Former First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to address the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday night, as confirmed by a Democratic source to Axios.
This announcement comes after initial speculation about her absence from the convention lineup. The inclusion of Michelle Obama in the DNC program is significant, given her enduring popularity and influence within the Democratic Party.
NBC News first reported the news of Michelle Obama's participation, and her appearance will coincide with that of her husband, former President Barack Obama, who is also slated for a primetime address on Tuesday.
Michelle Obama's scheduled appearance at the DNC underscores her ongoing importance to the Democratic Party. Consistently ranked as one of the most popular figures in American politics, her speeches at previous conventions have garnered significant attention and engagement.
Her address at the 2020 convention, where she criticized then-President Trump as being "in over his head," went viral on social media and received more online engagement than any other speaker at the event, according to NewsWhip data.
The former First Lady has been a fixture at Democratic conventions since 2008, when her husband was first nominated for president. Her speeches have typically been given prime speaking slots, reflecting her ability to captivate audiences and rally support for the party's agenda.
The Democratic National Convention is set to begin on Monday in Chicago, with a series of high-profile speakers scheduled throughout the week. The convention organizers have released night-by-night themes and speaker details, outlining the program for each evening.
Monday's theme is "For the People," featuring speeches from President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, along with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will deliver a welcome address.
Tuesday, themed "A Bold Vision for America's Future," will now include both Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will welcome attendees.
Wednesday's focus is "A Fight for Our Freedoms," with Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz delivering his acceptance speech. Other speakers include former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The convention will conclude on Thursday with the theme "For Our Future," featuring Vice President Kamala Harris accepting the convention's nomination for president.
Michelle Obama's addition to the DNC lineup is likely to generate significant interest and potentially boost enthusiasm among Democratic voters. Her popularity extends beyond party lines, and her speeches often resonate with a broad audience.
The inclusion of Michelle Obama in the Democratic National Convention lineup has resolved earlier speculation about her absence. Her scheduled address on Tuesday night, alongside other high-profile speakers, is expected to be a highlight of the convention. As the Democrats gather in Chicago to nominate their candidates and outline their vision for the future, Michelle Obama's voice will once again play a significant role in rallying support and enthusiasm for the party's message.
