Monday Briefing: The Democratic National Convention

The presidential election is less than 80 days away. This is what we’re watching.

Today in Chicago, officials and delegates assembled for the first day of the Democratic National Convention. Here’s the latest on the race.

The convention’s first day will include a speech by President Biden. The second day will focus on Democrats’ message of optimism to contrast with the Republican refrain that the country’s best days are gone. On the final two days, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, will formally accept the nomination.

Big names are scheduled to speak, like Barack and Michelle Obama. New stars also emerge at conventions, and our reporters will be looking to see who they are. Here’s how to watch.

Your questions: We asked readers what they’d like to know about the election. We gave today’s question to Lisa Lerer, who covers national politics and is on the ground in Chicago:

Why is it that abortion rights are/seem so central to the election? Is it really going to be a decisive factor? — Alex Leibik, Berlin

Lisa: While abortion rights had been perceived as a divisive issue by both parties, the reality was that majorities of Americans have supported some form of legalized abortion for decades. Many voters just didn’t believe that a right so established in American life could disappear.