CHICAGO — The last time the Democratic Party gathered for a convention at the United Center, Bill Clinton accepted the nomination in 1996 for his reelection bid.

Nearly 30 years later, the former president, 78, will take the stage in the same arena on Wednesday night to make the case for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Sources familiar with the speech— his 12th consecutive address to a Democratic convention — say it will be hopeful and aspirational, on the heels of what has been a tumultuous time for the party following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

These sources also said it will include fiery, newsworthy jabs aimed at former President Donald Trump, and will highlight the qualities that make for a responsible, qualified commander-in-chief in the nation’s highest office. To that end, the speech is expected to highlight the striking differences in vision, experience and temperament between Harris and Trump, underscoring the vice president's story and what her candidacy means for the nation.

The former president was still making last minute edits to his speech on Tuesday — as he typically does in big moments.

One longtime Clinton aide said the speech provides Clinton with a unique ability to reach out to swing voters in the race who voted for both Biden and Trump in the past, and who remain undecided........

© The Hill