WASHINGTON — At the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Monday, a deeply emotional farewell was given to President Joe Biden as he passed the electoral baton to Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a historic moment in U.S. political history.
The convention’s opening day, usually marked by subdued beginnings, turned into a vibrant and stirring event. Kamala Harris, the first woman of color nominated for the Presidency, took center stage to accept the candidacy from Biden and other key party figures, including Hillary Clinton.
In her remarks, Harris expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do, we are forever grateful to you.” The crowd responded with chants of “thank you, Joe” and “we love you, Joe,” reflecting the deep appreciation for Biden.
During the evening, Biden received a standing ovation that lasted nearly five minutes, as he was introduced by his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, and daughter Ashley at the United Center. Despite the emotional farewell, Biden’s support for Harris was evident as he stated, “I love the job, but I love my country more,” dismissing any notion of resentment about stepping down.
In a pointed critique of Donald Trump, Biden labeled him a “loser,” commenting on Trump’s reluctance to accept election outcomes unless he wins, which added a moment of sharp political commentary to the evening.
Harris joined Biden and his family on stage at the end of his speech, expressing her affection with the words “I love you, Joe” as they embraced.
The energy and unity displayed at the DNC stood in stark contrast to the recent Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which was marred by internal discord and discontent from notable GOP figures.
The night also featured a powerful address by Hillary Clinton, who took aim at Trump with remarks about his legal troubles, prompting chants of “Lock him up! Lock him up!” from the crowd. Clinton also reminded the audience of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and emphasized the importance of supporting Harris in this pivotal election.
The diverse lineup of speakers at the DNC, reflecting the party’s broad base, contrasted sharply with the Republican convention’s more homogeneous composition. The evening’s festivities, which included a performance of Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” set the tone for an energetic convention, with former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama scheduled to speak in the coming days.
