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| Biden receives an enthusiastic standing ovation from Democrats as he passionately endorses Harris. |
CHICAGO (AP) — President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, expressing, “I gave my best to you” as he enjoyed a lengthy standing ovation following his decision to pass the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris.
At 81, Biden received a celebratory welcome, coming on the heels of pressure from party members to withdraw his reelection bid. After a historic mid-campaign transition, the Chicago convention's opening night aimed to provide a dignified exit for the outgoing president while setting Harris up for a showdown against Republican Donald Trump, whose return to the political arena is seen by Democrats as a significant threat.
During his speech, Biden refuted any rumors of resentment about stepping down and urged party unity around Harris.
“I’ve made my share of mistakes throughout my career, but I gave my best to you,” he stated.
Speaking with clarity and vigor, Biden took pride in defending his administration’s achievements, supporting his vice president, and challenging Trump. His performance evoked memories of his successful 2020 campaign rather than the occasionally faltering candidate who struggled during debates, which negatively impacted his reelection prospects.
Emotionally charged as he stepped onto the stage, Biden was met with an ovation that lasted over four minutes, accompanied by chants of “Thank you, Joe.”
“America, I love you,” he responded.
He described selecting Harris as his running mate four years ago as “the very first decision I made when I became our nominee, and it was the best decision I made my whole career.”
“She’s tough, experienced, and possesses immense integrity,” he noted. “Her journey embodies the best of the American story.”
“And like many of our distinguished presidents,” he added, referencing his own career, “she, too, was a vice president.”
Following his speech, Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff came on stage to embrace him and his family.
“Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to accomplish,” she remarked earlier in the evening. “We are eternally grateful to you.”
Biden Celebrates His Achievements
Biden’s much-anticipated address, considered the highlight of the evening, was delayed by over an hour, pushing it into late night. Consequently, performance by the legendary musician James Taylor was canceled.
He proudly recounted his administration's successes, including significant infrastructure investments and a cap on insulin prices. He emphasized that these initiatives benefitted Republican-leaning states as much as Democratic ones, asserting, “The president’s duty is to serve all of America.”
Biden reflected on the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where white supremacists marched with torches, a pivotal moment that influenced his decision to run for president in 2020 amid his deep sorrow over his son Beau’s passing.
First Lady Jill Biden hinted at her husband’s painful decision to resign from the race in her remarks shortly before he took the stage. She recounted falling in love with him anew when she observed him grapple with the choice to step aside and support Harris.
Convention Speakers Rally for Biden and Harris
A diverse lineup of prominent speakers joined efforts to connect both Biden and Harris to the party’s most celebrated achievements.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who received an enthusiastic welcome, praised Harris, highlighting her potential to shatter the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” by becoming the first female president. Clinton lost to Trump in the 2016 election.
“Together, we have made significant cracks in that glass ceiling,” Clinton stated, quoting a metaphor from her concession speech eight years ago. “Beyond that glass ceiling awaits Kamala Harris, poised to take the oath as our 47th president. When one of us breaks through, the path opens for all of us.”
She also applauded Biden for stepping aside, stating, “Now we are crafting a new chapter in America’s narrative.”
Emphasizing the party's generational diversity, 76-year-old Clinton followed 34-year-old Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed Harris while also mentioning the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a topic that has divided the party’s base since Hamas’s attack on October 7 and Israel’s response.
Biden Acknowledges Antiwar Protests
Outside the convention venue, thousands gathered to protest the Biden-Harris administration's support for Israel’s military actions.
The Israeli counteroffensive in Gaza, initiated after the deaths of over 1,200 people and approximately 250 hostages taken on October 7, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian activists held a panel earlier in the day, marking a first at the DNC.
During Biden’s speech, a protest sign stating “STOP ARMING ISRAEL” was displayed briefly before being removed by security, while others in the audience rallied with cries of “We love Joe,” brandishing banners in support of the president.
Acknowledging the demonstrators, Biden remarked, “Those protesters have a valid point. Many innocent lives are being lost on both sides.” He reiterated his commitment to fostering a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas that would also facilitate the release of hostages taken during the October 7 attack.
Democrats Focus on Trump
In parallel, Democrats sought to maintain a spotlight on Trump, lampooning his legal issues and asserting that his focus is solely on his own interests, rather than serving “the people,” which was the night’s official theme.
Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow showcased an oversized replica of “Project 2025,” a blueprint for a second Trump administration crafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, and quoted its contents.
Abortion rights remained a focal point for the Democrats, who believe the issue could propel them to success, reflecting the momentum observed in other significant races since the Supreme Court's repeal of Roe v. Wade. Speakers included women affected by the Supreme Court's decision, one of whom, a survivor of sexual assault, criticized Trump for attempting to restrict abortion rights. The convention featured a video of Trump taking credit for the overturning of Roe.
Additionally, the convention honored the civil rights movement, marked by an appearance from Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, who is currently battling Parkinson's disease. Numerous references were made to Fannie Lou Hamer, a noteworthy civil rights activist who delivered a pivotal speech at the 1964 Democratic Convention.
Hamer, a former sharecropper and leader of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, fought against the all-white delegation’s seating at the 1964 convention. She spoke on August 22, 1964—exactly 60 years before Harris is set to accept the Democratic
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