CHICAGO — The second day of the Democratic National Convention featured former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as the headliners and a ceremonial roll-call vote with surprise celebrity appearances.
Democrats were especially mindful of the trash at the United Center, with gloved volunteers policing waste baskets to ensure recycling was done properly. Vice presidential nominee Tim Walz got a taste of pro-Gaza protest action, and social media influencers took over a “blue carpet.”
Here’s some of the buzz on Tuesday at the DNC, captured by the Washington Examiner.
Gwen Walz breaks out solo
Gwen Walz, the wife of Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN), has started campaigning in her own right, addressing the Michigan delegation’s breakfast at the Hilton Chicago.
Gwen Walz posed for photos with Michiganders and one Marylander: Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD).
She then appeared at the Democratic National Committee’s Rural Council meeting.
Tim Walz confronted by protesters
Tim Walz, who has been a surprise guest at convention delegation breakfasts and Democratic National Committee caucus and council meetings, was disrupted during his appearance at the women’s caucus gathering at McCormick Place by pro-Gaza protesters.
One Code Pink protester, Medea Benjamin, was seen being escorted out of the room.
Lil Jon electrifies crowd during state roll call
Georgia rapper Lil Jon delighted the crowd when he appeared before the Peach State’s delegation cast its vote for Vice President Kamala Harris during the ceremonial roll call. The crowd cheered as he performed his song “Turn Down for What.”
Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA) cheekily told the crowd, “The South got something to say,” in a callback to another Georgia rapper, Andre 3000 of the Atlanta hip-hop duo Outkast.
Democrats police recycling and trash bins
Democratic volunteers at the convention were watching as attendees inside the United Center deposited food and drink waste in the correct receptacles.
The center included a waste basket for regular trash and a recycling bin for plastic bottles. As a Washington Examiner reporter was throwing out unwanted food, a volunteer watched to make sure the food went into the corresponding container.
A different Washington Examiner reporter attempted to throw out trash and was stopped by volunteers who took the trash and placed it in the proper bins.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s dramatic entrance
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) walked out on prosthetic legs to address the DNC.
She lost her right leg near the hip and her left leg below the knee from injuries sustained when the helicopter she was co-piloting was hit by Iraqi insurgents, and she usually uses a wheelchair.
“I went to war to protect America’s rights and freedoms. So I take it personally when a five-time draft-dodging coward like Donald Trump tries to take away my rights and freedoms in return,” Duckworth said.
Wisconsin delegates turn into cheese heads
The Wisconsin delegation was given a wedge of home during its breakfast on Tuesday — bright yellow cheese hats.
The delegation was asked to put them on during breakfast, and delegates were later seen donning their hats on the floor of the DNC as well.
It’s a theme that is bipartisan. Wisconsin Republican delegates supporting former President Donald Trump wore cheese hats at the Milwaukee convention, too.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
DNC rolls out ‘blue carpet’ for social media influencers
As part of its effort to appeal to TikTokers and social media influencers, the DNC rolled out a blue carpet.
Content creators rotated on the carpet and shared updates with their followers. Comedian Matt Friend served as a blue carpet correspondent for Snapchat, doing interviews this week.
