Chicago, United States — On an emotional night at the Democratic National Convention, President Joe Biden took the stage to wholeheartedly endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the next leader of the Democratic Party. His endorsement came amid rapturous applause and marked a significant moment, symbolizing a passing of the torch.
At 81, Biden received a warm reception, signaling a collective relief within the party following his decision not to seek reelection. This strategic move early in the convention in Chicago was intended to honor Biden and push Harris into a direct competition with Republican Donald Trump, whose campaign has raised existential concerns among some Democrats.
Biden, addressing the crowd, firmly rejected any idea of a withdrawal, affirming his support for Harris. “I’ve made a lot of decisions in my career, but supporting Harris is the greatest,” Biden said to applause.
In a strong and clear presentation, Biden used his platform to celebrate the successes of his administration, strongly support his vice president and criticize Trump. His dynamic presentation contrasted with past public appearances that sometimes portrayed him as less coherent.
The convention hall erupted in sustained applause, lasting several minutes, as attendees expressed their gratitude with chants of “Thank you, Joe!” to which Biden responded affectionately, “America, I love you.”
In his heartfelt speech, Biden praised Harris as his most critical and successful decision since his candidacy, noting her experience, integrity and representation of American ideals. “Like some of our greatest presidents, she has also served as vice president,” Biden noted, adding a personal touch to his endorsement.
Following Biden, Harris, along with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, joined Biden on stage, affirming her readiness to lead and expressing deep gratitude for Biden’s legacy of service.
Highlighting Biden’s Legacy
Due to scheduling delays, the convention ran late into the night, leading to the cancellation of a performance by James Taylor. During the additional time, Biden highlighted significant accomplishments of his presidency, such as major improvements to gas infrastructure and caps on insulin prices, explaining that these efforts were intended to benefit all Americans, regardless of political affiliation.
Biden also recalled the 2017 Charlottesville incident, a pivotal moment in his decision to run in 2020, deeply influenced by personal tragedy and a commitment to countering rising domestic extremism.
First lady Jill Biden, speaking before her husband, shared her recent deepening connection with him, sparked by his decision to endorse Harris, underscoring his deep commitment to public service.
Connecting Biden and Harris’ Vision
The evening featured a number of high-profile speakers, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who praised Harris’s potential to make strides for women in leadership and praised Biden’s bold decision to step aside. Clinton’s speech followed a powerful speech by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who introduced discussions of international conflicts, particularly the war in Gaza, reflecting the diverse and sometimes divisive voices of the party.
The protests and Biden’s response
Outside the convention, protests took place with thousands of people expressing opposition to the administration’s policies on international conflict. Biden acknowledged the protests during his speech, acknowledging the legitimacy of concerns expressed about the loss of innocent life and reaffirming his commitment to seeking peaceful solutions.
