Actress Eva Longoria opened the Democratic Party's convention, where the party's presidential candidate will be formally nominated.

- Every four years we gather to confirm our democracy. This year we are gathering to save it, Longoria said, starting the video conference this year's convention has been forced to hold instead of a party in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

George Floyd's brother

Most of the speakers were announced in advance, but the day also offered surprises such as football star Megan Rapinoe and Philonise Floyd, brother of George Floyd whose death during a police operation in Minneapolis in May led to widespread protests against police brutality and racism.

- George should be alive today. It is up to us to carry on his memory and legacy, Floyd said, mentioning several other black Americans who died during police interventions and calling for a minute of silence.

Michelle Obama main number

Along with several top Democrats, who wanted to show that the party is not divided, the main numbers for the day before were President Barack Obama's wife Michelle Obama and Vermont senator Bernie Sanders - who in the 2016 election split the party.

- The future of our democracy is at stake. The entire future of our planet is at stake, Sanders says in the pre-released speech and Obama fills in to praise Biden.

- I know Joe. He is a basically deeply decent person who is led by his Christian faith, Obama said in his pre-recorded speech via video link, which was partially leaked.