Biden expresses to America, "I've done my utmost for you," as he entrusts his legacy to Harris.
He openly carried out one of the most significant actions a politician in a democratic system can accomplish – willingly relinquishing authority – as he transferred the party leadership to Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention on Monday.
He concluded his half-century long career, which spanned roles as a senator, vice president, and ultimately president, by quoting a verse from a song titled “American Anthem,” which he considered meaningful to his family. “What should our legacy be, what will our children say, let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, America, I gave my all to you,” he declared.
In a farewell speech in Chicago that ran past midnight on the east coast, Biden, at 81, assigned his legacy – and the future of American democracy – to the individual he referred to as "the future vice president Kamala Harris."
"She's tough, she's experienced, and she has tremendous integrity," he said.
"Her story embodies the best American narrative," Biden continued. "She'll be a president our children can look up to. She'll be a president respected by world leaders. ... She will be a president we can all be proud of. She will be a historic president who leaves her mark on America's destiny."
Biden's act was particularly poignant given that he became the first sitting president to forgo a reelection bid in over five-and-a-half decades.
He deeply desired a second term, the ambition all presidents covet, but under intense pressure from former allies, he determined that his party and the nation would benefit more from a younger leader.
His self-sacrifice contrasted sharply with his predecessor's, Donald Trump, who did everything within his power to maintain power in defiance of the public's will in 2020 and has now announced his candidacy for a term he vowed would be dedicated to "retribution."
Just hours prior, Trump echoed the language that precipitated America's most serious constitutional crisis in modern times in 2016. He hinted that he would only accept this year's results if he believed they were free and fair. Despite a lack of evidence to the contrary, this sentiment resurfaced last time, and no indication suggests it will be any different this year.
Deafening applause
Biden was welcomed with a wave of emotion when he jogged onto the stage after his daughter Ashley's introduction. Wiping away tears with a handkerchief, a deafening applause gave way to cries of "We love Joe!" and "Thank you Joe" from the crowd. Biden caught the podium, his arms spread wide, and absorbed the affection. He turned and raised his hands to those in the highest seats in the house.
The president opened by discussing his decision to run against Trump in 2020 – to ensure, he said, that "hate has no sanctuary," before going on to describe his presidency, which began amid the turmoil of the Covid-19 pandemic, as a powerful success that safeguarded democracy and rebuilt "the backbone of America," the middle class.
Biden reminisced about the literal and metaphorical chill of his inauguration and the profound national crisis that prevailed at the time. “Now it’s summer, the winter has passed, and with a grateful heart, I stand before you now on this August night to report that democracy has triumphed, democracy has delivered, and now democracy must be protected.”
He exuded passion and conviction, proudly voicing words intended for a nominee's address if he still led the ticket. His voice was powerful – in fact, he spent much of the speech shouting. It was a stark contrast to the weak tone that contributed to his abysmal performance at the CNN debate against Trump in Atlanta two months ago. He swayed with anger as he talked about the Republican nominee's lies, what he perceives as the former president's tarnishing of America's image abroad, and the devastation wreaked by gun violence.
However, there were also reminders of why he would not be claiming a second term. Biden's age was evident in the sometime vacant gaze of an elderly man. His words often stumbled, or he tripped over a phrase. It's been Biden's misfortune to grow old before the world's eyes. He's no longer "Joey," the joyful, energetic rising star with the "dazzling Biden smile" as depicted in Richard Ben Cramer's classic book “What it Takes.” He's not even the dynamic, witty senator of the 2008 presidential primary campaign.
The president is likely to deliver a farewell address before he leaves office in January. But Monday night was probably his last opportunity before such a captive live audience. There will be no more State of the Union speeches. This was not a final goodbye, but a president in the twilight of his days was documenting the first history of his own administration.
Biden acknowledges Harris' contribution
Biden was also generous to his chosen successor. He credited all of his achievements to her too, including actions to protect "the freedom to vote, the freedom to love who you love, and the freedom to choose."
When the crowd chanted "Thank you Joe," Biden interjected, "Thank Kamala too." This possibly pleased Trump, who has been trying to portray Biden's presidency as an economy plagued by inflation – a situation in which Harris is allegedly complicit.
However, by leaving now and ending a contest between an 81-year-old and a 78-year-old, Biden allowed his vice president and the new Democratic nominee to run with the perception of the change candidate. Trump is finding it difficult to cope with this transition. In fact, he's struggling more to let Biden go than the Democratic Party is.
Harris has a formidable challenge ahead. Despite her strong commencement and successfully erasing Biden's poll gap, she's in a tight competition with Trump in swing states, with the former president exhibiting his fierce campaigning skills.
Biden's Sorrow
Biden may find some solace in the warm reception he received on Monday, which might alleviate the alleged lingering dismay he feels over how his illustrious career will conclude. However, it's unlikely to quell the feelings of betrayal among his inner circle, who felt deceived by party leaders who pushed him aside after his debate performance fueled voter concerns over his age. (The pivotal figure in this maneuver, Nancy Pelosi, expressed her hope on Monday that Biden would "feel the love in this room, it's overwhelming." Biden later stated that he hasn't spoken to Pelosi since his decision to withdraw from the race.)
Regardless of the adoration showered upon him by party members who now view him as a selfless hero and an undeniable great president, the effective termination of his reelection campaign by a party that believed he would lose represents a chilling act of ruthlessness.
A hint of the past month’s pain was apparent in the brief speech by First Lady Jill Biden, when she implied that her husband had to delve deep into his soul to decide not to run again. When Ashley Biden referred to her father as "one of the most consequential leaders in history," it seemed like a warning of the impending loss.
However, Biden maintains that he harbors no anger towards those who encouraged him to step aside. In the closest he came to explaining his decision, he said, “It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president. I love the job, but I love my country more.”
Biden was initially scheduled to speak on the last night of the convention as the nominee, but ended up being the opening act on the first night. Air Force One was standing by for a late-night flight to his California vacation, marking the commencement of the convention's main proceedings without the sitting president.
The past few months have been unforgiving towards Biden. Despite having a deep understanding of fate's treachery, as a political leader, his life has been marked by extraordinary highs and tragic lows. This was symbolized by the death of his wife and infant daughter shortly after his election to the Senate and later, his beloved son Beau's demise due to brain cancer during his tenure as vice president.
Biden has long felt underappreciated in a political career that began during Nixon's presidency. Even after securing the Democratic nomination in 2020, in a convention devoid of the traditional balloon drop, and ultimately winning the presidency after decades of pursuit, he failed to receive the usual fanfare due to Covid-19 safety measures.
However, the love showered upon him on Monday will shape history's view of his career. Every Democratic convention will remember his speech, along with the party's legendary moments.
And when the accomplishments he extolled on Monday fade away, Biden will be remembered not just for what he achieved while in power, but also for how he chose to depart from office, much like the first president, George Washington.
Biden's decision to transfer power to Harris during the Democratic National Convention marked a significant moment in the realm of politics, demonstrating self-sacrifice and belief in the benefit of a younger leader for the party and the nation.
Moreover, Biden's act contrasted starkly with his predecessor Donald Trump's actions, who kept trying to maintain power defying the public's will, echoing sentiments that could potentially ignite another constitutional crisis.
