration National Convention in Chicago, Walz became more publicly the official nominee.

The crowd boos as Donald Trump makes his first appearance on the arena jumbotron.

It came in a brutal takedown video of Trump’s handling of the covoronavirus pandemic.

Memorable quotes included Trump saying ‘One day, it’s like a miracle it will disappear,’ speaking about injecting disinfectant into the body, and saying in a contentious interview ‘you can test too much – do you know that?’

It ends with him saying ‘It is what it is’ after been confronted with the daily death rate. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) underlined the line by including it in her own remark.

The FBI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a statement confirming Iran was behind the recent Donald Trump campaign hack:

We have observed increasingly aggressive Iranian activity during this election cycle, specifically involving influence operations targeting the American public and cyber operations targeting presidential campaigns.

This includes the recently reported activities to compromise former President Trump’s campaign, which the IC attributes to Iran. The IC is confident that the Iranians have through social engineering and other efforts sought access to individuals with direct access to the presidential campaigns of both political parties.

Such activity, including thefts and disclosures, are intended to influence the U.S. election process. It is important to note that this approach is not new. Iran and Russia have employed these tactics not only in the United States during this and prior federal election cycles but also in other countries around the world.

By Geoff Earle, Deputy U.S. Political Editor for DailyMail.com in Chicago

Early convention speeches and videos feature historic bids by Rep. Shirley Chisolm, who sought the presidency in 1972, and Rev. Jesse Jackson, who made historic runs in 1984 and 1988.

‘It’s been a long struggle and a long journey,’ said Rev. Al Sharpton in a video that played before the crowd – who let out a huge cheer later when Jackson appeared in a wheelchair.

It came after NAACP president Derrick Johnson joked that ‘I’m here to do my black job,’ and followed early remarks by DNC chair Jaime Harrison and Minyon Moore, a Chicago native.

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Jessie Jackson made an emotional appearance on the Democratic National Convention stage on Monday.

The civil rights activist was rolled out for the first day of the festivities after a few speakers and a video about the progression of black politicians within the Democratic Party.

As he waves and blew kisses at the crowd, many delegates teared up.

In the 1984 election, Jackson became just the second ever black person to run for president as a Democrat.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson acknowledged the complex mission the convention has of sending off Joe Biden and raising up Vice President Kamala Harris.

‘Democrats will celebrate President Joe Biden and nominate Kamala Harris for president of the United States of America,’ he said of the convention, while delegates still trickled into their seats amid holdups at security.

He called Harris ‘The daughter of a mom who worked hard every single day. And he invoked Harris race and pointed to her as a role model. ‘My daughter will see not only a reflection of herself in the White House, but she will experience the deepest part of American values,’ he said.

The convention speaking program got underway Monday when Chicago native and permanent convention chair Minyon Moore making the first ‘pass the torch’ reference of the night.

‘Last month, in a true act of patriotism he passed the torch to the next generation and the next president of the United States Kamala Harris,’ she said.

DNC chair Jaime Harrison then called the ‘in-person’ portion of the convention to order.

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Voters of Tomorrow are bringing their push for Gen Z Americans to cast their ballots this fall to the Democratic National Convention.

The progressive-leaning group plans to hand out 5,000 of their 'F*ck Project 2025' condoms from their booth in the Dempalooza expo hall a few miles from the United Center.

Visitors of the stand are also invited to make Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelets and exchange them with friends in a show of Democrat 'community.'

U.S. intelligence officials said Monday that Iran is responsible for the hack of Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

It was the first U.S. government attribution of responsibility for a cyber intrusion that the Republican nominee had previously linked to Tehran.

The FBI and other federal agencies said Iran perceived this year's presidential election to be particularly consequential and was determined through the hacking operation and other activities to interfere in American politics and 'to stoke discord and undermine confidence in our democratic institutions.'

'We have observed increasingly aggressive Iranian activity during this election cycle, specifically involving influence operations targeting the American public and cyber operations targeting Presidential campaigns,' said a joint statement from the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

The statement said the Iranian hackers have 'sought access to individuals with direct access to the Presidential campaigns of both political parties.'

The FBI has been investigating attempts to gain access to Democrat Kamala Harris' campaign.

The organizers behind a mobile health clinic offering free abortions and vasectomies near where thousands of people are gathering for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago are pushing back amid outrage from conservatives.

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers announced it was bringing its mobile health clinic to Chicago and offering free services to those who signed up on August 19 and 20, which are the first two days of the convention.

Before the clinic even arrived, they announced that all of the appointments had been filled and that they would follow up if they had cancelations but the move sparked an avalanche of criticism online.

'The goal was we knew there were tens of thousands of people coming in around this time, and we really wanted to show and highlight what is possible when you have a state that supports reproductive access,' Dr. Colleen Nicholas, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, told DailyMail.com.

First Lady Jill Biden, followed by President Joe Biden, took the Democratic National Convention stage for a walk-through of Chicago's United Center ahead of their Monday night speeches.

The first lady wore a light purple blazer and white slacks and sauntered to the podium, surrounded by a flurry of aides and grandchildren Natalie and Hunter, the children of the late Beau Biden.

'Testing 1, 2, 3,' Dr. Biden said into the mic.

Moments later, the president headed to the same spot.

The mic wasn't on for Biden but he mouthed 'I am' when reporters yelled up at him from the convention floor, asking if he was ready to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.

'You'll hear tonight,' the president added.

Asked if it was a bittersweet moment, he replied: 'It's a memorable moment.'

Asked about Donald Trump's claim that he was ousted from the Democratic ticket in what amounts to a coup, Biden said: "His stability is still in question."

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would spend the hours ahead of the president's scheduled 10 p.m. CDT speech preparing for the moment.

'He's going to spend time continuing to prep for a big night,' she told reporters on board Air Force One.

From Rob Crilly, Chief U.S. Political Correspondent in York, Pennsylvania

Donald Trump accused Kamala Harris of embarking on a 'regulatory jihad' to shut down power plants across the country as he set out his own vision of an energy independent, 'manufacturing dominant' nation.

Trump was speaking in Pennsylvania on Monday, his second visit to the state in two days, as he sets off on a tour of battleground states.

While Harris is being crowned at her party's convention in Chicago, he has to revive a campaign that has been buffeted by the Democratic Party's late switch in candidates.

He warned his audience of about 300 supporters that his rival wanted to ban fracking and impose a carbon tax.

'Kamala is also on a regulatory jihad to shut down power plants all across America now,' he said, claiming that 50 plants had closed since she and Joe Biden took office.

President Joe Biden used a new Marine One model for the first time for a flight in Chicago on Monday afternoon.

The 81-year-old commander-in-chief boarded the Sikorsky VH-92 Patriot that's part of a $5 billion fleet manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

The new presidential helicopters were forced to land on paved runways because its engine exhaust and spinning rotors scorched the South Lawn.

The issues now appear to have been resolved, and Biden used the chopper for the first time on the opening leg of his trip to Chicago.

The White House said:

The President rode in the new Marine One helicopter, the VH-92A Patriot. After a transition period, the VH-92A Patriot will eventually replace the VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk helicopter.

The iconic ‘white top’ paint scheme of previous Marine One aircraft is represented in the new VH-92A, paying homage to the distinguished legacy of Marine One helicopters dating back to the famed colors pioneered in the late 1950’s.

The President’s current Marine One helicopter, the VH-3D, entered service in 1978. The VH-60 began service as a Presidential helicopter in 1987

Sen. John Fetterman is one of the most outspoken supporters of Israel within the Democratic Party. It seems his top communications staffer is not.

Carrie Adams, the Pennsylvania Democrat 's communications director, publicly broke with her boss in a new interview that raised eyebrows.

'I don't agree with him,' she told the Free Press after an interview the senator gave to the outlet.

'I have a sense that his international views are a lot less nuanced than my generation, because when he was growing up, it was might makes right, and for my generation and younger who, of course, are the ones protesting this, they have a much more nuanced view of the region,' Adams added.

The party platform released by the Democratic Party talks up President Joe Biden’s ‘economic vision’ – because it got voted through before he ended his run for reelection.

‘We’re delivering on President Biden’s pledge to rebuild our economy from the middle out and bottom up, not the top down,’ it says.

It calls the election ‘a choice between two very different economic visions for America: Donald Trump, who sees the world from his country club at Mar-a-Lago; and Joe Biden, who sees it from kitchen tables in Scranton like the one he grew up around.’

It also mentions Donald Trump more than 100 times. It does mention Vice President Kamala Harris, who has unified the party around her after getting Biden’s endorsement. ‘President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats are running to finish the job. It got approved by the party’s Platform Committee July 16 less than a week before Biden stepped back, in a stunning illustration of the pace of the turnaround.

James Taylor will perform his classic, You've Got a Friend, at the Democratic National Convention.

The well known singer-songwriter appeared at the United Center Monday afternoon to run through his number onstage.

DNC planners have been tight-lipped about celebrity appearances and performances at the four-day event in Chicago.

Taylor's performance wasn't included on the Monday night schedule - but the singer changed a lyric of the song to 'Joe Biden,' making it likely he'll sing tonight as the president will only appear at the DNC this one day.

Disgraced ex-congressman George Santos pleaded guilty to two campaign fraud charges after months of denying wrongdoing, cementing his legacy as the 'Long Island Liar.'

Santos admitted to committing wire fraud and aggravated identify theft in New York court Thursday and could face six to eight years in prison. According to the plea agreement, the former congressman will also have to pay at least $373,749.97 in restitution.

Santos was expelled from his House seat on Long Island after it was discovered that scores of the claims he made to voters in 2022 about his life and bona fides were completely fabricated, like working on Wall Street and going to New York University.

He also has been accused of funneling political donations into his lavish spending on botox, designer clothes, casino holidays, and OnlyFans fees.

First daughter Ashley Biden will introduce her father, President Joe Biden, at the Democratic National Convention Monday night.

Biden is the final speaker of the night - where he'll hand the baton over to Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris - and then jet off the California for vacation.

First lady Jill Biden is slated to speak directly ahead of her daughter, who will then introduce the 81-year-old president.

Ashley Biden was spotted doing a walk-through of the United Center Sunday ahead of the convention.

On Monday, during tech rehearsals it appeared the first daughter would walk out to Coldplay's A Sky Full of Stars, which was a favorite song of the late Beau Biden.

Other Biden family members are expected in Chicago as well.

But White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was tight-lipped when asked by DailyMail.com on board Air Force One to ID members of the Biden clan.

'I will not say what family members are traveling,' Jean-Pierre said.

The president was spotted only with Peter Neal, his granddaughter Naomi's husband, as he departed the White House for Chicago alongside Dr. Biden.

Jon Michael Raasch, Political Reporter for DailyMail.com in Chicago:

Trump tells an audience in the battleground state of Pennsylvania:

"I am here today to deliver a simple message. When I’m back in the White House America’s future will be built right here in Pennsylvania and it will be built by American \workers like you.

We will unleash explosive economic growth and vast new prosperity for all of our citizens. We will put more money in your pockets and create millions of new jobs. Our plan will massively cut taxes, unlock American energy, slash regulations, crack down on trade cheaters, stop outsourcing, rebuild our industrial base and bring back those beautiful words 'Made in the USA'.

By Nikki Schwab, Chief Campaign Correspondent

Actor Tony Goldwyn - known best for playing President Fitzgerald Grant III on Scandal - was spotted Monday afternoon in the Democratic National Convention hall prepping to host night No. 1 of the four-day Chicago gathering.

The Democrats tapped three celebrities and one Republican pundit to serve as hosts throughout the week.

Goldwyn will appear onstage Monday, followed by Ana Navarro - a GOP operative and co-host of The View - on Tuesday, Mindy Kaling on Wednesday and Scandal's Kerry Washington on Thursday.

Goldwyn, Kaling and Washington have long been involved in Democratic causes.

Droves of celebrities are heading to Chicago this week, as there was an uptick in interest after Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee.

Jon Michael Raasch, Political Reporter for DailyMail.com in Chicago:

Antony Blinken said Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge differences holding up a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.

The U.S. Secretary of State called on Hamas to do the same.

Blinken spoke after holding a meeting lasting more than two hours with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The top U.S. diplomat is expected to travel to Egypt on Tuesday.

The U.S. Egypt and Qatar have spent months trying to broker an agreement with the talks repeatedly stalling.

Blinken did not say whether the so-called bridging proposal addressed Israel's demands for control over two strategic corridors inside Gaza, which Hamas has said is a non-starter, or other issues that have long undermined the negotiations.

Blinken said:

In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel supports the bridging proposal. The next important step is for Hamas to say 'yes'.

Jon Michael Raasch, Political Reporter for DailyMail.com in Chicago:

From Rob Crilly, Chief U.S. Political Correspondent in York, Pennsylvania

Donald Trump kicks off a week of counterprogramming in the middle of Pennsylvania on Monday afternoon.

He wants to distract from the Democratic coronation in Chicago by hammering Kamala Harris's record on the economy, the border and crime as he crisscrosses battleground states.

The only thing stopping him from undercutting Kamala Harris's week? Himself.

Allies outside the campaign say they can't believe he keeps using press conferences and small events to deliver rally speeches, as he did for an hour and ten minutes last week at his Bedminster golf club, which then obscures his mesage on Harris.

What am I saying? Of course they can believe it. This is Trump after all. But that doesn't diminish their frustration.

Will Monday afternoon at Precision Custom Components be any different? Don't bet on it.

He stunned Joe Biden in a U.S. territory 5,000 miles off the coast of the U.S. mainland in a peculiar upset in the president's march to the nomination. Now, as Democratic delegates meet in Chicago, Jason Palmer is out to prove that he's more than an answer to an obscure political trivia question.

He even aspires to play the role of backroom dealer who can help Vice President Kamala Harris avoid the kind of intra-party mayhem that has doomed Democratic tickets in the past.

Back when the entire party establishment was rallying behind Biden, Palmer was a lonely voice saying the incumbent didn't have what it takes. Now, four months after his stunning win over Biden in the American Samoa primary, Palmer isn't taking credit for forcing Biden's exit. But he is urging Harris to learn from Biden's loss and let him be a 'bridge' to other disaffected factions within the party.

'The truth is I probably was like that butterfly that flaps its wings and somehow, in a different part of the world, a change happens,' Palmer told DailyMail.com over a drink at the famed Billy Goat Tavern in downtown Chicago. 'But I don't think I caused it. But I was an early butterfly that saw that this was going to be needed.'

By Geoff Earle, Deputy U.S. Political Editor for DailyMail.com in Chicago

Cheering supporters will be waving signs with just the president’s name on them when he looks out on the convention during a Monday night speech that bookends his political career.

The signs, captured by DailyMail.com Sunday as organizers prepared for his big night inside the United Center, simply say ‘Biden!’ The Harris campaign printed scores of them to add to the energy of the organized spectacle.

They will send a signal of enthusiasm inside a venue with huge digital signage out front proclaiming the ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz, who have been climbing in the polls since Biden dropped out. The campaign rolled out new campaign busses emblazoned with the Harris-Walz logo days ago.

Biden’s speech is set for 10:50 pm EDT (9:50 local time in Chicago). When he is done, he plans to jet to California, where he will remain while Harris accepts the party’s nomination.

D.C. Councilman Trayon White Sr., 40, has been arrested on bribery charges by the Department of Justice.

The DOJ alleges that White accepted over $150,000 in bribes to pressure colleagues into extending contracts for multiple violence prevention firms.

According to the department, the contracts were worth $5.2 million, meaning White's portion of $156,000 amounted to three percent of the entire contract's value.

White previously has garnered controversial headlines for suggesting the Jewish financier dynasty the Rothschilds can control the weather.

Jon Michael Raasch, Political Reporter for DailyMail.com in Chicago:

A Chicago-based boarding-up company has been 'very busy' because of the Democratic National Convention, its manager told DailyMail.com.

Chicago Board-Up Services manager Vicki Fichter said her company has been working hard preparing local businesses for potential mayhem ahead of the large crowds the DNC is expected to draw.

She said they have boarded up eight businesses and they have three crews on standby to address any urgent needs. However, her boarding-up business has not done any work around Union Park where over 10,000 are expected.

'This is business for, strictly for the convention,' she said. 'This is pre-boarding up to keep the businesses safe just for the convention.'

We knew that there would be an uptick in business because of the DNC, so we were prepared for it. And we are thinking that there will be some type of uptick because of the I don't want to call it a protest, but you know something, we know something will come a bit, yeah, we hope it'll be peaceful and quiet, but things always do erupt, and so we are prepared.

Hillary Clinton will speak on night one of the Democratic National Convention on Monday.

The former Secretary of State and first lady is expected to speak about the significance of the moment with the Democratic party nominating the first woman of color and second woman in history as its nominee for president.

Convention organizers noted that Clinton as the first woman ever nominated for the top of a major party ticket in 2016 paved the way for Kamala Harris.

DNC Committee Chair Minyon Moore said the former secretary will likely talk about what it means at this moment to have the second woman and a woman of color running.

'She has been an incredible partner to Vice President Harris,' Moore said. 'They have a great friendship you know, they're on speed dial with each other.'

President Joe Biden will give the keynote address on Monday night, opening the Democratic National Convention but, by the time it closes on Thursday night with Kamala Harris as the party nominee, he will be thousands of miles away, watching the balloons drop on television like most of Americans.

One month after he decided to exit the presidential race - after intense public and private pressure from his fellow Democrats - Biden will make his last bow before his party.

His remarks will focus on his legacy and make the case why Harris is the best person to succeed him in the Oval Office.

'After saving democracy in 2020, President Biden is determined to defeat the threat to democracy posed by Donald Trump, who says he would terminate the constitution and be a dictator on day one,' a Biden aide said.

Some of the most vulnerable Democrats are planning to skip out on their party's convention where they'll formally nominate Kamala Harris - in an act that is sure to put daylight between them and the top of the ticket.

Democratic incumbents Jon Tester of Montana , Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jacky Rosen of Nevada will all be staying out of Chicago next week, they told Axios. They are all running tough reelection campaigns back home.

Sen. John Fetterman , D-Pa., however, is not up for reelection. He's skipping the four-day affair to spend time with his family.

'I've got three young kids, and they're out of school,' Fetterman told the Free Press. 'That’s four days I can spend with my children.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is among the group of Democrats who will be speaking Monday night on the first evening of the Democratic National Convention.

She is one of a number of speakers revealed to be giving remarks on Day 1 with the theme 'For the People.'

Others who will speak on the first night include Reps. Jamie Raskin, Jasmine Crockett and Grace Meng. Senators Raphael Warnock, Chris Coons, Governor Andy Beshear and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will also speak.

President Joe Biden will give the keynote address.

Some of the most vulnerable Democrats are planning to skip out on their party's convention where they'll formally nominate Kamala Harris - in an act that is sure to put daylight between them and the top of the ticket.

Democratic incumbents Jon Tester of Montana, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jacky Rosen of Nevada will all be staying out of Chicago next week, they told Axios. They are all running tough reelection campaigns back home.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., however, is not up for reelection. He's skipping the four-day affair to spend time with his family.

'I've got three young kids, and they're out of school,' Fetterman told the Free Press. 'That’s four days I can spend with my children.'

Fetterman was one of Biden's biggest defenders as the walls began to close in after his debate with Trump. But he has vastly differing views from Kamala Harris over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Former President Donald Trump continued in his effort to tie Kamala Harris to communism as she kicks off the Democratic convention, a day after a pair of national CBS and ABC polls showed her holding a narrow national polling lead.

Trump continued to brand her as ‘Comrade Kamala Harris,’ an attack he rolled out days ago, and pointed to her father, a Jamaica-born Marxist who taught at Stanford University. It follows Harris’ vow to cut down on what she called ‘price gouging’ on food.

‘The Radical Left protesters in Chicago are going after the Democrat Party because the [sic] know they are weak and ready to break into a full blown party of Socialism or, if they really do their job, and with a little bit of luck, the Communist Party of the United States of America. They are already very close and, having a Marxist trained and believing President whose father is a Marxist professor, Comrade Kamala Harris, stranger things have happened!’ Trump posted on Truth Social.

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Pete Buttigieg spoke with Nevada delegates at a breakfast on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention on Monday.

The Transportation Secretary took aim at Donald Trump and urged Democrats to continue to 'cancel' the former president.

Everytime you look at the news it was punching you in the face, and it was exhausting. That’s why the American people canceled the Donald Trump Show four, five years ago.

The last thing we want is a rerun, or even worse a sequel. If you weren’t a fan of Trump-Pence, you really won’t be a fan of Trump-Vance.

More than 4,600 delegates from across the U.S. are gathering in Chicago this week.  They come from all walks of life and professions.

Nearly 700 of the delegates are attending a Democratic National Convention for the first time.

The youngest delegate is Isaac Winkler who will turn 18 just three days before the election.

The oldest delegate, though not in Chicago, is former President Jimmy Carter at 99-years-old.

Polly Baca from Colorado has attended every Democratic convention since 1964.

30 percent of delegates self-identify as black, 17 percent identify as Hispanic, 17 percent ID as LGBTQ+ and 21 percent are under the age of 36.

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Secretary Deb Haaland keeps Donald Trump's name out of her remarks at a breakfast with Nevada Democratic delegates on Monday.

The Interior chief garnered enthusiasm by vowing Democrats won't let the country 'go back' to the 'fear' felt under the former administration.

Jill Biden still feels the sting of 'betrayal' from Democrats who privately offered support for her husband - and then publicly called for him to exit the presidential race - but the first lady is now looking forward, those close to her say.

She was at the president's side in Wilmington, Delaware, on that fateful day he decided to exit the presidential race after a relentless pressure campaign from party colleagues.

In fact, when he called Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday, July 21, to inform her of his decision, he put the first lady on the phone.

'We love you,' she told Harris, a source familiar with the conversation said. She also called Doug Emhoff, who she is close to.

She will address the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, before her husband gives his bittersweet send-off speech and formally hands the baton to Harris.

Hundreds of police and pro-Palestine protesters have descended on Chicago as the Democratic National Convention kicks off.

Downtown has both been overwhelmed with cops - some heavily armed - who have been patrolling the streets, and protesters fighting to be heard.

'This is the most that we'll ever see in one setting, which is crazy, but I feel like it's a good reason that it's a lot of police out here, because there's so many people just in one area,' Chicago local Ayanna Tucker told DailyMail.com

Very few Donald Trump supporters showed up, but large, organized pro-Palestine rallies started on Sunday and are expected to continue all week.

Activists already caused a scene at a welcome event for DNC delegates at the Navy Pier's grand ballroom, having sneaked in earlier.

One woman wearing a mask ran on to the stage and shouted about genocide while a handful of other infiltrators yelled 'free, free Palestine'.

With just 77 days before the election, House Republicans released a sprawling new report that they claim proves President Joe Biden, 81, committed 'impeachable offenses.'

The nearly 300-page report compiled Republican findings over the last two years about the Biden family allegedly profiting off the president's son Hunter and brother James Biden's shady business deals by over $27 million through 'influence peddling.'

It also details claims that the Justice Department slow-walked federal probes into Hunter for gun and tax crimes.

'Overwhelming evidence demonstrates that President Biden participated in a conspiracy to monetize his office of public trust to enrich his family,' reads the report, published hours before Biden is set to address the Democratic National Convention.

Democrats are tearing into the 'sham' Republican-led impeachment report, saying its a futile effort to try and distract Americans from Kamala Harris' growing momentum with just 77 days before the election.

House Republicans released a sprawling new report Monday that they claim proves President Joe Biden, 81, committed 'impeachable offenses.'

Former Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., staffer Jimmy Williams called it a 'sham' report published on Day One of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

'THIS is how you idiots think you’re going to steal Harris’ thunder? Soooooo JV. Lame can’t even describe this move,' he wrote on X.

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

After an absolute shake-up of the landscape of the 2024 presidential election in the last month, Democrats are finally convening to make their candidate official.

The Democratic National Committee in Chicago, Illinois is a vastly different Convention than it was planning to host just a month ago as delegates prepare to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris by the end of the week instead of President Joe Biden.

In June, Biden was still the candidate Democrats were prepared to nominate. But in early July, doubts started to swirl over whether the 81-year-old would actually be put up after his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump.

On July 21, the President officially ended his reelection bid and endorsed Harris. A day later, she earned the support of enough delegates to become the presumed candidate for November.

Now, Democratic delegates are prepared to end this week by nominating Harris as their 2024 presidential candidate with running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the vice president.

Guests will also be confronted with the Democrats' fervent reproductive rights push.

Free vasectomies and abortions will be available to attendees and an 18-foot-tall inflatable intrauterine device, or IUD, named 'Freeda Womb' will be erected on site.

There will be a Veep for the veep, as well as an assortment of other celebrities traveling to Chicago to support Vice President Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention, which starts Monday.

Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus is among the Hollywood types coming to town - for a convention that is expected to be more star-studded than the Republicans' gathering in Milwaukee last month that attracted Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan.

Convention planners announced that they plan to roll out a 'blue carpet' for notable attendees, with events being headlined by John Legend and Octavia Spencer, and Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling, Tony Goldwyn and Ana Navarro tapped as official hosts of the DNC.

The Creative Coalition, an arts advocacy group that has sent a delegation of actors and actresses to every political convention since 1996, is sending its biggest group yet to Chicago.

Harris' ascendance to the Democratic nomination has 'absolutely' increased interest in this year's convention, Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk told DailyMail.com. 'Where we had a smaller delegation, it's grown to our biggest delegation in history,' Bronk said.

Donald Trump's political director has suggested there are 'rumors' that Kamala Harris has a 'serious drinking problem.'

There is not evidence to substantiate the claim.

James Blair, political director of the Trump 2024 campaign, wrote on X:

A lot of rumors out there about Kamala having a serious drinking problem...apparently coming into focus as campaign heats up. Stay Tuned...

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