The Democratic National Convention in Chicago kicked off on Monday with President Joe Biden delivering a heartfelt farewell and passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden praised Harris as the best choice he made in his career, calling her a leader who would earn respect globally and leave a lasting mark on America’s future.
The event marked a significant shift for the party. Just a month ago, there was considerable pressure on Biden to withdraw from the race. However, Monday night saw a united Democratic front rallying behind Harris and opposing former President Donald Trump. The mood had transitioned from skepticism to gratitude, with Democrats celebrating Biden’s service and his decision to hand over leadership to Harris.
In his speech, which was preceded by a lengthy ovation, Biden expressed strong support for Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He reflected on his administration’s achievements and criticized Trump, highlighting pivotal moments such as the Charlottesville rally and Trump’s controversial responses.
Despite the challenges of the past months, Biden’s speech resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing his commitment to his legacy and his belief in Harris’s future leadership. He reassured attendees that his decision to step aside was driven by a desire to avoid party division and to focus on preserving democracy.
This endorsement highlighted a shift within the Democratic Party, which had been deeply fractured just a month ago. The convention showcased a unified front, rallying behind Harris and against former President Donald Trump.
Biden’s speech was marked by a blend of reflection and resolve. He recounted the challenges of his presidency, including the global pandemic and national racial reckoning. His remarks emphasized his administration’s achievements, including advancements in infrastructure, gun safety, climate change initiatives, and the nomination of the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. He particularly highlighted his selection of Harris as one of his proudest accomplishments.
“I stand before you now on this August night to report that democracy has prevailed. Democracy has delivered. And now democracy must be preserved,” Biden declared, as the hour approached midnight. He also took the opportunity to deliver a scathing critique of Trump, recalling moments such as Trump’s equivocal response to the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville—a pivotal event that motivated him to run for the presidency.
“I love my job,” Biden stated, “but I love my country more.”
This sentiment reflected his decision to step aside from the campaign, driven by a desire to avoid further division within his party. He acknowledged the reception at the convention as “overwhelming” and expressed that his daughter, Ashley Biden’s introduction of him was the highlight of the evening.
As he concluded his speech, Biden quoted a verse from “American Anthem,” saying, “Let me know in my heart. When my days are through. America, America, I gave my best to you,” and added, “I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you.”
Monday night’s convention was a poignant tribute to Biden’s legacy and a strong endorsement of Kamala Harris as the future leader of the Democratic Party.
Thank you, Joe!
