"In light of his best abilities," Biden assesses at the party gathering and commends Harris
Biden's hour-long speech was filled with the melancholy of goodbyes. "I've had my fair share of blunders throughout my career, but I've always given you my all," stated the 81-year-old, looking back on his over half a century in politics. Following his speech, Harris made her way onto the stage and gave the president a heartfelt hug. This heartfelt moment solidified the transition of leadership within the Democratic Party from Biden to Harris.
Previously, Biden had lauded Harris as tenacious and seasoned, and someone of "extraordinary moral character." Making her his vice president was the "greatest accomplishment" of his entire career.
Biden had relinquished his bid for the November presidential election after numerous weeks of heated debate surrounding his mental health. He subsequently advocated for Harris as his replacement. She was then named the presidential nominee in an electronic vote towards the beginning of August.
Biden now dismissed any rumors of his resentment towards those within his party who had pressured him to withdraw. "I adore my position, but I adore my nation more," he declared. "All those tales of me being enraged at those who encouraged me to step away - it's just not true."
He referred to the Republican presidential candidate, Trump, as a "failure" and once more as a threat to American democracy. Trump had threatened a "massacre" if he lost the election, and claimed he would become a "dictator" on his very first day in office: "This man is not bluffing," Biden cautioned.
Unlike his unpredictable public displays, Biden appeared determined and assertive during the convention. Five months before the end of his term, he boasted of his achievements in economic and social policy. He also attributed himself with "mending the spirit of America" following the Trump presidency and the storming of the Capitol by fervent Trump supporters in January 2021. The president also encapsulated his legacy with a quote from Norah Jones' song: "America, America, I've given you my best."
Harris had acknowledged Biden's lifelong contributions at the start of the convention. "We are eternally grateful," said the 59-year-old spontaneously in her brief speech. Biden then appeared visibly emotional at the beginning of his appearance, following Ashley's, his 43-year-old daughter's, announcement. He was greeted by the audience with approximately four minutes of cheering and cries of "We love Joe!" and "Thank you, Joe!" Many delegates also displayed tears during his speech.
At the commencement of the convention, former First Lady and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had also spoken, who had previously lost her presidential bid against Trump in 2016. "Something is shifting in America, you can sense it - something we've been striving for and yearning for a long time," said the 76-year-old concerning the possibility of Harris becoming the first female President of the United States.
The rest of the convention will focus on showcasing Harris as a shining beacon. In a speech to conclude the convention on Thursday, she will officially accept her nomination. The candidacy of the 59-year-old has sparked immense excitement among Democrats. The daughter of an Indian mother and a black Jamaican father would also be the first African American and person of Asian descent in the American presidency.
The party convention is accompanied by protests against United States support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. On Monday, around a hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators managed to breach an outer security barrier surrounding the United Center, where the convention is being held. Police prevent the demonstrators from advancing to the inner barrier.
In his speech, Biden expressed empathy towards the protesters: "They have a point," he said, acknowledging that numerous innocent people are being killed in the conflict, "from both sides." The demonstrations evoked memories of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which was overshadowed by angry protests against the Vietnam War and violent confrontations between security forces and demonstrators.
In light of the ongoing protests against United States support for Israel in the Gaza conflict, Joe Biden showed empathy towards the protesters, stating, "They have a point." Previously, Vice President Kamala Harris had acknowledged Biden's lifelong contributions at the start of the Democratic Party convention, expressing, "We are eternally grateful."
