Harris' DNC convention: Rappers, actors, former Trump aides

By Stephanie Kelly

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Barack Obama was set to be the star of the show on the second night of the Democratic National Convention celebrating Kamala Harris' nomination to face Republican Donald Trump in November's presidential election.

Here are some takeaways from night two on Tuesday.

REPUBLICANS AT CENTER STAGE

Democrats were leaning on Republican voices to persuade conservative voters to abandon Donald Trump.

Stephanie Grisham, Trump's former White House press secretary; Mesa, Arizona, Mayor John Giles; and former Trump voter Kyle Sweetser were all speaking from the convention stage in Chicago's United Center arena.

Grisham described her journey from a Trump "true believer" to the first senior White House staffer to resign after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack by Trump supporters on the U.S. Capitol.

"Nobody cares what four disgruntled losers who were thrown out of politics have to say," Trump adviser Jason Miller said in response to their appearances. "Voters want to know which candidate is going to put more money in their pocket and secure the border, and that’s President Trump."

Some Republican voters have coalesced around Harris in groups like Republicans for Harris. "Country over party," one of the group's posts on social media platform X read on Tuesday. "Pass it on."

STAR-STUDDED ROLL CALL

The ceremonial roll call vote, where states affirmed their support for Harris as the nominee, featured plenty of homegrown celebrities.

Rapper Lil Jon launched into "Turn Down for What" to introduce delegates from Georgia, while film director Spike Lee represented New York, "Desperate Housewives" actress Eva Longoria spoke for Texas and "Rudy" actor Sean Astin represented Indiana. Actor Wendell Pierce spoke for Louisiana.

A DJ selected songs for each state, including "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd for Alabama.

Hollywood is flocking to the Harris campaign, after distancing itself from Joe Biden when he was the candidate.

(Reporting by Stephanie Kelly; additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Howard Goller)

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