New Mexico Gov. Grisham Highlights Abortion Access at 2024 DNC in Chicago
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday to address two pressing issues: abortion access and healthcare affordability. As a seasoned politician and lawyer, Grisham’s speech underscored her commitment to these causes, which she has championed throughout her career.
Grisham, who previously served as a U.S. representative before becoming the 32nd governor of New Mexico, emphasized the personal significance of affordable healthcare for both herself and Vice President Kamala Harris. Both have had family members affected by cancer, making this issue deeply personal for them. Grisham praised Harris for her work as California’s attorney general, particularly her efforts to hold drug companies accountable for overcharging patients.
The Democratic National Convention, taking place in Chicago from Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August 22, is a key event in the political calendar. Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to formally accept the party’s nomination for the 2024 presidential election on Thursday, a momentous occasion that will set the stage for the upcoming election.
Who is Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham?
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is a prominent figure in New Mexico politics, known for her advocacy for education and healthcare. After graduating from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1987, she worked at the state Department of Aging from 1992 to 2002. Her career in public service has been marked by a strong commitment to improving the lives of New Mexicans, particularly through her focus on education from “cradle to career.” One of her significant achievements includes the establishment of one of the nation’s first cabinet-level state agencies dedicated solely to early childhood education and care. She also played a crucial role in securing stable funding sources for future generations through the Early Childhood Trust Fund and Land Grant Permanent Fund.
Key Quote
During her speech, Grisham highlighted the stakes of the upcoming election, stating, “Donald Trump and JD Vance want to dismantle our health care system, repeal the Affordable Care Act, and eliminate protections for preexisting conditions.” This quote encapsulates the urgency and importance she places on protecting healthcare access for all Americans.
The Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention is a four-day event that will conclude on Thursday, August 22, in Chicago, Illinois. The United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, serves as the primary venue for the convention. Chicago has a long history of hosting the Democratic Convention, having done so 11 times, most recently in 1996 when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.
How to Watch the 2024 DNC
The convention is being broadcast live from the United Center in Chicago from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) each night from Tuesday through Thursday. For those unable to attend in person, the event is available for live streaming on the DNC’s official website. Additionally, USA TODAY is providing livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the convention, ensuring that viewers across the country can stay informed.
Themes of the DNC
Each night of the Democratic National Convention is centered around a specific theme, reflecting the party’s vision and priorities:
- Monday: “For the People”
- Tuesday: “A Bold Vision for America’s Future”
- Wednesday: “A Fight for our Freedoms”
- Thursday: “For our Future”
These themes are designed to resonate with voters and to articulate the Democratic Party’s goals for the future, particularly as they head into the 2024 presidential election. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s speech was a key part of the convention, highlighting the critical issues of healthcare and abortion access, and underscoring the importance of the upcoming election.
