DNC 2020 kicks off programming, Gwen Moore leads political speeches from Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The 2020 Democratic National Convention kicked off in primetime Monday, Aug. 17 with big national names like Obama, Sanders and Kasich.

But the first politician to speak at the convention, was Milwaukee area Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wisconsin.

“We gather unified in spirit, unified in our values and purpose to heal divisions, and together move the nation confidently into a prosperous and inclusive future,” Moore said.

In pushing for Joe Biden, Moore used one of the former vice president’s lines about 2020 being an election over morals.

“Tonight we are gathered to reclaim the soul of America.”

Her speech was part of the shell that COVID-19 left of the convention which saw dozens, not the once anticipated thousands, crowd the Wisconsin Center Monday.

But party leaders did offer Wisconsin-themed pre-programming, like DNC Chairman Tom Perez touting the resources the party has put into winning the state.

“When I speak tomorrow night, you’re going to hear me speak about Wisconsin because I love this state, I love what we stand for here, and I’m going to make sure I've got a flag or two from Wisconsin standing next to me.”

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers will speak on Wednesday, the same night as Kamala Harris, and Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-WI, will speak Thursday, when Joe Biden accepts the nomination.