President Biden stood on the stage on the first night of the Democratic National Convention, delivering what would be his final speech as president or a candidate for the presidency. He passionately highlighted his accomplishments during his single term as president and emphasized the threat to democracy as the driving force behind his endorsement of Kamala Harris as his successor.
“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president,” Mr. Biden expressed, reflecting on his over five decades in public service, starting as a senator, then serving as vice president, and finally as president. “I love the job, but I love my country more. All this talk about how I’m angry at all those people who said I should step down — that’s not true. I love my country more, and we need to preserve our democracy in 2024.”
The crowd erupted into a thunderous standing ovation, and Mr. Biden took a moment to wipe his eyes after his daughter, Ashley, introduced him. Chants of “We love Joe!” echoed through the arena as party faithfuls held up signs declaring their affection for the outgoing president.
Five months prior, Mr. Biden had secured the Democratic nomination and had every expectation of being the nominee for the second time. However, circumstances led him to endorse Kamala Harris instead, asking the crowd, “Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as president and vice president of the United States?”
In a light-hearted moment, the president joked about his age, stating that he was too young to start in the Senate at 29 and now too old to continue as president. Despite acknowledging his mistakes throughout his career, Mr. Biden affirmed that he had always given his best to the American people.
In July, amidst mounting pressure to step aside after a lackluster debate performance against former President Trump, Mr. Biden made the decision to relinquish the nomination and throw his support behind Harris. He recalled pivotal moments that influenced his decision to run for president, such as the events in Charlottesville in 2017 and the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021.
“I believed then and I believe now that progress was and is possible,” Mr. Biden declared. “Justice is achievable, and our best days are not behind us — they’re before us. Now, it’s summer. The winter has passed. And with a grateful heart, I stand before you now on this August night to report that democracy has prevailed. Democracy has delivered. And now, democracy must be preserved.”
Addressing the crowd, the president emphasized the importance of loving one’s country regardless of victory or defeat. He commended the collective effort in 2020 to safeguard democracy and reiterated his commitment to moving America forward, standing against hate and violence.
Mr. Biden highlighted the achievements of his presidency, including the creation of 60 million new jobs, a booming stock market, reduced inflation, narrowing the racial wealth gap, and expanding health insurance coverage. As the crowd expressed their gratitude with chants of “Thank you, Joe,” the president graciously acknowledged Vice President Harris as well.
Taking aim at his former opponent, Donald Trump, Mr. Biden criticized Trump’s unfulfilled promises, particularly in the realm of infrastructure. He dismissed Trump’s assertions that America was failing, asserting that progress was evident and that the nation was on the right path.
The president also noted the decrease in violent crime across the country and emphasized the importance of having a prosecutor, like Harris, in the Oval Office. He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for voting rights and individual freedoms, highlighting the power of women in shaping the political landscape.
Turning to foreign affairs, Mr. Biden assured that his administration was working tirelessly to secure a cease-fire in the Middle East and provide aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Acknowledging protesters outside the convention criticizing his handling of the conflict, the president recognized the validity of their concerns and the need for peace.
In closing, Mr. Biden expressed his unwavering support for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, emphasizing the need to continue striving for a nation of opportunities for all. He pledged to be an active volunteer for their campaign, underscoring the importance of Democrats winning the upcoming election.
As President Biden concluded his speech, the audience remained captivated by his words, reflecting on his legacy and the future of the nation under new leadership. The Democratic National Convention set the stage for a new chapter in American politics, with Kamala Harris poised to take the mantle and lead the country into a new era of progress and unity.
