View source for 2000 Democratic National Convention

{{short description|U.S. political event held in Los Angeles, California}}
{{Infobox National Political Convention
| year            = 2000
| party           = Democratic
| logo= 2000 DNC logo1.gif
| logo_size= 150px
| image           = DP2000.png
| image_size      = 125
| image2          = DV2000.png
| image_size2     = 125
| caption         = Nominees <br /> Gore and Lieberman
| date            = August 14–17, 2000
| venue           = [[Crypto.com Arena|Staples Center]]
| city            = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]
| chair           = [[Terry McAuliffe]]
| keynote_speaker = [[Harold Ford Jr.]] 
| presidential_nominee = [[Al Gore]] of [[Tennessee]]
| vice_presidential_nominee = [[Joe Lieberman]] of [[Connecticut]]
| ballots             = 1
| totaldelegates      = 4,337
| votesneeded         = 2,171
| presidenttotals     = [[Al Gore|Gore]] ([[Tennessee|TN]]): 4,328 (99.79%)<br />[[Abstention]]: 9 (0.21%)
| vicepresidenttotals = [[Joe Lieberman|Lieberman]] ([[Connecticut|CT]]): [[Acclamation]]
| previous_year       = 1996
| next_year           = 2004
}}
The '''2000 Democratic National Convention''' was a quadrennial [[United States presidential nominating convention|presidential nominating convention]] for the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]]. The convention nominated [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] [[Al Gore]] for [[President of the United States|president]] and [[United States Senator|Senator]] [[Joe Lieberman]] from [[Connecticut]] for vice president. The convention was held at the [[Crypto.com Arena|Staples Center]] in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] from August 14 to August 17, 2000. Gore accepted the presidential nomination on August 17, the final night of the convention.

==Logistics==
===Site selection===
[[File:Staples Center - panoramio.jpg|thumb|right|The Staples Center (now the [[Crypto.com Arena]]) was the site of the 2000 Democratic National Convention.]]
The [[Democratic National Committee]] (DNC) initially invited 28 cities to bid for the convention. The "preliminary general requirements" that the Democratic Party asked of bidding cities was to be able to provide 20,000 high-quality hotel rooms within 30 minutes of the venue, and for the venue to capable of holding 25,000 counting both fixed seating and floor seating.<ref name="Miami1"/> Nine cities submitted proposals.<ref name="siteselectiona"/> Of these, seven cities ([[Boston]], [[Denver]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Miami]], [[Minneapolis]], [[New Orleans]], and [[Philadelphia]]) received visits from DNC representatives.<ref name="siteselectiona"/><ref name="Miami1">{{cite web |title=Miami competes for party's big event |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/642216791 |url-access=subscription |via=Newspapers.com |publisher=The Miami Herald |access-date=15 April 2023 |language=en |date=July 19, 1998}}</ref> All except New Orleans were offering new venues that had been constructed in the 1990s.<ref name="Miami1"/> Philadelphia withdrew its bid after being selected as the host of the [[2000 Republican National Convention]]. Boston, Denver, and Los Angeles were named as finalists.

On March 15, 1999, the DNC announced Los Angeles as the site of the convention.<ref name="siteselectiona">{{cite web|url=http://www.gwu.edu/%7Eaction/convselect.html |title=Conventions-The Site Selection Process |publisher=Gwu.edu |access-date=2012-11-28}}</ref> This was the second Democratic National Convention to be held in Los Angeles, with the first having been the [[1960 Democratic National Convention|1960 convention]].<ref name="Stewart1">{{cite web |last1=Stewart |first1=Jocelyn Y. |title=Bid Launched for 2000 Democratic Convention |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-18-me-40434-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=15 April 2023 |date=18 April 1998}}</ref> The other finalist cities would host the two following Democratic National Conventions; Boston hosted the [[2004 Democratic National Convention|2004 convention]] while Denver hosted the [[2008 Democratic National Convention|2008 convention]].

Co-chairman of the committee leading Los Angeles' bid for the convention included [[Eli Broad]] and [[David Geffen]], among others. The effort for Los Angeles to host was modeled after the private/public venture used to stage the [[1984 Summer Olympics]] in Los Angeles.<ref name="Stewart1"/> The city decided to bid only for the Democratic convention, and not seek the Republican convention because they felt that the odds of Republicans holding a convention in California was unlikely since the [[1996 Republican National Convention]] was in [[San Diego]], California.<ref name="Stewart1"/>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Finalist bid cities<ref name="siteselectiona"/><ref name="Miami1"/>
|-
! City !! Venue<br>(fixed seating) !! Proposed budget !! Previous major party conventions hosted by city
|-
| [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]] || [[TD Garden|Fleet Center]] (20,000) || $32.4 million || {{N/A}}
|-
| [[Denver]], [[Colorado]] || [[Pepsi Center]] (20,500) || $28.2 million || Democratic: [[1908 Democratic National Convention|1908]]
|-
| [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] || [[Staples Center]] (20,000) || $27 million || Democratic: [[1960 Democratic National Convention|1960]]
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Semi-finalists bid cities<ref name="siteselectiona"/><ref name="Miami1"/>
|-
! City !! Venue<br>(fixed seating) !! Proposed budget !! Previous major party conventions hosted by city
|-
| [[Miami]], [[Florida]] || [[American Airlines Arena]] (20,000) || $32 million || Democratic: [[1972 Democratic National Convention|1972]]<nowiki>**</nowiki><br>Republican: [[1968 Republican National Convention|1968]],<nowiki>**</nowiki> [[1972 Republican National Convention|1972]]<nowiki>**</nowiki>
|-
| [[Minneapolis]], [[Minnesota]] || [[Target Center]] (19,000) || $18 million || Republican: [[1892 Republican National Convention|1892]]
|-
| [[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]] || [[Louisiana Superdome]] (40,000) || $21 million || Republican: [[1988 Republican National Convention|1988]]
|-
| [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]<br>''(withdrew bid)'' || [[CoreStates Center]] (21,000) || $35 million || Democratic: [[1936 Democratic National Convention|1936]], [[1948 Democratic National Convention|1948]]<br>Republican: [[1856 Republican National Convention|1856]], [[1872 Republican National Convention|1872]], [[1900 Republican National Convention|1900]], [[1940 Republican National Convention|1940]], [[1948 Republican National Convention|1948]]<br>Whig: [[1848 Whig National Convention|1848]]
|-
| colspan=4|<nowiki>**</nowiki>Conventions held in [[Miami Beach, Florida]], a municipality adjacent to Miami
|}

===Scheduling===
Since the mid-20th century or earlier, it has been tradition for the party of the incumbent president to hold their convention after that of the other major party.<ref>{{cite web |title=Whose Convention Goes First? |url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2000/08/whose-convention-goes-first.html |website=Slate Magazine |access-date=11 April 2020 |language=en |date=3 August 2000}}</ref> In 2000, Republicans held their convention July 31 through August 3.<ref>{{cite web |title=2000 Republican National Convention |url=https://data.philly.com/conventions/2000.html |website=Philly.com |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref>

On April 16, 1999 [[Chair of the Democratic National Committee]] [[Joe Andrew]] announced that the convention would take place August 14–17.<ref>{{cite web |title=California Convention Dates Announced Democrats to Hold 2000 Convention August 14-17 |url=http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/041699.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815075119/http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/041699.html |archive-date=2000-08-15 |date=16 April 1999}}</ref>

===Security===
At both the 2000 major party presidential nominating conventions, security was heightened compared to that of past conventions.<ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Neill |first1=Ann |title=Was free speech on mute during the conventions? {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/09/08/politics/conventions-protests-free-speech-zones/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=1 June 2021 |language=en |date=2012-09-08}}</ref>

[[Crowd control]] security concerns were heightened at the Democratic convention due to a number of the organizations behind the activities of the [[1999 Seattle WTO protests]] pledging to protest in Los Angeles during the convention.<ref name="LAPD">{{cite web |title=2000 Democratic National Convention - Los Angeles Police Department |url=https://lapdonline.org/history_of_the_lapd/content_basic_view/1135 |website=lapdonline.org |publisher=Los Angeles Police Department |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214225/https://lapdonline.org/history_of_the_lapd/content_basic_view/1135 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Purdum">{{cite web |last1=Purdum |first1=Todd S. |title=THE DEMOCRATS: THE PROTESTERS; Los Angeles Keeps Its Eyes On Protesters and the Police |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/16/us/democrats-protesters-los-angeles-keeps-its-eyes-protesters-police.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=1 June 2021 |date=2000-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Grim |first1=Ryan |last2=Schwarz |first2=Jon |title=A Short History of U.S. Law Enforcement Infiltrating Protests |url=https://theintercept.com/2020/06/02/history-united-states-government-infiltration-protests/ |website=The Intercept |access-date=1 June 2021 |language=en |date=2 June 2020}}</ref> Also, still in recent memory, was the [[1992 Los Angeles riots]].<ref name="Purdum"/>

In the fall of 1999, the Democratic National Convention Committee established a security task force, bringing together the convention's logistics team, the [[Los Angeles Police Department]], the [[Los Angeles Fire Department]], the [[United States Secret Service]], and other agencies of the federal, state, and municipal levels.<ref name="LAPD"/><ref name="securitypressrelease">{{cite web |title=DNCC Announces Security Team For 2000 Democratic National Convention |url=http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/022300.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815074836/http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/022300.html |archive-date=2000-08-15}}</ref>

Ken Banner served as the convention's director of security.<ref name="securitypressrelease"/>

===Stage design===
Per a Democratic National Convention Committee's press release, the stage of the convention was elevated five feet above the floor of the arena, was roughly 3,700 square feet in area (with the [[podium]] measuring 1,825 square feet, the orchestra measuring 1,225 square feet, and the camera turrets measuring 720 square feet), and had an 18 × 30 foot video screen.<ref name="stage">{{cite web |title=DNCC Unveils Stage for Democratic National Convention |url=http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/Press/080900.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815073653/http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/Press/080900.html |archive-date=2000-08-15 |date=2000-08-15}}</ref>

The podium's [[lectern]] was able to be mechanically lowered beneath the stage, and the walls located behind both sides of the lectern could also be raised from on the stage.<ref name="stage"/>

The podium was painted with water-based non-toxic paint, with the colors being Red 199, Blue 300, TV White (Cool Gray #3), and Metal Effects platinum #ME222.<ref name="stage"/>

Rene Lagler, who had been the interior designer for the [[1988 Democratic National Convention|1988]], [[1992 Democratic National Convention|1992]], and [[1996 Democratic National Convention|1996]] conventions, designed the podium, in addition to designing the central camera platform and also working on both the convention's interior and exterior design.<ref name="stage"/>

Bob Dickenson served as the convention's lighting designer, and Batrick Baltzell served as its audio designer.<ref name="stage"/>

==Convention leadership==
[[Ron Gonzales]] and [[Blanche Lincoln]] served as co-chairs of the convention's credentials committee.<ref name="day1"/> [[Mary Landrieu]] and [[Gary Locke]] served as co-chairs of the convention's rules committee.<ref name="day1"/>

The co-chairs of the convention's platform committee were [[Sharon Sayles Belton]] and [[Dick Durbin]]. Its vice chairs included [[Bob Butterworth]], [[Jim Hunt|James Hunt Jr.]], [[Jack Reed (Rhode Island politician)|Jack Reed]]. Other members of the committee included [[Jim Davis (Florida politician)|Jim Davis]] and [[C. Jack Ellis]], [[Eleanor Holmes Norton]].<ref name="day2"/> The chair of the platform drafting committee had been James Hunt Jr.<ref name="day2"/> Members of the platform drafting committee included [[Bill Purcell (mayor)|Bill Purcell]].<ref name="day2"/>

===Democratic National Convention Committee===
On September 21, 1999,<ref>{{cite web |title=Press Releases - Archive September, 1999 |url=http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/02_releases_0999.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815054805/http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/02_releases_0999.html |archive-date=2000-08-15 }}</ref> a number of members of the convention's leadership were announced. Lydia Camarillo was announced as the convention's [[chief executive officer]] (CEO). Donald J. Foley was announced as [[chief operating officer]] (COO) of the convention. Rod O'Connor was announced as the chief of staff for the convention. [[Jeff Modisett]] was announced as deputy CEO and general [[counsel]] for the convention. Katreice Banks was announced as deputy CEO for external affairs. [[Mona Pasquil]] was announced  as deputy CEO for community relations. It was also announced that Yolanda Caraway would consult with the conventions for external affairs, credentials, and productions. Jaci Wilson was announced as the convention's director of housing. Ofield Dukes was announced as one of the convention's communications consultants.<ref>{{cite web |title=The DNC 2000 Convention Team |url=http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/Press/092099.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815075042/http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/Press/092099.html |archive-date=2000-08-15 |date=21 September 1999}}</ref>

On September 23, 1999, [[Roy Romer]] was announced as chair of the Democratic National Convention Committee.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gov. Romer to Assume New Role as Chair of Democratic National Convention Committee |url=http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/092399.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815075036/http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/092399.html |archive-date=2000-08-15 |date=23 September 1999}}</ref>

On December 9, 1999, additional convention staff were announced for the Democratic National Convention Committee. Anette Avina was announced as senior advisor to the CEO and director of special projects. Travis Berry was announced as senior advisor to the chairman and director of special projects. Simone M. Greene was announced as special assistant to the COO. Cindy M. Lott was announced as deputy general counsel. Liana Shwarz was announced as special assistant to the CEO. Lou Vasta was announced as director of  logistics and operations. Luis Vizcaino was announced as the DNCC's press secretary.<ref>{{cite web |title=DNCC CEO Lydia Camarillo Announces New Staff Additions |url=http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/120999.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815074935/http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/120999.html |archive-date=2000-08-15 |date=9 December 1999}}</ref>

On February 23, 2000, the Democratic National Convention Committee announced three key members of its convention security task force. Ken Banner was announced as director of security. John Vezeris and Joseph A. Masonis were announced as managing directors of the task force.<ref name="securitypressrelease"/>

On March 10, 2000, Brian L. Wickersham was announced as the Democratic National Convention Committee's director of transportation, and Jeffery Lowery was announced as its deputy director of transportation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Experienced Talent Leads Transportation Team at Democratic National Convention |url=http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/031000.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815074820/http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/031000.html |archive-date=2000-08-15 |date=10 March 2000}}</ref>

On April 27, 2000, the Democratic National Convention Committee's production team was announced. Gary Smith was announced as executive producer, [[Ricky Kirshner]] was announced as producer, and Thomas E. Gorman was announced as director of production.<ref>{{cite web |title=World-Renowned Producers Recruted[sic] For Democratic National Convention |url=http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/042700.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815074726/http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/press/042700.html |archive-date=2000-08-15 |date=27 April 2000}}</ref>

===Convention officers===
[[Terry McAuliffe]] served as the chair of the convention.<ref name="speeches1"/>

[[Paul E. Patton]] served as one of the co-chairs of the convention.<ref name="day1"/>

[[Thurbert Baker]], [[Steny Hoyer]], [[Patty Judge]], and [[John S. Tanner]] served as [[parliamentarian (consultant)|parliamentarian]]s.<ref name="day1"/><ref name="day2"/><ref name="day3"/>

==Official themes==
Each day of the convention was assigned a theme. The first day's theme was "Prosperity and Progress", highlighting the economic progress that had occurred under the Clinton–Gore administration. The second day's theme was "New Heights: You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet", focusing on the potential of the future if proper decisions are carried out by new leadership. The third day's theme was "Al Gore: The Principled Fighter", highlighting Al Gore's life story. The closing day's theme was "Al Gore's vision for the future".<ref>{{cite web |title=Democratic convention schedule |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/454338903 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The Daily Oklahoman |agency=Associated Press |access-date=31 May 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=13 Aug 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Democratic Convention AnnouncesNightly Themes |url=http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/Press/072500.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815062338/http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/Press/072500.html |archive-date=2000-08-15 |date=22 July 2000}}</ref>

==Balloting==
Gore was nominated unanimously, and during the roll-call vote for president, [[Florida]]'s delegation was given the honor of putting Gore over-the-top as the official nominee.

On the day before the convention started [[Bill Bradley]] released his delegates and directed them to vote for Gore. The votes of Bradley's delegates that wished to vote for him were registered as abstentions.
'''The Balloting:'''
{| px" class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!| Candidates 
| [[File:Al Gore, Vice President of the United States, official portrait 1994.jpg|200x200px]] 
|-
| align=right | '''Name'''
| '''[[Al Gore]]'''
|-
| align=right |'''Certified Votes'''
| '''4,328''' '''(99.79%)'''
|-
| align=right |Abstentions
|  9 (0.21%) 
|-
|align=right |'''total:''' ||4,337
|}

Senator Joe Lieberman was nominated as the party's candidate for Vice President by voice vote.

Lieberman's formal nomination took place on the closing night of the convention, despite him having delivered his acceptance speech the previous night.<ref name="day3"/><ref name="day4"/>

==Notable speakers==
[[File:President Clinton's Remarks at the 2000 Democratic National Convention.jpg|thumb|President [[Bill Clinton]] speaking at the convention]]
The keynote speaker of the convention was Congressman [[Harold Ford Jr.]] of [[Tennessee]].<ref name="Ferullo2">{{cite web|last=Ferullo |first=Mike |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/08/16/ford.speech/index.html |title=CNN/AllPolitics.com - Election 2000 - The Democratic National Convention |publisher=Archives.cnn.com |date=2000-08-16 |access-date=2015-12-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108024844/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/08/16/ford.speech/index.html |archive-date=January 8, 2007 }}</ref>

The highlight of the first night of the convention was a speech given by President [[Bill Clinton]].<ref name="Ferullo">{{cite web|last=Ferullo |first=Mike |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/08/14/potus.speech/ |title=CNN/AllPolitics.com - Election 2000 - The Democratic National Convention |publisher=Archives.cnn.com |access-date=2015-12-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050912125032/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/08/14/potus.speech/ |archive-date=September 12, 2005 }}</ref>

Other notable speakers included Gore's opponent for the Democratic nomination, Senator [[Bill Bradley]], First Lady [[Hillary Clinton]], Senators [[Christopher Dodd]] of [[Connecticut]] and [[Ted Kennedy]] of [[Massachusetts]], Former Treasury Secretary [[Robert Rubin]], and the Reverend [[Jesse Jackson]].

Actor [[Tommy Lee Jones]], Gore's roommate in college, officially nominated the vice president.

===Day 1===
*[[Joe Andrew]], [[chair of the Democratic National Committee]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Dennis Archer]], [[mayor of Detroit]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Barbara Boxer]], [[United States senator]] from California<ref name="speeches1">{{cite web |title=Speeches |url=http://www.dems2000.com:80/PressRoom/00_speechtranscripts.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816203142/http://www.dems2000.com/PressRoom/00_speechtranscripts.html |archive-date=2000-08-16 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Joseph Cari Jr.]], national finance co-chair of the Democratic National Committee<ref name="day1" />
*[[Linda Chavez-Thompson]], vice chair of the Democratic National Committee and executive vice president of the [[AFL–CIO]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Bill Clinton]], president of the United States<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Hillary Clinton]], [[first lady of the United States]] and Democratic nominee for United States Senate [[2000 United States Senate election in New York|in New York]]<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Michael B. Coleman]], [[mayor of Columbus, Ohio]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Gray Davis]], [[governor of California]]<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Judi Dutcher]], [[Minnesota state auditor]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Dianne Feinstein]], United States senator from California<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Ron Gonzales]], [[Mayor of San Jose, California|mayor of San Jose]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Steny Hoyer]], [[United States congressman]] from [[Maryland]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Joel Hyatt]], national finance co-chair of the Democratic National Committee<ref name="day1" />
*[[Patrick J. Kennedy]], United States congressman from [[Rhode Island]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Mary Landrieu]], United States senator from [[Louisiana]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Blanche Lincoln]], United States senator from [[Arkansas]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Gary Locke]], [[governor of Washington]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Tim Leiweke]], CEO and president of [[Anschutz Entertainment Group]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Alexis Herman]], [[United States secretary of labor]]
*[[Roger Mahony]], [[Roman Catholic archdiocese of Los Angeles]] '''(invocation)'''<ref name="day1">{{cite web |title=Schedule of Events – Monday, August 14th, 2000 |url=http://www.dems2000.com/day1.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |access-date=30 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818202137/http://www.dems2000.com/day1.html |archive-date=2000-08-18}}</ref>
*[[Dannel Malloy]], [[mayor of Stamford, Connecticut]] and chair of the National Democratic Municipal Officials Conference<ref name="day1" />
*[[Terry McAuliffe]], chair of the convention<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Joan Menard]], member of the [[Massachusetts House of Representatives]]<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Gloria Molina]], member of the [[Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Marc Morial]], [[mayor of New Orleans]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Thomas V. Miller Jr.]], [[president of the Maryland Senate]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Patty Murray]], United States Senator from [[Washington (state)|Washington]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Bill Nelson]], [[Florida]] [[insurance commissioner]] and nominee for United States Senate [[2000 United States Senate election in Florida|in Florida]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Paul E. Patton]], [[governor of Kentucky]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Richard Riordan]], [[mayor of Los Angeles]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Lottie Shackelford]], vice chair of the Democratic National Committee and former [[mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Jeanne Shaheen]], [[governor of New Hampshire]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Debbie Stabenow]], United States congresswoman from [[Michigan]] and candidate for United States Senate [[2000 United States Senate election in Michigan|in Michigan]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Andrew Tobias]], treasured of the Democratic National Committee<ref name="day1" />
*[[Robert Torricelli]], United States Senator from [[New Jersey]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Art Torres]], chair of the [[California Democratic Party]] and former [[California state senator]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Wellington Webb]], [[mayor of Denver]]<ref name="day1" />
*[[Lynn Woolsey]], United States congresswoman from California<ref name="day1" />

===Day 2===
*Joe Andrew, [[chair of the Democratic National Committee]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Tammy Baldwin]], United States congresswoman from [[Wisconsin]]<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Evan Bayh]], United States Senator from Indiana and former [[governor of Indiana]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Sharon Sayles Belton]], [[mayor of Minneapolis]]<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Yvonne Braithwaite Burke]], member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors<ref name="day2" />
*[[Elizabeth Birch]], executive director of the [[Human Rights Campaign]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Earl Blumenauer]], United States congressman from [[Oregon]]
*[[Bill Bradley]], former United States Senator from New Jersey and candidate for the [[2000 Democratic Party presidential primaries|2000]] Democratic presidential nomination<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Bob Butterworth]], [[Florida attorney general]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Tom Carper]], [[governor of Delaware]] and Democratic nominee for United States Senate [[2000 United States Senate election in Delaware|in Delaware]]<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Suzan Johnson Cook]], reverend<ref name="day2" />
*[[Tom Daschle]], United States Senate minority leader<ref name="day2" />
*[[Jim Davis (Florida politician)|Jim Davis]], United States congressman from Florida<ref name="day2" />
*[[Howard Dean]], [[governor of Vermont]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Norman Dicks]], United States congressman from California<ref name="day2" />
*[[Jim Doyle]], [[attorney general of Wisconsin]]<ref name="Napgezek" />
*[[John Edwards]], United States Senator from [[North Carolina]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[María Elena Durazo]], trade union activist<ref name="day2" />
*[[Dick Durbin]], United States senator from [[Illinois]]<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[C. Jack Ellis]], mayor of [[Macon, Georgia]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Martha Escutia]], California state senator<ref name="day2" />
*[[Russ Feingold]], United States Senator from Wisconsin<ref name="day2" />
*[[Harold Ford Jr.]], United States congressman from [[Tennessee]] '''keynote speaker'''<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Jane Harman]], former United States congresswoman from California and nominee for United States congress from California<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Maher Hathout]] '''(invocation)'''<ref name="day2" />
*[[Jim Hunt|James Hunt Jr.]], [[governor of North Carolina]]
*[[Jay Inslee]], United States congressman from Washington<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Daniel Inouye]], United States Senator from [[Hawaii]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Jesse Jackson]], president and CEO of [[Rainbow/PUSH]], former [[United States shadow senator]] from the [[District of Columbia]]; candidate for the [[1984 Democratic Party presidential primaries|1984]] and [[1988 Democratic Party presidential primaries|1988]] Democratic presidential nominations<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Eddie Bernice Johnson]], United States congressman from [[Texas]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Patty Judge]], [[Secretary of agriculture of Iowa]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]], attorney<ref name="day2" />
*[[Ted Kennedy]], United States senator from [[Massachusetts]]
*[[Nita Lowey]], United States congresswoman from [[New York (state)|New York]]<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Marty Meehan|Martin Meehan]], United States congressman from Massachusetts<ref name="day2" />
*[[Thomas Menino]], [[mayor of Boston]]<ref name="day2" />
*Terry McAuliffe, chair of the convention<ref name="day2">{{cite web |title=Day 2 Coverage Schedule of Events |url=http://www.dems2000.com/day2.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |access-date=30 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818202138/http://www.dems2000.com/day2.html |archive-date=2000-08-18}}</ref>
*[[Gerald McEntee]], president of [[AFSCME]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Kate Michelman]], president of [[NARAL]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Tom Miller (politician)|Tom Miller]], [[attorney general of Iowa]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Norman Mineta]], [[United States secretary of commerce]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Eleanor Holmes Norton]], non-voting delegate to the [[United States House of Representatives]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Grace Napolitano]], United States congresswoman from California<ref name="day2" />
*[[Janet Napolitano]], [[attorney general of Arizona]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Edward James Olmos]], actor<ref name="Napgezek">{{cite web |last1=Napgezek |first1=Andy |title='Leading the Fight' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/274115815 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=Wausau Daily Herald |access-date=31 May 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=17 Aug 2000}}</ref>
*[[Bill Purcell (mayor)|Bill Purcell]], [[mayor of Nashville]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Jack Reed (Rhode Island politician)|Jack Reed]], United States Senator from Rhode Island<ref name="day2" />
*[[Charles Rangel]], United States congressman from New York<ref name="day2" />
*[[Ed Rendell]], general chair of the Democratic National Committee and former [[mayor of Philadelphia]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Hans Riemer (Maryland politician)|Hans Reimer]], founder of the 2030 Center<ref name="day2" />
*[[Tim Roemer]], United States congressman from [[Indiana]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Pedro Rossello]], [[governor of Puerto Rico]]<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Lucille Roybal-Allard]], United States congresswoman from California<ref name="day2" />
*[[Raymond G. Sanchez]], speaker of the [[New Mexico House of Representatives]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg]], daughter of former president [[John F. Kennedy]]<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Karen Thurman]], United States congresswoman from Florida<ref name="day2" />
*[[Kathleen Kennedy Townsend]], [[lieutenant governor of Maryland]]<ref name="speeches1" />
*[[Richard Trumka]], secretary-treasurer of the [[AFL–CIO]]<ref name="day2" />
*[[David Wu]], United States congressman from Oregon<ref name="speeches1" />

===Day 3===
*[[Archbishop Demetrios of America]] '''(invocation)'''<ref name="day3" />
*[[Tom Allen (Maine politician)|Tom Allen]], United States congressman from [[Maine]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Thurbert Baker]], [[attorney general of Georgia]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Shelley Berkley]], United States congresswoman from [[Nevada]]
*[[Sanford Bishop]], United States congressman from [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Elaine Bloom]], former speaker pro tempore of the [[Florida House of Representatives]]; nominee for United States Senate [[2000 United States Senate election in Florida|in Florida]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Leonard Boswell]], United States congressman from [[Iowa]]
*[[Lee P. Brown|Lee Brown]], [[mayor of Houston]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Raymond Buckley]], member of the [[New Hampshire House of Representatives]]<ref name="day3" />
*Troy D. Brown, nominee for United States Senate [[2000 United States Senate election in Mississippi|in Mississippi]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Willie Brown (politician)|Willie Brown]], [[mayor of San Francisco]] and former [[speaker of the California Assembly]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Mel Carnahan]], [[governor of Missouri]] and Democratic nominee for United States Senate [[2000 United States Senate election in Missouri|in Missouri]]<ref name="day3" />
*Bob Chase, president of the [[National Education Association]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Max Cleland]], United States Senator from Georgia<ref name="day3" />
*[[Jim Clyburn]], United States congressman from [[South Carolina]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Jon Corzine]], candidate for the United States Senate [[2000 United States Senate election in New Jersey|in New Jersey]]<ref name="day3" />
*Gray Davis, governor of California<ref name="day3" />
*[[Lois DeBerry]], speaker pro tempore of the [[Tennessee General Assembly]] '''(nominating speech for Al Gore)'''<ref name="day3" />
*[[Rosa DeLauro]], United States congresswoman from [[Connecticut]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Nelson Diaz (lawyer)|Nelson Diaz]], former judge of the [[Philadelphia]] [[Pennsylvania courts of common pleas|Court of Common Pleas]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Al Edwards (politician)|Al Edwards]], member of the [[Texas House of Representatives]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Lane Evans]], United States congressman from Illinois
*[[Jack Ford (American politician)|Jack Ford]], Democratic leader of the [[Ohio House of Representatives]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Wayne Ford (politician)|Wayne Ford]], member of the [[Iowa House of Representatives]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Karen Freeman-Wilson]], [[Indiana attorney general]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Martin Frost]], United States congressman from Texas<ref name="day3" />
*[[Domingo García (politician)|Domingo Garcia]], member of the Texas House of Representatives<ref name="day3" />
*[[Sam Gejdenson]], United States congressman from Connecticut<ref name="day3" />
*[[Dick Gephardt]], minority leader of the [[United States House of Representatives]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Parris Glendening]], [[governor of Maryland]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Charlie Gonzalez]], United States congressman from Texas<ref name="day3" />
*[[Bart Gordon]], United States congressman from Tennessee
*[[Christine Gregoire]], [[attorney general of Washington]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Clarence Harmon]], [[mayor of St. Louis]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Dario Herrera]], member of the [[Clark County Commission]] and former member of the [[Nevada Assembly]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Robert Hertzberg]], [[speaker of the California State Assembly]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Joe Hoeffel]], United States congressman from [[Pennsylvania]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Rush Holt Jr.|Rush Holt]], United States congressman from California<ref name="day3" />
*[[Mike Honda]], member of the [[California State Assembly]] and candidate for the United States House of Representatives<ref name="day3" />
*[[William J. Jefferson]], United States congressman from Louisiana<ref name="day3" />
*[[Stephanie Tubbs Jones]], United States congresswoman from [[Ohio]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Tommy Lee Jones]], actor '''(nominating speech for Al Gore)'''<ref name="day3" />
*[[Eleanor Jordan]], member of the [[Kentucky General Assembly]] and candidate for the United States House of Representatives<ref name="day3" />
*[[Kwame Kilpatrick]], Democratic floor leader of the [[Michigan House of Representatives]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Ron Klink]], United States congressman from Pennsylvania and candidate for the United States Senate [[2000 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania|in Pennsylvania]]
*[[John Lewis]], United States congressman from Georgia<ref name="day3" />
*[[Hadassah Lieberman]], spouse of vice presidential nominee '''(introduction for VP nomination acceptance speech)'''<ref name="day3" />
*[[Joe Lieberman]], vice presidential nominee '''(VP nomination acceptance speech)'''<ref name="day3">{{cite web |title=Day 3 Coverage |url=http://www.dems2000.com/day3.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818202141/http://www.dems2000.com/day3.html |archive-date=2000-08-18}}</ref>
*[[Zoe Lofgren]], United States congresswoman from California
*[[Ellen Malcolm]], president of [[EMILY's List]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Carolyn Maloney]], United States congresswoman from New York<ref name="day3" />
*[[Carrie Meek]], United States congresswoman from Florida<ref name="day3" />
*[[Bob Menendez]], United States congressman from New Jersey
*[[Juanita Millender-McDonald]], United States congresswoman from California<ref name="day3" />
*[[Jonathan Miller (Kentucky politician)|Jonathan Miller]], [[Kentucky state treasurer]]<ref name="day3" />
*Renee Mullins, daughter of [[Murder of James Byrd Jr.|James Byrd Jr.]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Carolyn Maloney]], United States congresswoman from New York
*[[Robert Matsui]], United States congressman from California<ref name="day3" />
*[[H. Carl McCall]], [[New York state comptroller]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Nancy Pelosi]], United States congresswoman from California<ref name="day3" />
*[[Roberto Ramirez (politician)|Roberto Ramirez]], member of the [[New York Assembly]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Jay Rockefeller|John D. Rockefeller]], United States Senator from [[West Virginia]]
*[[Chuck Robb]], United States Senator from [[Virginia]]
*[[Robert Rubin]], former [[United States secretary of the treasury]]
*[[Chuck Schumer]], United States Senator from New York<ref name="day3" />
*[[Dennis Shepard]] and [[Judy Shepard]], parents of [[Matthew Shepard]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[Karenna Gore Schiff]], daughter of the presidential nominee '''(nominating speech for Al Gore)'''<ref name="day3" />
*[[Jimmy Smits]], actor<ref>{{cite web |title=Coming Up |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/361694227 |via=Newspapers.com |work=Leader-Telegram |location=Eau Claire, Wisconsin |agency=Associated Press |access-date=1 June 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=16 Aug 2000}}</ref>
*[[Andy Stern]], president of the [[Service Employees International Union]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[John F. Street]], mayor of Philadelphia<ref name="day3" />
*[[Bart Stupak]], United States congressman from Michigan<ref name="day3" />
*[[John Sweeney (labor leader)|John Sweeney]], president of the [[AFL–CIO]]<ref name="day3" />
*[[John S. Tanner]], United States congressman from Tennessee<ref name="day3" />
*[[Antonio Villaraigosa]], former speaker of the California State Assembly<ref name="day3" />

===Day 4===
*[[Michela Alioto]], 1998 nominee for [[Secretary of state of California]]<ref name="day4"/> 
*Yvonne Atkinson-Gates, chair of the Clark County Commission<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Joe Biden]], United States senator from Delaware and candidate for the [[1988 Democratic Party presidential primaries|1988]] Democratic presidential nomination, and eventual 46th President of the United States<ref name="day4"/>
*[[David Bonior]], United States House of Representatives Democratic Whip<ref name="day4"/>
*<ref name="day4"/>
*[[John Breaux]], United States Senator from Louisiana<ref name="day4"/>
*Willie Brown, mayor of San Francisco and former speaker of the California Assembly<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Cruz Bustamante]], [[lieutenant governor of California]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Lois Capps]], United States congresswoman from California<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Bob Casey Jr.]], [[Pennsylvania auditor general]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[John Conyers]], United States congressman from Michigan<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Andrew Cuomo]], [[United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Susan Davis (politician)|Susan Davis]], candidate for United States House of Representatives in California<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Jane Dixon]], [[bishop]] of the [[Episcopal Church in the United States of America]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Chris Dodd]], United States Senator from Connecticut<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Cal Dooley]], United States congressman from California<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Byron Dorgon]], United States Senator from North Dakota<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Sandra Feldman]], president of the [[American Federation of Teachers]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Mario Gallegos Jr.]], [[Texas state senator]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Dan Glickman]], [[United States Secretary of Agriculture]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Al Gore]], presidential nominee '''(presidential nomination acceptance speech)'''<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Kristin Gore]], daughter of presidential nominee<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Tipper Gore]], wife of presidential nominee<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Jennifer Granholm]], candidate for [[Michigan attorney general]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Barney Frank]], United States congressman from Massachusetts<ref name="day4"/>
*[[David Halberstam]], journalist<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Tom Harkin]], United States senator from Iowa and candidate for the [[1992 Democratic Party presidential primaries|1992]] Democratic presidential nomination<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Tony P. Hall]], United States congressman from Ohio<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Thelma Harper (politician)]], [[Tennessee state senator]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Frank W. Hunger]], former [[United States assistant attorney general for the civil division]] and uncle of the presidential nominee<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Sheila Kuehl]], member of the California State Assembly<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Martin Luther King III]], president of the [[Southern Christian Leadership Conference]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Mark Lawrence (politician)|Mark Lawrence]], [[president of the Maine Senate]] and nominee for United States Senate [[2000 United States Senate election in Maine|in Maine]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Sheila Jackson Lee]], United States congresswoman from Texas<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Patrick Leahy|Pat Leahy]], United States Senator from [[Vermont]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Susan Bass Levin]], candidate for United States House of Representatives in New Jersey<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Bill Luther]], United States congressman from Minnesota<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Patricia Madrid]], [[attorney general of New Mexico]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Jim Maloney]], United States congressman from Connecticut<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Jack Markell]], Delaware state treasurer<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Frank Mascara]], United States congressman from Pennsylvania<ref name="day4"/>
*Sue Masten, president of the [[National Council of American Indians]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Vashti Murphy McKenzie]], [[African Methodist Episcopal Church]] bishop '''(invocation)'''<ref name="day4">{{cite web |title=Day 4 Coverage Tentative Schedule of Events |url=http://www.dems2000.com/day4.html |website=www.dems2000.com |access-date=30 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818202141/http://www.dems2000.com/day4.html |archive-date=2000-08-18}}</ref>
*[[Kendrick Meek]], [[Florida state senator]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Kweisi Mfume]], president of the [[NAACP]] and former United States congressman from Maryland<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Harry Reid]], United States Senate Democratic Whip<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Barbara Mikulski]], United States Senator from Maryland<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Jan Schakowsky]], United States congresswoman from Illinois<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Brian Schweitzer]], candidate for United States Senate [[2000 United States Senate election in Montana|in Montana]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Louise Slaughter]], United States congresswoman from New York<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Hilda Solis]], California state senator and candidate for the United States House of Representatives from California<ref name="day4"/>
*[[John Spratt]], United States congressman from South Carolina<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Susan Turnbull]], chair of the Democratic National Committee women's caucus<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Robert A. Underwood]], non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives from [[Guam]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Nydia Velazquez]], United States congresswoman from New York<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Tom Vilsack]], [[governor of Iowa]]<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Maxine Waters]], United States congresswoman from California<ref name="day4"/>

==Notable performers==
===Day 1===
*[[Craig Bierko]] and the [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] cast of ''[[The Music Man]]'': "[[76 Trombones]]"<ref name="day1"/>
*[[Melissa Etheridge]]: "[[America the Beautiful]]"<ref name="day1"/>

===Day 2===
*[[Pat Morita]]: "[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]"<ref name="day2"/>
*[[Los Lobos]]<ref name="day2"/>
*[[Jenny Powers]]: "The Star-Spangled Banner"<ref name="day2"/>
*[[Luther Vandross]], "America...The Dream Goes On"<ref name="day2"/>

===Day 3===
*[[Mary Chapin Carpenter]]: "Why Walk When You Can Fly"<ref name="day3"/>
*[[Plus One (band)|Plus One]]: "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "[[America the Beautiful]]"<ref name="day3"/>
*[[Stevie Wonder]] and [[Diane Schuur]]: "The Star-Spangled Banner"<ref name="day3"/>

===Day 4===
*[[Boyz II Men]]: "The Star-Spangled Banner"<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Christie Brinkley]]: "[[Pledge of Allegiance]]"<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Phil Driscoll]]: "[[Battle Hymn of the Republic]]"<ref name="day4"/>
*[[Mark O'Connor]], "[[Orange Blossom Special (song)|Orange Blossom Special]]"<ref name="day4"/>

==Summaries of key speeches==
=== Bill Bradley ===
{{empty section|date=May 2021}}

=== Bill Clinton ===
{{expand section|date=May 2021}}

Outgoing president [[Bill Clinton]] spoke on the convention's first night. Clinton noted his administration's accomplishments and praised Gore, saying that "You gave me that chance to turn those ideas and values into action, after I made one of the best decisions of my life: asking Al Gore to be my partner."<ref name="Ferullo"/>

=== Hillary Clinton ===
{{empty section|date=May 2021}}

=== Gray Davis ===
{{expand section|date=May 2021}}
{{Quote box
| quote = [[File:Dick Gephardt color (1).jpg|150px|right]]
Americans are not looking for a rock star to be president. They want a serious man of substance.
| source = — [[Dick Gephardt]] at the 2000 Democratic National Convention<ref name="voices1"/>
| width = 35em
| align = right
| bgcolor = #c6dbf7
}}
[[Governor of California]] [[Gray Davis]] delivered remarks on both the first and third days of the convention.<ref name="speeches1"/><ref name="day3"/>

His first speech was a welcoming speech on behalf of the host state of the convention. In it, he harkened back to the [[1960 Democratic National Convention]] held in Los Angeles 40 years earlier, which nominated [[John F. Kennedy]] for president, and declared, "we remain the new frontier President Kennedy envisioned here. And our party still embodies the spirit of service and duty he called to life.". He highlighted a number of values and issues that he argued were promoted by Democratic Party.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hon. Gray Davis, Governor of California |url=http://www.dems2000.com/eMersion/eCoverage/01_davis_speech.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001003074700/http://www.dems2000.com/eMersion/eCoverage/01_davis_speech.html |archive-date=2000-10-03}}</ref>

{{clear}}

=== Chris Dodd ===
{{empty section|date=May 2021}}

=== Harold Ford Jr. ===
{{expand section|date=May 2021}}
The keynote speaker of the convention was Congressman [[Harold Ford Jr.]] of [[Tennessee]]. Ford spoke on the second night of the convention.<ref name="speeches1"/>

Ford, who, at 30, was at the time the youngest member of Congress, directed his speech towards younger voters, saying, "I also stand here representing a new generation, a generation committed to those ideals and inspired by an unshakable confidence in our future."<ref name="Ferullo2"/>

=== Dick Gephardt ===
{{Quote box
| quote = [[File:Dick Gephardt color (1).jpg|150px|right]]
The present leadership in Congress has been totally unwilling to consider, much less decide, issues that are very important for millions of people...Every day in every way, Republican leadership has been one-sided, intolerant of other views, unbending to compromise and consensus. Hear me. When we win the White House back, we will replace "my way or the highway" with our way together.
| source = — [[Dick Gephardt]] at the 2000 Democratic National Convention<ref name="voices1"/>
| width = 35em
| align = right
| bgcolor = #c6dbf7
}}

Minority leader of the United States House of Representatives [[Dick Gephardt]] of Missouri spoke on the convention's third night.<ref name="day3"/> In his speech, he criticized the Republican majority in both chambers of the United States Congress. He characterized them as unwilling to pass a patients' bill of rights, a [[Medicare (United States)|Medicare]] prescription benefit, campaign reform, and gun safety measures.<ref name="voices1"/>

===Al Gore===
{{expand section|date=May 2021}}
{{Quote box
| quote = [[File:Al Gore, Vice President of the United States, official portrait 1994 (a).jpg|150px|right]]
The Presidency is more than a popularity contest. It's a day-by-day fight for people. Sometimes, you have to choose to do what's difficult or unpopular. Sometimes, you have to be willing to spend your popularity in order to pick the hard right over the easy wrong. There are big choices ahead, and our whole future is at stake. And I do have strong beliefs about it. If you entrust me with the Presidency, I know I won't always be the most exciting politician. But I pledge to you tonight, I will work for you every day and I will never let you down. | source = — [[Al Gore]] at the 2000 Democratic National Convention<ref>{{cite web |title=Address Accepting the Presidential Nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles {{!}} The American Presidency Project |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/address-accepting-the-presidential-nomination-the-democratic-national-convention-los |website=www.presidency.ucsb.edu |publisher=Address Accepting the Presidential Nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles |access-date=1 June 2021 |date=17 August 2000}}</ref>
| width = 35em
| align = right
| bgcolor = #c6dbf7
}}

Al Gore delivered his presidential nomination acceptance speech on the final night of the convention.<ref name="day4"/>

Gore's acceptance speech focused on the future saying, "We're entering a new time, we're electing a new president, and I stand here tonight as my own man. I want you to know me for who I truly am." He mentioned President Clinton only once near the beginning of the speech. The speech was focused on issues: "I'm here to talk seriously about the issues. I believe people deserve to know specifically what a candidate proposes to do. I intend to tell you tonight. You ought to be able to know, and then judge for yourself."<ref>{{cite web|last=Christopher |first=Ian |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/08/18/convention.wrap/ |title=CNN/AllPolitics.com - Election 2000 - The Democratic National Convention |publisher=Archives.cnn.com |date=2015-12-08 |access-date=2012-11-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311112226/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/08/18/convention.wrap/ |archive-date=March 11, 2007 }}</ref>

{{clear}}

===Tipper Gore===
{{empty section|date=May 2021}}

===Jesse Jackson===
{{Quote box
| quote = [[File:Jesse Jackson at Max Palevsky Cinema crop.jpg|150px|right]]
Look at the record, look at the policy choice, look at the team on the field. And I say to you, you will agree there is more with Gore. | source = — [[Jesse Jackson]] at the 2000 Democratic National Convention<ref name="jacksonspeech"/>
| width = 35em
| align = right
| bgcolor = #c6dbf7
}}

[[Jesse Jackson]], founder, president and CEO of the [[Rainbow/Push Coalition]]; former [[United States shadow senator]] from the [[District of Columbia]]; and candidate for the [[1984 Democratic Party presidential primaries|1984]] and [[1988 Democratic Party presidential primaries|1988]] Democratic presidential nominations, spoke on the convention's second evening.<ref name="speeches1"/>

In his speech, Jackson criticized the Republican convention held two weeks earlier, commenting, "Two weeks ago, in Philadelphia, the nation was treated to a stage show - smoke, mirrors, hired acts that Republicans called inclusion. That was the inclusion illusion. In Philadelphia, diversity ended on the stage. They could not mention the words Africa, Appalachia, or AIDS once. So it is good to be here in Los Angeles, to look over this great assembly and see the real deal - the quilt of many patches that is America."<ref name="jacksonspeech">{{cite web |title=The Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Speech as Prepared |url=http://www.dems2000.com/eMersion/eCoverage/02_jackson_speech.html |website=www.dems2000.com |publisher=2000 Democratic National Convention |access-date=30 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001003073353/http://www.dems2000.com/eMersion/eCoverage/02_jackson_speech.html |archive-date=2000-10-03}}</ref>

Jackson strongly praised the selection of Lieberman as Gore's running mate, while criticizing Republican vice presidential nominee [[Dick Cheney]].<ref name="jacksonspeech"/>

Jackson named a number of issues where he argued Gore and Lieberman held the moral high ground over Bush and Cheney.<ref name="jacksonspeech"/>

Jackson characterized the Republicans as a "grizzly old team" seeking to give tax breaks to the rich.<ref name="Asseo"/> He warned voters that a Bush victory would not just bring Bush to power, but also a "team" comprised Republicans such as [[Dick Armey]], [[Bob Barr]], [[Tom DeLay]], [[Jesse Helms]], and [[Strom Thurmond]].<ref name="Asseo"/> Jackson urged America to, "stay out of the Bushes", a phrase which the audience began chanting.<ref name="Asseo">{{cite web |last1=Asseo |first1=Laurie |title=Jackson raises roof with DNC speech |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/244142521 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The Desert Sun | agency=Associated Press |access-date=31 May 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=16 Aug 2000}}</ref>

=== Tommy Lee Jones ===
{{Quote box
| quote = [[File:Tommy Lee Jones Cannes (1).jpg|150px|right]]
Al, I know you're watching tonight. And I want America to know what I know: you're going to be one of the best Presidents the country has ever had. We need a person with your commitment. We need a person with your heart. Because the Office of the President represents every child on Earth.| source= — [[Tommy Lee Jones]] at the 2000 Democratic National Convention<ref name="TommyLeeJones"/>
| width = 35em
| align = right
| bgcolor = #c6dbf7
}}

Actor [[Tommy Lee Jones]], who had been college roommates with Al Gore, delivered a nominating speech for Gore on the convention's third night. Jones recounted his friendship with Gore, and hailed Gore's character.<ref name="TommyLeeJones">{{cite web |title=Tommy Lee Jones' Speech Text |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=123102&page=1 |website=ABC News |access-date=1 June 2021 |language=en |date=6 January 2006}}</ref>

{{clear}}

=== Ted Kennedy ===
{{empty section|date=May 2021}}

===Hadassah Lieberman===
{{expand section|date=May 2021}}
{{Quote box
| quote = [[File:Hadassah Lieberman (1).jpg|150px|right]]
When Al Gore chose my husband as his running mate, this country got a man whose mission in life is inspired by the people he serves and the community he loves. | source = — [[Hadassah Lieberman]] at the 2000 Democratic National Convention<ref name="voices1">{{cite web |title=Voices |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/462836124 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The San Francisco Examiner |access-date=31 May 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=17 Aug 2000}}</ref>
| width = 35em
| align = right
| bgcolor = #c6dbf7
}}

[[Hadassah Lieberman]], the wife of the vice presidential nominee, delivered an introduction before her Husband's acceptance speech on the convention's third night.<ref name="day3"/>

{{Clear}}

===Joe Lieberman===
{{expand section|date=May 2021}}

Lieberman delivered his vice presidential nomination acceptance speech on the third night of the convention, despite the fact that he would not be formally nominated until the next day.<ref name="day3"/><ref name="day4"/>

Vice-presidential nominee Lieberman invoked the spirit of [[John F. Kennedy]] in his speech, saying: "Tonight, I believe that the next frontier isn't just in front of us, but inside of us--to overcome the differences that are still between us, to break down the barriers that remain and to help every American claim the possibilities of their own lives."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/08/17/lieberman.democrats/index.html |title=CNN/AllPolitics.com - Election 2000 - The Democratic National Convention |publisher=Archives.cnn.com |date=2000-08-17 |access-date=2015-12-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311112453/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/08/17/lieberman.democrats/index.html |archive-date=March 11, 2007 }}</ref>

===Karenna Gore Schiff===
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===Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg===
{{empty section|date=May 2021}}

==Protests==
{{further|2000 DNC protest activity}}
Large scale, sometimes violent protests took place outside of the Staples Center as well as throughout [[downtown Los Angeles]]. Protest groups ranged from [[anti-abortion]] supporters, to homeless activists, to anti-globalization protestors, and anarchists. Out of increased fear after the surprise mass-protests at the 1999 "[[Battle for Seattle]]" WTO protests, media coverage and [[Los Angeles Police Department|LAPD]] concern were heightened for the event.

Concerns were further raised when violent riots also broke out after the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] won the 2000 [[National Basketball Association]] Championship only a few months before the convention. Originally, a "Protest Zone" was designated a city block away from the Staples Center, but a court order forced the zone moved immediately adjacent to the arena, in a parking lot.

The protests became violent during the first evening of the convention, and many different protests, some orderly, some violent, took place over the full four days of the convention. There were numerous arrests, injuries and property damage, but the protests were less than originally feared. The band [[Rage Against the Machine]] played outside the convention showing its disdain of the policies being promoted inside the building.

== After the convention ==
In November, Al Gore narrowly lost to Texas Governor [[George W. Bush]] in the [[2000 United States presidential election|general election]] having won the popular vote but losing the electoral vote in a [[Bush v. Gore|decision]] handed down more than a month after the election by the [[United States Supreme Court|Supreme Court]]. This decision read as follows: "Noting that the Equal Protection clause guarantees individuals that their ballots cannot be devalued by 'later arbitrary and disparate treatment,' the per curiam opinion held 7–2 that the Florida Supreme Court's scheme for recounting ballots was unconstitutional. Even if the recount was fair in theory, it was unfair in practice. The record suggested that different standards were applied from ballot to ballot, precinct to precinct, and county to county. Because of those and other procedural difficulties, the court held, 5 to 4, that no constitutional recount could be fashioned in the time remaining".<ref>{{cite web |title=Bush v. Gore |url=https://www.oyez.org/cases/2000/00-949 |website=Oyez |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[2000 Green National Convention]]
* [[2000 Libertarian National Convention]]
* [[2000 Republican National Convention]]
* [[2000 Democratic Party presidential primaries]]
* [[2000 United States presidential election]]
* [[History of the United States Democratic Party]]
* [[List of Democratic National Conventions]]
* [[United States presidential nominating convention]]
* [[Al Gore 2000 presidential campaign]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=29612 Democratic Party Platform of 2000] at ''The American Presidency Project''
* [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=25958 Gore Nomination Acceptance Speech for President at DNC] (transcript) at ''The American Presidency Project''
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EbnKxBNcvI Video of Gore nomination acceptance speech for President at DNC (via YouTube)]
* [http://convert2mp3.net/en/index.php?p=tags&id=youtube_1EbnKxBNcvI&key=9vuWsCwepAYl Audio of Gore nomination acceptance speech for President at DNC]{{Dead link|date=September 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny9S0nV6HTk Video of Lieberman nomination acceptance speech for Vice President at DNC (via YouTube)]
* [http://convert2mp3.net/en/index.php?p=tags&id=youtube_Ny9S0nV6HTk&key=CyvNdt2Nj6Aa Audio of Lieberman nomination acceptance speech for Vice President at DNC]{{Dead link|date=September 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [http://partners.nytimes.com/library/politics/camp/081700lieberman-text.html Transcript of Lieberman nomination acceptance speech for Vice President at DNC]
* [http://www.c-span.org/video/?c4604025/representative-harold-ford-jr-2000-democratic-national-convention-keynote-speech Video (with audio) of Ford Keynote Address at DNC]
* [http://www.speeches-usa.com/Transcripts/harold_ford-2000dnc.html Transcript of Ford Keynote Address at DNC]

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{{2000 United States presidential election}}
{{Al Gore}}
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[[Category:2000 Democratic National Convention| ]]
[[Category:Democratic National Conventions]]
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[[Category:Al Gore 2000 presidential campaign]]
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