Joe Biden steps aside for Kamala Harris at emotional DNC event
Biden endorses Harris, highlights achievements, and warns of threats at DNC
“Thank you Joe…Thank you Joe…We love you Joe…We love you Joe,” echoed through the United Center arena on Monday night. Thousands of Democratic delegates stood in applause, honouring President Joe Biden as he delivered a farewell speech after over half a century in Democratic politics. Biden, who had planned to give his acceptance speech, chose instead to step aside, allowing Kamala Harris to lead as the new Democratic nominee for president.
The first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was emotional. President Biden, Vice President Harris, and other party members gathered to express gratitude for Biden’s service and his decision to withdraw from the presidential race. In his speech, Biden highlighted his administration’s achievements and warned of the threats to American democracy posed by Donald Trump. He addressed the unusual nature of his transition, stating, “It’s been the honour of my lifetime to serve as your President. I love the job, but I love my country more.” He dismissed rumours of anger towards those who suggested he step down.
Biden also mentioned his age, reflecting on his long career. “I have either been too young to be in the Senate because I wasn’t 30 yet and too old to stay as President….America, I gave my best to you. I have made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you.” Delegates, moved to tears, responded with chants praising the president.
BREAKING:
🇺🇲Joe Biden has announced that he will NOT run for president and will cede his position to Kamala Harris
"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very… pic.twitter.com/igeKCdioZm
— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) July 21, 2024
Biden endorsed Harris, calling her selection as his running mate the “best decision of my career.” He praised her toughness, experience, and integrity, stating, “Her story represents the best American story.” He assured that Harris would be a president whom children could admire, world leaders would respect, and everyone could be proud of. He urged delegates to support the campaign wholeheartedly, promising to be the best volunteer Harris and Tim Walz’s campaign had ever seen.
Emphasising the critical nature of the upcoming election, Biden said, “We saved democracy in 2020, and now we must save it again in 2024. The vote that each of us cast this year will determine whether democracy and freedom will prevail. It’s that simple. It’s that serious. And the power is literally in your hands.”
Throughout his speech, Biden highlighted his administration’s accomplishments, such as confronting Russia, supporting Ukraine, strengthening NATO, helping the country recover from the pandemic, revitalising American manufacturing, creating record jobs, boosting the stock market, and driving economic growth. He also mentioned significant legislative achievements, including infrastructure investment, the Chips Act, climate legislation, gun safety laws, veteran support, lowering drug prices for seniors, and union support.
Biden criticised Trump, calling him a “loser” for portraying America as a failing nation. He argued that crime rates and illegal immigration were higher under Trump’s presidency. He accused Trump of killing a bipartisan border security bill out of self-interest. Biden also focused on reproductive freedom, a critical issue for Republicans, predicting, “MAGA Republicans found out the power of women in 2022. And Donald Trump is going to find out the power of women in 2024. Watch.”
First Lady Jill Biden and Ashley Biden spoke before the president. Jill Biden, addressing delegates holding placards with her name, expressed her enduring love for her husband. Ashley Biden called her father the “OG girl dad,” praising his respect and empowerment of women. Harris made a surprise appearance, thanking Biden for his historic leadership and lifetime of service.
The evening concluded with Biden, his family, Harris, and her husband on stage. Biden then departed for California for a vacation, leaving Democrats to celebrate his successor over the next three days.
Other Perspective
- The Week provides an overview of President Biden’s emotional farewell speech at the Democratic National Convention, highlighting his decision to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris and his endorsement of her candidacy.(read more)
- VelocityWriting.com instructs on how to write a news story with a focus on structure and journalistic style, emphasizing the importance of the headline, inverted pyramid format, and objectivity.(read more)
- PBS News provides an overview of President Joe Biden’s valedictory address to the Democratic National Convention, highlighting his emotional farewell and the enthusiastic response to Vice President Kamala Harris’s new role.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Joe Biden deliver a farewell speech at the Democratic National Convention?
Biden delivered a farewell speech because he decided not to seek re-election.
Who is the new Democratic nominee for president?
Kamala Harris is the new Democratic nominee for president.
What did Biden say about Kamala Harris?
He praised Harris as tough, experienced, with enormous integrity, and the best decision of his career.
What key achievements did Biden highlight in his speech?
He highlighted achievements like supporting Ukraine, strengthening NATO, economic growth, and passing significant legislation.
What warning did Biden give about a potential Trump presidency?
Biden warned that Trump would ban abortion nationwide and increase prices with tariffs.
