In a poignant farewell address at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, President Joe Biden emotionally passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, expressing his deep commitment to the country and his belief in her candidacy.
At 81, Biden reflected on his five-decade political career and his achievements, urging voters to support Harris in the upcoming election against Donald Trump. “America, America, I gave my best to you,” Biden declared, quoting a patriotic hymn during his nearly hour-long speech. The event marked Biden’s formal exit from the 2024 presidential race, a decision he made less than a month ago.
Harris, who joined Biden on stage after his speech, paid tribute to him, acknowledging his leadership and contributions. Despite his departure, Biden emphasized he would be the “best volunteer” for Harris’s campaign and expressed no bitterness about stepping aside.
The convention’s opening night was emotionally charged, with Biden receiving a four-minute ovation and tears from both him and the audience. Harris, making an unexpected early appearance, celebrated Biden’s presidency and his impact.
Biden’s speech focused on his administration’s achievements, including advancements in the economy and healthcare, and his efforts to heal the nation following the tumultuous Trump era. He criticized Trump, referring to him as a “loser” and a “convicted felon” amid ongoing legal troubles.
The convention also faced disruptions from protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, highlighting a contentious issue among Democrats. Despite these challenges, the focus remained on Biden’s legacy and Harris’s future as the Democratic nominee.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, in response to the Democratic convention, criticized Harris and highlighted perceived flaws in her economic policies as he continued his campaign across key battleground states.
