Capping a spectacular few weeks introducing Harris/Walz to the ticket will be the upcoming Democratic National Convention running next Monday, August 19 through Thursday the 22nd. Unlike the sleep-inducing Republican convention that bragged appearances by Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan (an act that I dream of Patton Oswalt mocking), the DNC is looking to be one hell of a show.
We’ve already heard about the big political speakers that, frankly, were expected: the Obamas, the Clintons, and of course the Selfless Statesman himself, Joe Biden (I guess we’ll see if he plans on storming in to demand his nomination back—that would be hilarious trolling if he did). But across the convention and the connected events, there has been a rapid sign up of big names.
Based on my half-assed internet research (nod to the Rewatchables podcast), here is a list of names that we will likely see during the convention:
- John Legend will headline the final night with a performance just before Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech.
- Brandi Carlile is set to perform during the opening night.
- The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks)
- Common
- Jennifer Hudson
- Kerry Washington (Olivia Pope on Scandal) will introduce one of the keynote speakers.
- Bradley Whitford (from The West Wing) will participate in a special segment on social justice.
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Mark Ruffalo will make a pre-recorded appearances.
- Lena Waithe (creator of The Chi) will be featured in a segment on diversity and inclusion.
- Eva Longoria (star of Desperate Housewives) will host one of the evening sessions.
- America Ferrera (known for Ugly Betty) will lead a discussion on immigration.
- Billy Porter (star of Pose) will deliver a musical performance.
- Alyssa Milano (famous for Charmed) is involved in organizing virtual town halls.
- John Cusack is scheduled to appear in a segment focused on voter turnout.
- Sophia Bush (star of One Tree Hill) will participate in a discussion on women’s rights.
- Debra Messing (Will & Grace) will be involved in a segment highlighting LGBTQ+ rights.
There will also be multiple events connected to the convention happening around Chicago, including:
- A multi-act concert co-hosted by Octavia Spencer and Gabby Giffords featuring Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Drive-By Truckers
- Stars from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will be hosting a party in the Boys Town neighborhood
- Roy Wood Jr. (Daily Show) will host a concert with swing state musicians, such as Jimmy Eat World and D.J. Shawna
- Atlanta rapper Lil Jon will host a DJ party at the Chicago club PRYSM
The DNC clearly understands how to put on a show and get eyeballs on our candidates. This is going to be Harris and Walz’s big coming out party, and it’s going to be a banger! BONUS: it will certainly get far bigger ratings than the tepid RNC, which will further drive Trump into his rat-infested crazyhole.
Now, here’s the big mystery. A concert is set for the last day put on by the Future Forward PAC. And the only thing they’ve said is, the talent is not yet set. So, let’s speculate!!
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[PS. After all the guff that George Clooney gave Biden, he better show up! Ideally with Brad Pitt.]
