President Joe Biden gave his farewell speech to the Democratic National Convention on Monday night. He stated, “I gave my best to you.” The former president received an extended ovation, capturing the enthusiasm sparked by his decision to pass the leadership to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Biden was warmly welcomed just weeks after facing pressure from within his party to withdraw from the reelection race. 

A month after making an unexpected mid-campaign decision, the convention’s opening night in Chicago aimed to provide a dignified exit for the sitting president. 

It also aimed to position Vice President Kamala Harris for a potential showdown with Republican Donald Trump. Democrats view Trump’s bid to reclaim the White House as a critical challenge, making Harris’s role as the new party leader especially significant.

Joe Biden’s speech today emphasised that he holds no resentment over his upcoming departure. The president urged the Democratic party to unite behind Kamala Harris as she assumes the leadership role.

Moreover, the president acknowledged making many mistakes throughout his career but emphasised that he always gave his best effort.

During his speech, Biden articulated with clarity and energy as he defended his record. For instance, Donald Trump has radically criticised Biden’s claims. Objectively speaking, this particular performance resembled the confident Biden from 2020. This time he did not come off as the faltering candidate whose debate struggles contributed to the end of his reelection campaign.

Biden News: Emotional Farewell and Harris Endorsement

At the event, Biden appeared visibly emotional as he stepped onto the stage, where he was met with an extended ovation lasting over four minutes, accompanied by chants of “Thank you, Joe.” Expressing his gratitude, he responded with heartfelt words to the crowd.

Reflecting on his decision to choose Harris as his running mate four years ago, Biden described it as “the very first choice” he made after becoming the nominee and emphasised that it was the most significant decision of his career. 

He praised Harris for her toughness, experience, and immense integrity, adding that her story embodies the essence of the American dream.

Presidential Address: Achievements, Reflections, and Future Vision

Biden’s speech had been promoted as the highlight of the evening. The speech itself ended up taking place late at night due to the convention running over an hour behind schedule. The delay forced organisers to cut a planned performance by iconic musician James Taylor.

During his address, Biden highlighted key achievements from his administration, such as a significant increase in infrastructure funding and the implementation of a cap on insulin prices. He noted that Republican-leaning states received more of this funding than Democratic ones, emphasising that the president’s role is to serve the entire nation.

The president referenced the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally, where torch-wielding white supremacists marched in Charlottesville, Virginia. Despite still mourning the loss of his son Beau, Biden often cites this incident as a pivotal moment that solidified his decision to run for president in 2020.

In her remarks just before Biden took the stage, First Lady Jill Biden hinted at the difficult choice her husband made to step aside. 

She shared how she recently fell in love with him all over again. She truly valued him reflecting on his decision to withdraw from the race and support Kamala Harris. Numerous prominent speakers aimed to link Biden and Harris to the key achievements recognised by the party.

Clinton and AOC Back Harris as Biden Takes a New Path

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who received extended applause, praised Harris for her potential to shatter the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” and become the first female president of the United States. Clinton, who was the Democratic nominee in 2016, lost the election to Trump.

Clinton noted that their efforts had significantly weakened the toughest barriers. She referred to Kamala Harris as a symbol of breaking through this major obstacle. She claimed that she envisions Harris taking office as the 47th president of the United States. Clinton emphasised that when one individual overcomes a significant barrier, it paves the way for everyone.

Furthermore, Clinton praised Biden for his decision to step aside. She noted that the country is now starting a new chapter in its history.

Hillary Clinton backed Harris and addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the representative, followed Clinton in her speech. This topic has been a point of division within the party following Hamas’ attack on October 7 and Israel’s subsequent response.

Simultaneously, near the convention venue in Chicago, thousands of protesters gathered to criticise the Biden-Harris administration’s support for Israel’s military actions.

DNC Protests Erupt Over Gaza Crisis During Biden’s Speech

Previously, Israel’s counteroffensive in Gaza came after the October 7 attack, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages. According to reports from the Hamas-controlled health ministry, over 40,000 Palestinians have died. Earlier on Monday, pro-Palestinian activists held a panel to address the situation in Gaza. During the protest, they marked what organisers described as a first for the Democratic National Convention.

Protesters from the Abandon Biden movement unfurled a “STOP ARMING ISRAEL” sign shortly after Biden started his speech on Monday night.

Attendees removed the sign quickly, and the lights in that area of the convention were turned off. In response, other attendees chanted “We love Joe” and held supportive banners.

Biden addressed the protests, recognising the loss of innocent lives on both sides. He highlighted his efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7.

Democrats Highlight Civil Rights and Abortion in Election News

Democrats aimed to maintain attention on Trump before the 2024 presidential election, ridiculing his criminal convictions. In fact, he claimed he was prioritising personal interests over public service, which was the night’s official theme.

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow displayed a large version of “Project 2025.” It is a plan for a potential second Trump term developed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, and referenced sections from it during her speech.

Democrats focused heavily on abortion access, hoping this issue will drive their success as it has in other pivotal races since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago.

Monday’s speakers included women who experienced negative impacts on their healthcare due to the ruling, as well as a rape survivor who criticised Trump for attempting to restrict abortion access. 

The convention featured a video in which Trump boasted about his role in overturning Roe v. Wade. 

Besides, the program paid tribute to the civil rights movement. It featured an appearance by Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Currently, he is battling Parkinson’s disease. The event also included multiple mentions of Fannie Lou Hamer, the renowned civil rights activist known for her impactful speech at the 1964 Democratic convention.

Fannie Lou Hamer, a former sharecropper and leader of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, played a crucial role in contesting the seating of an all-white Mississippi delegation at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. 

Fannie Lou Hamer’s influential address occurred on August 22, 1964. Precisely six decades later, Kamala Harris is set to accept the Democratic nomination, making history as the first Black woman and person of South Asian heritage to be a major party’s presidential nominee.