President Joe Biden’s Emotional Address at the Democratic National Convention

A Hero’s Welcome for Stepping Aside for Vice President Kamala Harris

Headlining night one of the Democratic National Convention, President Joe Biden told the crowd, ‘I gave my best to you,’ as he urged the party to work to elect Vice President Kamala Harris.

Biden, 81, received a hero’s welcome for the act of stepping aside for Harris, weeks after many in his party were pressuring him to drop his bid for reelection.

A New Chapter for the Party

One month after an unprecedented mid-campaign switch, the opening night of the convention in Chicago was designed to give a graceful exit to the incumbent president and slingshot Harris toward a faceoff with Republican Donald Trump, whose comeback bid for the White House is viewed by Democrats as an existential threat.

Biden’s Message to the Party

On Monday, Biden insisted he did not harbor any ill will about the impending end of his tenure — despite reports to the contrary — and called on the party to unite around Harris.

“I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you,” Biden said.

A Passionate Defense of His Record

Speaking clearly and energetically, Biden relished the chance to defend his record, advocate for his vice president and go on the attack against Trump. His delivery was more reminiscent of the Biden who won in 2020 than the mumbling and sometimes incoherent one-time candidate whose debate performance sparked the downfall of his reelection campaign.

A Emotional Welcome

Visibly emotional when he took the stage, Biden was greeted by a more than four-minute-long ovation and chants of “Thank you Joe.”

“America, I love you,” he replied.

Biden’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris

He called his selection of Harris as his running mate four years ago “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, she’s experienced and she has enormous integrity, enormous integrity,” he said. “Her story represents the best American story.”

“And like many of our best presidents,” he added in a nod to his own career, “she was also vice president.”

Conclusion

In his emotional address, President Biden demonstrated his commitment to the Democratic party and his support for Vice President Harris. His message of unity and his endorsement of Harris set the tone for the rest of the convention.

FAQs

Q: Why did President Biden step aside for Vice President Harris?

A: President Biden decided to step aside for Vice President Harris to give her a chance to lead the party and to unite the party around her candidacy.

Q: What was the reaction to President Biden’s address?

A: President Biden’s address was met with a hero’s welcome, with chants of “Thank you Joe” and a four-minute-long ovation.

Q: What is the significance of President Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Harris?

A: President Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Harris is significant because it shows his support for her candidacy and his commitment to the Democratic party.