President Joe Biden is set to deliver a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Monday night, marking a significant transition as he steps aside for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the party's nominee.
According to the Daily Mail, Biden's speech will focus on his legacy and make the case for Harris as the best candidate to succeed him in the Oval Office.
The president's appearance at the convention comes one month after his decision to exit the presidential race, following intense pressure from fellow Democrats. Biden's swift endorsement of Harris has effectively sealed her nomination and prevented a potential floor fight that could have led to chaos at the convention.
Biden's remarks on Monday night are expected to highlight the progress made during his administration, particularly in the recovery from COVID-19. He will also emphasize the importance of preserving democracy, a cornerstone of his re-election campaign, before stepping down.
Following his speech, the president will not linger at the convention. Instead, he plans to depart Chicago on Monday night for a week-long vacation in Southern California. This swift exit underscores the transition of leadership within the Democratic Party.
Biden's aides insist that his address is not a farewell speech. However, there is no denying that while the president will open the convention, Vice President Harris will be the main attraction for the remainder of the event.
Inside the United Center, the convention arena will feature digital banners displaying Biden quotations, including "History is in your hands. Let's win this!" and "Spread the faith." Delegates will receive gift bags containing "Cup of Joe" coffee, a nod to the outgoing president.
The convention's programming for the week will highlight Biden's accomplishments in office, carefully noting Harris's contributions to these achievements. This approach aims to create a seamless transition of leadership and continuity of policy objectives.
First Lady Jill Biden is also scheduled to speak on Monday night, setting the stage for her husband's address. An aide familiar with her planned remarks stated:
She will speak about the President's strength and character, in a way that only a spouse of nearly 50 years can do, and she'll reiterate her support for Vice President Harris, calling on Americans to come together 'with faith in each other, hope for a brighter future, and love for our country.'
As Biden steps back, Harris is poised to accept the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday night. The president's endorsement and support have paved the way for her to lead the party into the 2024 election.
Joe and Jill Biden are expected to campaign for Harris in the coming months, leveraging their experience and connections to bolster her candidacy. This collaborative approach aims to present a united front against the Republican opposition.
The convention marks a significant moment in Democratic Party history, as Harris becomes the first woman and person of color to lead the ticket. Her nomination represents a generational and demographic shift in party leadership.
Joe Biden's speech at the Democratic National Convention signifies a pivotal moment for the party. As he steps aside, Biden will use his address to highlight his administration's achievements and make the case for Kamala Harris as the party's standard-bearer. The president's swift departure following his speech underscores the transition of leadership, with Harris set to take center stage for the remainder of the convention. This event marks a new chapter for the Democratic Party as it prepares for the 2024 presidential election.