How to Watch the Democratic National Convention

Joe Biden, Kamala Harris
Images via Getty Images

Plus, here’s who else is speaking alongside Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Tonight is the kick off to the Democratic National Convention, and like most everything else in 2020, the DNC will be different this year. Originally set to have tens of thousands travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to see Joe Biden accept the Democratic presidential nomination, this year's convention will instead go virtual.

The DNC will comprise four days' worth of speakers -- including Biden and his vice presidential pick, Kamala Harris, the Obamas, Bernie Sanders and more -- to be viewed from the safety of your home due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, culminating in Biden's formal nomination broadcast live from his home state of Delaware.

"This convention is for all Americans, no matter who you voted for in the past," said 2020 DNC executive Stephanie Cutter, with the overall convention theme calling for "Uniting America."

Here is everything you need to know to tune in to this year's DNC.

When is it: Monday, Aug. 17 through Thursday, Aug. 20, airing 9-11 p.m. ET each night.

How to watch: All major television networks will broadcast the convention, which will also be available on Facebook, Twitch, Twitter, YouTube and via the DNC app on smart TV services, such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Roku.

CBSN, CBS News' free 24/7 streaming news service, will provide live coverage each night beginning at 5 p.m. ET and anchored by Elaine Quijano, followed by a simulcast of the primetime special report and live analysis and reporting afterwards. CBSN is available via CBSNews.com/live and on all CBS News mobile apps.

The entire convention will also be livestreaming on the DNC's site.

Who's speaking: In addition to Biden and Harris, the lineup boasts speeches from former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and previous presidential hopefuls Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar.

It's not all Democrats who are speaking, either: John Kasich, the former Ohio governor and onetime Republican presidential candidate, will call on his fellow Republicans to vote for Biden.

Who's performing: Leon Bridges, The Chicks, Common, Billie Eilish, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Billy Porter, Maggie Rogers, Price Royal, Stephen Stills and more have been tapped to "tell the story of where we are as a country today under Donald Trump's failed leadership, and the promise of what we can and should be with Joe Biden as president."

The full lineup:

Monday: "We the People"

Night one of the convention will highlight unity in the face of COVID-19, unemployment and racial injustice, with a keynote speech from former first lady Michelle Obama, plus:

Sen. Bernie Sanders
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto
Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Rep. Jim Clyburn
Convention chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson
Rep. Gwen Moore
Former governor John Kasich
Sen. Doug Jones
Sen. Amy Klobuchar

Tuesday: "Leadership Matters"

The DNC's second evening focuses on "putting the country ahead of yourself," with a keynote speech from former second lady Dr. Jill Biden, plus:

Former acting US attorney general Sally Yates
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer
Former secretary of state John Kerry
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester
Former President Bill Clinton

Wednesday: "A More Perfect Union"

Night three is all about Biden's plans to "build back better," including hearing from VP nominee Harris, plus:

Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Gov. Tony Evers
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
Former President Barack Obama

Thursday: "America's Promise"

The final night will feature Biden's acceptance speech and vision for America, preceded by speeches about his "leadership and character" from:

Sen. Cory Booker
Gov. Gavin Newsom
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms
Mayor Pete Buttigieg
Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Sen. Tammy Duckworth
Sen. Chris Coons
Sen. Kamala Harris
The Biden family


Election Day is Nov. 3, 2020 -- head over to Vote.org to register to vote and to get all the latest information.

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