Deepa Shivaram

CHICAGO — When President Biden dropped out of his race for a second term, Vice President Harris was hunkered down at her residence in Washington, D.C., with her closest advisers and some family members.

President Obama and Michelle Obama delivered rousing speeches on the second night of the Democratic National Convention. Lil Jon performed during the ceremonial roll call. And Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff delivered a speech about the role Kamala Harris plays in his blended family.This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.

Vice President Kamala Harris gave the biggest speech of her political career Thursday night to cap off the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Kamala Harris has a number of paths to the 270 electoral votes she needs to secure the presidency, a change from the Biden campaign.

Ad spending in the 2024 presidential election is nearing $2 billion. With Vice President Kamala Harris' late entry to the race, we look at how her campaign and that of former President Donald Trump are trying to define Harris politically through advertising. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.

Donald Trump unsuccessfully tried to pressure Georgia's political leadership to "find" him votes in the 2020 election, but election conspiracies he inspired and continues to encourage continue to play a big role this cycle.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris are interviewed by CNN’s Dana Bash at Kim’s Cafe in Savannah, Georgia, on August 29, 2024. This is the first time Harris has sat with a journalist for an in-depth, on-the-record conversation since President Joe Biden ended his presidential bid in July. (Will Lanzoni/CNN)

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris are interviewed by CNN’s Dana Bash at Kim’s Cafe in Savannah, Georgia, on August 29, 2024. This is the first time Harris has sat with a journalist for an in-depth, on-the-record conversation since President Joe Biden ended his presidential bid in July. (Will Lanzoni/CNN)

Vice President Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will be pressed for the first time about their policy promises to the American people.

Vice President Harris has used debates as turning points throughout her political career. Next week, she faces her biggest debate challenge yet.