Biden readies to inaugurate Democratic convention, emphasizing the importance of voting for Harris
The president's major speech on Monday provides Biden with one of his last significant opportunities to address the American people, as his over half-century political journey begins to wind down. The speech is set to take place almost a month after Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
Biden will use this occasion to rally support for Harris' presidential bid, addressing thousands of Democratic delegates and members at Chicago's United Center. This move comes after many within his party had urged him to withdraw from the 2024 race.
Biden's advisors believe he has earned the goodwill of the Democratic Party following a successful first term in office and his decision to pass the leadership torch to Harris. The president is expected to use his speech to argue for Harris' election, highlight their accomplishments, and emphasize the necessity of defeating former President Donald Trump, who is perceived as a threat to democracy.
A Biden aide explained, "The President is expected to discuss how, in the struggle for America's soul, we've safeguarded democracy, championed its success, and now, with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, we must protect democracy." They also stressed that the Biden-Harris administration inherited numerous crises, overcame them, and is now poised for a prosperous future.
When asked about his message to Democrats at the convention, the president responded, "Win."
First lady Jill Biden, a strong advocate and supporter of the president, will also speak at the convention on Monday, along with other Biden family members. The president is preparing his speech with longtime adviser Mike Donilon and Vinay Reddy, director of speechwriting at the White House.
Biden's aides indicated that he is content with the momentum surrounding Harris' presidential campaign, despite the challenges that forced him to withdraw from the 2024 race. They believe that his swift endorsement of Harris contributed to the Democratic Party's unity heading into August and prevented a fractured convention.
The convention will showcase the achievements of the Biden-Harris administration in stark contrast to Trump's tenure, highlighting their successful management of the pandemic, economic growth, preservation of democracy at home and abroad, and restoration of decorum in the White House.
Biden's appearance at the convention marks a four-year milestone since his 2016 nomination, which was notably devoid of the traditional fanfare due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While Harris will be the main focus of the convention, small tributes to Biden will be incorporated throughout the week's events.
A quote from Biden's Oval Office speech announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 race - "History is in your hands" - will be featured in the United Center, where delegates will enter. The convention logo incorporates the three-striped flag from the Biden-Harris campaign logo, and delegates will receive bags featuring a "Cup of Joe" nod.
Biden is planning his final months in office, focused on cementing his legacy through the implementation of legislation, cost reduction, and foreign policy. He is expected to join Harris on the campaign trail in the coming months, though the frequency of their appearances remains unclear.
During their first joint appearance in their new roles on Thursday, Biden praised Harris as "one hell of a president" while Harris lauded her White House partner. "There's a lot of love in this room for our president, and I think it's for many, many reasons," Harris said as supporters chanted, "Thank you, Joe."
Biden's speech at the convention is not just about rallying support for Harris, but also about highlighting the importance of defeating Trump in the politics arena, as he perceives him as a threat to democracy.
The decision by Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race and endorse Harris was a significant move in the realm of politics, as it aimed to unify the Democratic Party and prevent a fractured convention.
