According to Politico, President Joe Biden is set to open the Democratic National Convention in Chicago with a speech that will effectively mark the end of his presidential campaign and the beginning of Vice President Kamala Harris' run for the White House.
This convention is not the one Biden envisioned just a month ago, as he steps away from what was supposed to be the capstone of his half-century electoral career.
Biden's appearance at the United Center on Monday night will be brief, lasting only a few hours before he departs for vacation in California. The convention, originally planned to celebrate Biden's first term and his potential to defeat former President Donald Trump again, has been transformed into a platform for the party to rally behind Harris as their new standard-bearer.
Biden's convention-opening speech is expected to focus on his administration's achievements over the past three-and-a-half years. Aides, who is familiar with the plan, says the president will remind Americans of the challenges he faced when taking office, including the ongoing pandemic, and highlight the progress made in areas such as foreign relations, border security, and economic policy.
The president is also anticipated to deliver a stark warning about the potential dangers of another Trump term while making a forceful case for Harris as his successor. Biden is likely to tout Harris as an indispensable governing partner who is ready to take over the Oval Office, emphasizing her role in their joint accomplishments.
First Lady Jill Biden is also scheduled to address the convention on Monday night, further underscoring the administration's support for Harris' candidacy.
While Biden is expected to receive an enthusiastic reception from the convention crowd, his appearance is tinged with mixed emotions. Close aides and allies suggest that the president is entering the week with conflicting feelings, according to five people granted anonymity to discuss private conversations.
Former Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), a current White House adviser, said:
It's going to be bittersweet, for sure. You don't voluntarily walk away from the most powerful position in the world without having a sense of what might have been. But based on my conversations with him, I think he's well-satisfied with where he is and his place in history.
Biden has reportedly appeared more relaxed in public recently, even joking about his age and the need to find a new job. Privately, some who have spoken with him in the past week suggest that he seems relieved in certain moments, viewing the quick consolidation of support behind Harris as validation of his decision to endorse her immediately.
Despite any personal disappointment, Biden is not expected to dwell on the circumstances that led to his decision to step aside. The focus of the convention will be on party unity and building momentum for Harris' campaign against Trump in November.
The revamped convention programming will aim to celebrate Biden's tenure while carefully rebranding many of his accomplishments as joint achievements with Harris. This approach reflects the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party as they prepare to move forward with a new candidate at the top of the ticket.
As Biden prepares to pass the torch to Harris, Democrats are expressing both gratitude for his service and excitement for the future. The convention will serve as a platform to honor Biden's legacy while energizing the party base around Harris' historic candidacy as potentially the first woman president of the United States.
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago marks a significant transition for the party. Biden's opening speech will celebrate his administration's achievements and endorse Harris as the party's new presidential candidate. The event reflects a mix of appreciation for Biden's tenure and enthusiasm for Harris' campaign. As Democrats rally behind their new standard-bearer, they aim to present a united front in their effort to retain the White House in the upcoming election.
