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Democratic National Convention Day Four: Everything That Happened During Hillary Clinton’s Speech

Update: Below are the highlights from the Democratic National Convention day four, concluding with the major moments from Hillary Clinton’s 56-minute acceptance speech of the Democratic presidential nomination.

11:27 p.m. ET: Hillary Clinton ended her speech by asking voters to unite with her as the president of the United States. 

Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton
Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton at the end of the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016, in Philadelphia.
Balloons and confetti drop as Hillary Clinton, 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, stands onstage during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 28, 2016.
Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine
Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine stand onstage after delivering a speech on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016, in Philadelphia.

“Though ‘We may not live to see the glory,’ as the song from the musical Hamilton goes, ‘Let us gladly join the fight.’ Let our legacy be about ‘planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.’ That’s why we are here, not just in this hall but on this Earth,” Clinton concluded. “The founders showed us that. And so have many others since. They were drawn together by love of country and the selfless passion to build something better for all who follow. That is the story of America. 

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“And we begin a new chapter tonight. Yes, the world is watching what we do. Yes, America’s destiny is ours to choose. So let’s be stronger together. Let’s look to the future with courage and confidence. Let’s build a better tomorrow for our beloved children and our beloved country. When we do, America will be greater than ever.”

Jessica Sanchez’s “Stronger Together” then played while Hillary and Bill Clinton, along with vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine, were showered with red, white and blue balloons and confetti. 

11:26 p.m. ET: “More than a few times, I’ve had to pick myself up and get back in the game. Like so much else, I got this from my mother. She never let me back down from any challenge. When I tried to hide from a neighborhood bully, she literally blocked the door. ‘Go back out there,’ she said. And she was right. You have to stand up to bullies. You have to keep working to make things better, even when the odds are long.”

11:20 p.m. ET: “If we’re serious about keeping our country safe, we also can’t afford to have a president who’s in the pocket of the gun lobby,” Clinton added. “I’m not here to repeal the Second Amendment. I’m not here to take away your guns. I just don’t want you to be shot by someone who shouldn’t have a gun in the first place.” 

11:15 p.m. ET:Donald Trump says, ‘I know more about ISIS than the generals do.’ No, Donald, you don’t,” Clinton said while mocking her opponent. “He thinks he knows more than our military because he claimed our armed forces are a disaster. … Imagine, if you dare, imagine him in the Oval Office facing a real crisis — a man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons.”

“Think Donald Trump has the temperament to be commander-in-chief? Donald Trump can’t even handle the rough-and-tumble of a presidential campaign,” Clinton continued. “He loses his cool at the slightest provocation.”

11:08 p.m. ET: Clinton addressed how she would help send Americans to college without crippling student loans. Bernie Sanders and I will work together to make college tuition free for the middle class and debt-free for all! We will also liberate millions of people who already have student debt,” she said.

11:06 p.m. ET: Her jabs at Trump continued: “He spoke for 70-odd minutes, and I do mean odd. And he offered zero solutions. But we already know he doesn’t believe these things. No wonder he doesn’t like talking about his plans. You might have noticed, I love talking about mine.”

11 p.m. ET: My primary mission as president will be to create more opportunity and more good jobs with rising wages right here in the United States,” Clinton said. “From my first day in office to my last, especially in places that for too long have been left out and left behind. From our inner cities to our small towns, from Indian country to coal country.

And here’s what I believe: I believe America thrives when the middle class thrives. I believe that our economy isn’t working the way it should because our democracy isn’t working the way it should.”

10:56 p.m. ET:  Clinton addressed her historic accomplishment, saying, “Tonight, we’ve reached a milestone in our nation’s march toward a more perfect union: the first time that a major party has nominated a woman for president. Standing here as my mother’s daughter, and my daughter’s mother, I’m so happy this day has come. Happy for grandmothers and little girls and everyone in between. I‘m happy for boys and men because when any barrier falls in America, for anyone, it clears the way for everyone.

After all, when there are no ceilings, the sky’s the limit. So let’s keep going, until every one of the 161 million women and girls across America has the opportunity she deserves.”

10:47 p.m. ET: “My friends, it is with humility, determination and boundless confidence in America’s promise that I accept your nomination for president of the United States,” Clinton proudly stated Thursday night. “Now, sometimes, sometimes the people at this podium are new to the national stage. As you know I’m not one of those people.”

Clinton then recalled her career to those in attendance at the Wells Fargo Center, before admitted that some “don’t know what to make of me.”

“I’ve been your first lady, I’ve served eight years as a senator for the great state of New York, and then I represented all of you as secretary of state. But my job titles only tell you what I’ve done. They don’t tell you why. The truth is, through all these years … the service part has always come easier to me than the public part. … I get it that some people just don’t know what to make of me,” she continued. “So let me tell you. The family I’m from, no one has the names on big buildings. My family were builders of a different kind. Builders in the way most American families are. They used whatever tools they had, whatever God gave them and whatever life in America provided. … My grandfather worked in the same Scranton lace mill for 50 years because he believed that if he gave everything he had, his children would have a better life than he did. And he was right.”

10:42 p.m. ET: Clinton continued to bash her opponent, referring to his speech during the Republican National Convention. “Freedom and equality, justice and opportunity — we should be so proud those words are associated with us. …When people hear those words, they hear America, so don’t let anyone tell you our country is weak. We’re not. … And most of all, don’t believe anyone who says ‘I alone can fix it.’ … Yes,” Clinton continued, “those were actually Donald Trump’s words in Cleveland — really? ‘I alone can fix it,'” she added, mockingly. “Isn’t he forgetting troops … police officers … firefighters?” 

10:38 p.m. ET: Clinton wasted no time attacking Republican rival Trump. “He wants to divide us from the rest of the world and from each other. He is betting that the perils of today’s world will blind us to its unlimited promise,” she said. “He is taken the Republican party a long way from morning in America to midnight in America. He wants us to fear the future and fear each other.”

Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton speaks during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 28, 2016.

10:35 p.m. ET: Clinton thanked former rival Bernie Sanders: “Bernie, your campaign inspired millions of Americans, particularly the young people who threw their hearts and souls into our primary. You put economic and social justice issues front and center where they belong. 

“And to all of your supporters here and around the country, I want you to know that I’ve heard you. Your cause is our cause. Our country needs your ideas, energy and passion. That is the only way we can turn our Progressive platform into real change for America. [Cheers] We wrote it together, now let’s go out and make it happen together.”

10:34 p.m. ET: “For those of you out there who are just getting to know Tim Kaine, you will soon understand why the people of Virginia keep promoting him from city council to mayor to governor and now senator, and he will make our whole country proud as our next vice president,” Clinton said of her VP pick.

10:32 p.m. ET: “On Tuesday night, I was so happy to see that my explainer in chief is still on the job,” Clinton joked about husband Bill Clinton‘s speech earlier in the week at the DNC.

10:27 p.m. ET: Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton took the stage to the tune “Fight Song” as the audience cheered wildly. Some even wiped away tears.

Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton waves on the stage on the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention on July 28, 2016, in Philadelphia.

10:02 p.m. ET: Chelsea Clinton, Hillary and Bill Clinton‘s daughter, appeared on the stage to loud cheers. “It is such an honor for me to be here tonight,” she said. “I’m here as a proud American, a proud Democrat, a proud mother. And tonight, in particular, a very proud daughter.

“She’s a listener, a doer. She is a woman driven by compassion, by faith, but a fierce sense of justice and a heart full of love. This November, I’m voting for a woman as a role model and a mother. A woman who has spent her entire life fighting for families and children. … I’m voting for a fighter who never ever gives up and who believes we can always do better when we come together and work together.”

“I know with all my heart that my mother will make us proud as our next president,” Chelsea concluded.

Chelsea Clinton
Chelsea Clinton arrives on stage to introduce her mother, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016, in Philadelphia.

9:53 p.m. ET: Katy Perry took to the stage to urge viewers to use their voices and vote. “Both of my parents are pastors and staunch Republicans,” the singer told the audience. “I did not finish high school, and unfortunately, I don’t have a formal education, but I do have an open mind, and I have a voice.

“So I am asking you to have an open mind and to use your voice, because on November 8, it will be just as powerful as any NRA lobbyist. You will have as much say as any billionaire. … Because it’s not where you come from but what you grow into.”

Katy Perry
Katy Perry performs at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 28, 2016.

The musician then launched into her performance of hits “Rise” and Roar.”

Her boyfriend, actor Orlando Bloom, watched her from the audience.

9:34 p.m. ET: Neighbors 2 actress Chloe Grace Moretz spoke on behalf of millennials. “My first vote for president will be for Hillary Clinton,” the 19-year-old proudly stated, before urging others her age to vote. “Imagine what can happen if we all make our voices heard this November … go to iwillvote.com … This is your chance for your voice to be heard.” 

Chloe Grace Moretz
Chloe Grace Moretz addresses delegates on the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 28, 2016, in Philadelphia.

9:12 p.m. ET: Khizr Khan, the father of fallen Army Capt. Humayan Khan — who was only 27 years old when he was killed in Iraq — discussed his family’s patriotism and loyalty to the United States. “Tonight we are honored to stand here together and as patriotic American Muslims … as patriotic American Muslims with undivided loyalty to the country,” he said as his wife stood by him. “Hillary Clinton was right when she called my son the best of America. If it was up to Donald Trump, he would never have been in America. Donald Trump consistently smears the character of Muslims. He disrespects other minorities, women, judges, even his own party leadership.

“He loves to build walls and ban us from this country,” he continued. “Donald Trump, you are ousting Americans! Asking America to trust you with the future. Let me ask you: Have you even read the United States Constitution? Will gladly lend you my copy.”

9:06 p.m. ET: Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar kicked off his speech by making fun of Donald Trump. “Hello, everyone. I’m Michael Jordan, and I’m here with Hillary,” the nation’s first global cultural ambassador joked. “I said that because I know that Donald Trump could not tell the difference.”

Kareem Abdul-Jabaar
Kareem Abdul-Jabaar addresses delegates on the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 28, 2016, in Philadelphia.

8:44 p.m. ET: Sheriff Lupe Valdez from Texas led a moment of silence for fallen officers. “It has been a tough time for law enforcement committees all across America who have lost officers because of the violence,” she said. “Violence is not the answer. Yelling, screaming, calling each other names is not going to do it. … We have to start listening to each other.”

8:32 p.m. ET: Chelsea Handler bashed Donald Trump while chatting with CBSN ahead of Clinton’s speech. “Donald Trump has no idea what he’s talking about,” the Netflix talk show host said. “That’s a dangerous, dangerous place for our country to be. And the climate that we’re in, with what’s happening globally, you’re going to elect some guy who is a reality-show host?”

8:11 p.m. ET: Hollywood couple Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen spoke about their friendship with the Democratic presidential nominee. The actress recalled one particular day when she and the Clinton — whom she’s been friends with since 1978 — were having dessert with Bill Clinton. “We were talking about health care for children, and as they were talking, I remember looking at Bill and thinking, ‘I wish he could become president someday,” Steenburgen said.

“Then I looked at Hillary and I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it say something to our daughters, to our sons, to all those people whose lives I know you could touch, if you became president,’ because I know you, and I know you will never stop working your heart out for them,” the actress continued.

“That was 38 years ago,” she said. “It seemed like too much to dream for. But tonight, it seems very possible.”

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen address delegates on the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 28, 2016, in Philadelphia.

7:44 p.m. ET: Nancy Pelosi praised Hillary Clinton and her historic nomination but noted that it’s not just about the Democratic nominee’s achievement. “It is about what electing a woman president will mean for achieving the dreams and hopes and aspirations of every woman, every daughter, every son, every family all across our land,” the minority leader of the House of Representatives said. “For generations to come. This moment is about the landmark progress President Clinton will achieve for families everywhere yearning for a better life, a better chance and a better America.”

Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 28, 2016.

7:20 p.m. ET: Sheila E. performed the drums ahead of Hillary Clinton‘s speech at the Democratic National Convention. 

Sheila E.
Sheila E. performs onstage during the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 28, 2016, in Philadelphia.

6:49 p.m. ET: U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren took to the stage amid thunderous applause and launched straight into an attack on Donald Trump“Trump is willing to step on anyone who gets in his way,” she said as the audience cheered. “Hillary Clinton knows how to fight back against dangerous, loudmouth bullies.” Warren said that “Clinton doesn’t back down” and “she sure as heck doesn’t quit. Hillary just keeps on fighting for the people who need her most.”

ORIGINAL STORY: History has its eye on her. Day four of the Democratic National Convention kicked off at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 28. Hillary Clinton is expected to accept the Democratic presidential nomination during her speech around 10 p.m. ET, at which point she will be the first female nominee for a major party in history. Stay with Us Weekly all night long for big moments from the final event, and watch the livestream above for full coverage.

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During a briefing on Thursday, Clinton’s communications director, Jennifer Palmieri, revealed that the former secretary of state’s speech will focus on people seeing “the woman, the full three-dimensional person that she is.”

“I think what she’ll be doing is what the American people want to see from her, which is telling and talking about what connects the fights of her life, going all the way back, with what she wants to do for the country,” John D. Podesta, chairman of the campaign, added of her expected remarks.

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Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is seen before the Univision News and Washington Post Democratic Presidential Primary Debate on the Miami Dade College Kendall Campus on March 9, 2016 in Miami, Florida.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is seen before the Univision News and Washington Post Democratic Presidential Primary Debate on the Miami Dade College Kendall campus on March 9, 2016, in Miami.

The Democratic presidential nominee, 68, previously spoke during the convention via satellite video after she officially secured the nomination on Monday.

“Hello, Philadelphia, I am so happy for this great day and tonight,” she told those in attendance at the Wells Fargo Center. “What an incredible honor you have given me, and I cannot believe we just put the biggest crack in that glass ceiling yet. Thanks to you and everyone who has fought so hard to make this possible. … If there are any little girls out there who stayed up late to watch, let me just say, I may become the first woman president, but one of you is next. Thank you all. I cannot wait to join you in Philadelphia. Thank you!”

Katy Perry is also scheduled to take the stage Thursday evening, and Chelsea Clinton is set to introduce her mother, Hillary.

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Watch the livestream above and keep refreshing this page all night long for regular updates. 

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