Referencing her iconic 2016 DNC speech, Obama once again called on Americans to keep “going high” while others “go low.”

“But let’s be clear: Going high does not mean putting on a smile and saying nice things when confronted by viciousness and cruelty,” she said. “Going high means standing fierce against hatred while remembering that we are one nation under God, and if we want to survive, we’ve got to find a way to live together and work together across our differences.”

Americans must do everything in their power to make sure they vote in November, she said.

“Look, we have already sacrificed so much this year,” Obama said. “This is who we still are: compassionate, resilient, decent people whose fortunes are bound up with one another. And it is well past time for our leaders to once again reflect our truth.”

The former first lady and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who had previously been one of Biden’s main challengers in the 2020 Democratic race, were the headline speakers on the opening night on the four-day convention.

The gathering was initially scheduled to kick off on July 13, but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The convention is based at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, though much of the programming will not take place in person.

Most of the major speeches ― including from Biden, his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, and former President Barack Obama ― are expected to be delivered live from various locations across the country.

DNC organizers have assigned themes to each convention day. Monday’s theme was “We the People” to reinforce the idea that Americans who stand united “can overcome anything,” according to a party press release.

Biden is slated to formally accept the party’s nomination on Thursday and deliver the convention’s concluding speech.

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