Yang on Democratic convention: ‘I kind of expected to speak’

Former Democratic presidential hopeful Andrew Yang reacted with disappointment Tuesday after his name was left off the official list of speakers for next week’s Democratic National Convention. 

Yang said on Twitter that he “kind of expected to speak,” hypothesizing that he was snubbed because he backed “too many” challengers to Democratic incumbents.

I’ve got to be honest I kind of expected to speak.

— Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) August 11, 2020

Maybe I endorsed against one too many incumbents.

— Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) August 11, 2020

The former technology entrepreneur ran on a platform of a universal basic income during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary before dropping out of the race in February, after the New Hampshire vote. He has since joined CNN as a political commentator.

Former Vice President Joe Biden will officially accept the party’s presidential nomination at the Democratic convention next week.

The convention will be based out of Milwaukee, but has gone largely digital as the U.S. continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic. Biden plans to accept the nomination from his home state of Delaware.

The convention will feature prominent speaking roles from the Obama and Clinton families, as well as more progressive voices, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). 

Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican who opposes President Trump, will speak on the first night of the convention.

Former President Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are expected to speak Wednesday evening, the same night as Biden’s running mate, who has yet to be announced.