Biden Passes The Torch To Harris In Opening DNC Speech

On Monday, President Joe Biden solidified the Democratic Party’s commitment to Vice President Kamala Harris as their leader in the battle for the White House against former President Donald Trump, delivering a speech at the Democratic National Convention’s opening day in Chicago that hailed her as the best hope for preserving American democracy.

As Biden took the stage, he received a lengthy standing ovation while delivering a farewell speech to the party he has served for half a century, even with five months remaining in his term.

Wiping away tears about being introduced by his daughter, Ashley Biden, Biden waved to a crowd holding signs that read, “We (heart) Biden.”

Smiling, he responded, “I love you.”

“Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?” Biden asked the crowd.

Taking several jabs at Trump, Biden vowed to be the “best volunteer” Harris and her vice presidential running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, could ever have.

Biden’s speech in Chicago launched the four-day convention, energized by excitement for Harris and relief that Biden withdrew from his own reelection bid, endorsing her as his successor.

The president’s reluctant decision to step down on July 21 followed his disastrous debate performance against Trump on June 27, which triggered intense pressure from major donors and party leaders concerned that the 81-year-old incumbent was too old to win or serve another term.

“I love the job, but I love my country more,” Biden said, drawing chants of “We love Joe,” from the crowd.

In his speech, Biden highlighted his administration’s achievements, including revitalizing the U.S. economy and strengthening alliances abroad, while urging Americans to elect Harris as his successor – who, if victorious on Nov. 5, would become the first Black and South Asian woman to serve as U.S. president.

Biden also denounced racism and white supremacy, declaring they have no place in the nation.

The president contrasted Harris, a prosecutor, with Trump, a convicted felon, and critized the former president’s foreign policy affairs, accusing him of bowing to Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaving NATO in disarray.

Biden critized Trump for labeling the U.S. a failing nation, countering with, “He’s the loser.”

Unlike most earlier speakers, Biiden addressed the anger of the thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the convention hall on Monday, noting that he has been working tirelessly to achieve a ceasefire.

“Those protesters out in the street, they have a point. A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides,” said Biden.

Earlier in the day, thousands of protestors gathered at a nearby park to urge delegates to withdraw the party’s military support for Israel.

Although fewer pro-Palestinian protestors attended than expected, a splinter group broke away from the main march, breached a security perimeter near the convention center, and prompted riot police to detain four individuals.

Harris, who embraced Biden onstage after his Monday address, had earlier made a surprise appearance that drew cheers from the crowd as she vowed to defeat Trump.