A rapper's roll call, jokes about Trump, and the Walz family: Key moments from the DNC

A musical roll call, feisty inspirational speeches from the Obamas and a proud Walz family moment were some of the highlights of this year's 'joyful' Democractic National Convention.

Gus Walz getting emotional during his father Tim Walz’s speech, a performance by John Legend and pro-Palestinian protests were some of the big moments during the DNC this year. Credit: Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call / SIPA USA / Chicago Tribune / TNS / ABACA

This year’s Democratic National Convention (DNC) in the US has been unlike past conventions.

In a gathering of Democrats (as well as current and former anti-Trump Republicans), the DNC’s party atmosphere contrasted with the more traditional Republican National Convention where the Republican presidential nominee, former US president Donald Trump, accepted the party's nomination.

With the Democratic Party intent on bringing the 'joy' to its politicial fight, here are some of the DNC's biggest moments:

A DNC roll call discography

Muted ceremonial roll calls are a thing of the past.

This year's DNC roll call featured DJ Cassidy playing short intro music before each state representative declared their support for and nomination of vice-president Kamala Harris.

US rapper and record producer Lil Jon appears alongside Georgia delegates as they take part in the roll call on the second night of the Democratic National Convention. Source: EPA / Caroline Brehman

Songs chosen were representative of each state, such as Empire State of Mind for New York, I'm Shipping up to Boston for Massachusetts, Texas Hold 'Em for Texas and California Love for California.

Representation for Georgia was especially noteworthy as the crowd cheered when Atlanta rapper Lil Jon made an appearance to perform Turn Down for What as his state's song intro.

'Crowd size' and 'Black jobs'

Former US president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama spoke at the DNC, with many in the party stating their appearance prompted a realisation of how much they have been missed.

Michelle spoke first, talking about her friendship with Harris and how Harris "is more than ready for this moment". Harris will be the Democratic nomination for the presidency.

In a 21-minute speech, she said: "Most of us will never be afforded the grace of failing forward. We will never benefit from the affirmative action of generational wealth."

Michelle Obama said Trump was threatened by her husband and her because they were "two hard-working, highly educated successful people who happen to be Black."

"...who's gonna tell him that the job he's currently seeking might just be one of those 'Black jobs'" a reference to Trump's comment in June that migrants are "taking Black jobs."

The jabs didn't end with Michelle, as Barack also joked about Trump's obsession with crowd sizes during his speech.

"[Trump] has not stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago. It has been a constant stream of gripes and grievances," Barack Obama said.

"It has been getting worse now that he is afraid of losing to Kamala. The childish nicknames, and crazy conspiracy theories, this weird obsession with crowd sizes," he said, while moving his hands close together to gesture something small.

Pro-Palestine protesters

Although 'joy' has been the focus of this year's DNC, pressure over the conflict in Gaza continues to hover over Harris and the Democrats.

Thousands of people have been protesting in the streets of Chicago since Sunday, with 72 arrested on Tuesday after clashing with police. The bulk of the arrests occurred outside the Israeli consulate.

The 'Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine' rallied and marched in downtown Chicago during the DNC. Source: SIPA USA / John Rudoff

On Wednesday night, A group of 'uncommitted' delegates at the DNC started a sit-in protest outside the convention hall, stating that they will not be moved until the Harris campaign allows a Palestinian speaker on the main stage.

Around uncommitted delegates attended the DNC and have been proactively pleading the the current administration to end the war in Gaza and to halt their armament support for Israel.

'That's my dad!'

Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, was relatively unknown at a national level before being picked as Harris' running mate.

Speaking on the second day of the DNC, Walz accepted the vice presidential nomination and shared his journey from being a public school teacher to being a politician, his Midwestern roots, and a personal story about his and his wife's struggle with infertility.

Governor of Minnesota and Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz with his proud family. Source: EPA / Will Oliver

In an election where reproductive rights have been put into focus, Walz said that fertility treatments and IVF led them to having a daughter, Hope.

“Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world, and I love you," he said.

Walz's speech was certainly charged, but the most memorable part of it was his family's reaction to it.

While his wife and daughter were teary-eyed, his son jumped from his seat and in tears, shouted, "That’s my Dad!".

Celebrity appearances

Hollywood showed up for Harris.

Some of the notable celebrities in the DNC included actors Tony Goldwyn and Kerry Washington, The View co-host (and self-professed Republican) Ana Navarro, comedian Mindy Kaling, SNL star Kenan Thompson, director Spike Lee, actress Eva Longoria, and talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

Rapper Common and singers Patti LaBelle, Pink, John Legend and Stevie Wonder also took to the stage.