Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark Addresses DNC, Highlights Childcare Needs

CHICAGO - Massachusetts Representative Katherine Clark took the stage as one of the first speakers on Thursday at the Democratic National Convention.

Before her congressional career, Clark served as general counsel of the Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services, prosecutor for the Colorado Attorney General's Office, and federal court clerk for the Honorable Alfred A. Arraj, according to Ballotpedia.

In her speech, Clark emphasized the importance of affordable childcare and resources for working families. She warned about the risks Project 2025 poses to families struggling with bills.

The Democratic National Convention is being held in Chicago from August 19 to August 22. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to accept the party's nomination for the 2024 election on the convention's final day.

DNC Day 4: Live coverage of speaker schedule, Kamala Harris to take the stage

Who is Rep. Katherine Clark?

• Who is she? Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) represents Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District.
• What role does she play? As the Democratic Whip, Clark is the "second woman to ever serve at the top of House leadership, and the highest-ever ranking woman from Massachusetts," according to her website. Democratic Whips are typically responsible for counting votes and ensuring party members are present for votes and quorum calls, occasionally standing in for the majority or minority leaders, as defined by the U.S. Senate.
• Key quote: "When parents have to choose between their kids and their jobs, businesses are hurt too. We shut out talent. We lose the prosperity parents could create. Childcare makes our economy run."

Watch Rep. Katherine Clark's full DNC convention appearance here:

When and where is the DNC?

The Democratic National Convention is being held from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois. The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, is the main venue for the DNC. Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.

How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC

The convention will air live on its website from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.

USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.

Themes for each night of the DNC

The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention, titled "For the People, For Our Future."

• Monday: "For the People"
• Tuesday: "A Bold Vision for America's Future"
• Wednesday: "A Fight for our Freedoms"
• Thursday: "For our Future"