Aug. 20, 2024, 1:35 a.m.
CHICAGO—In what could be the most prominent speech of the remainder of his storied political career, President Biden proudly promoted his record to an exalting audience and passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris on the first night of the Democratic National Convention.
“I made a commitment to you that I’d be a president for all of America, whether you voted for me or not. And we have done that,” said Biden, whose speech listed the greatest hits of his presidency. “Because of you we’ve had one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period.”
Just one month ago, the president was still expecting to come to the Windy City to formally accept the Democratic nomination. Instead, he simply came to drop off the keys, delivering a speech in the slot traditionally reserved for outgoing presidents before scuttling off with Jill for a vacation in California. It’s the first time since 1968—when the convention was also in Chicago—that a president has withdrawn his reelection bid after one term in office, and the latest it’s ever been done.
Biden has reportedly been bitter in private about the full-court press to get him to drop out, but he suppressed any hard feelings on the United Center stage. Even the site of the convention could have stirred up bad feelings for the president: Former President Obama, who considers Chicago his hometown, was one of several prominent Democrats who reportedly pushed Biden to end his reelection campaign.
“All this talk about how I’m angry at all the people who said I should step down—that’s not true,” Biden said.
It was also a farewell address from a 50-year Washington icon, a man who first entered the Senate in 1973. Taking the stage, Biden wiped away tears as he embraced his daughter, Ashley, who introduced him. Throughout his speech, the crowd was equally adoring, at times breaking into chants of “We love Joe.”
Biden fed off the energy, delivering a speech that was spirited and forceful, a sharp contrast to the halting June debate performance that forced him to drop out of the race.
“MAGA Republicans found out the power of women in 2022, and Donald Trump is going to find out the power of women in 2024,” the president said as he backed Harris for president.
Biden set the scene America had faced when he took office, one in which the country was beset by a pandemic, civil unrest, and a potential constitutional crisis with then-President Trump’s refusal to concede the election. Ultimately, though, “democracy delivered,” Biden said.
Harris also made a surprise DNC debut in the early evening, opening her brief remarks by praising Biden. Harris set the theme for top Democrats to follow, a reverent send-off for the president and his decades-long career as a Washington icon.
“I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden, who will be speaking later tonight,” Harris said. “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 rowdy crowd matched the energy of some past Democratic conventions, including the one in 2008 when Obama became the first Black nominee of a major political party, and the one in 2016 when Hillary Clinton, who spoke ahead of Biden Monday night, became the first female nominee of a major political party.
“Something is happening in America,” Clinton said, before paying homage to Shirley Chisholm, the first Democratic woman to run for president, and Geraldine Ferraro, the first female vice-presidential nominee. “You can feel it, something we’ve worked for and dreamed of for a long time. ”
Clinton was one of the first major Democrats to endorse Harris after Biden dropped his bid, beating Obama to the punch.
In a moment that turned the 2016 campaign on its head, Clinton noted Trump’s 34 felony convictions, prompting the crowd to belligerently chant, “Lock him up.” Clinton paused to listen to the crowd, giving a knowing smile—Trump supporters turned “Lock her up” into a campaign slogan against her eight years ago.
“Afterwards, we refused to give up on America. Millions marched, many ran for office; we kept our eyes on the future,” Hillary continued. “Well, my friends, the future is here.”
Clinton exited the stage to Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song,” the theme song to her 2016 campaign.
But the night was about the retiring president. As if to emphasize his lingering influence on the party, the Democratic National Committee’s new policy platform still included references to a “second Biden term.” It was also packed with many of the president’s own policy initiatives, such as restoring federal access to abortion—at least until viability—reducing the price of prescription drugs, and increasing taxes only on those who make more than $400,000 per year.
“Folks, I’ve got five months left in my presidency. I’ve got a lot left to do. I intend to get it done,” Biden reminded the crowd.
It’s unclear whether Biden would have received the same reception had he not suspended his campaign. But most Democrats were happy with his decision to step down.
“I feel sorry for Joe,” Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee told National Journal. “[But] a good thing has happened.”
“It was ultimately the most patriotic thing he could do,” said Minnesota delegate Jenifer Robins.
There remain some Democrats who are still misty-eyed about Biden’s decision to pass the torch.
“He didn’t do anything to deserve to be pushed out,” said New York delegate Dan Farfaglia, who was clad in a “Biden 46” football jersey. “He will be sorely missed.”
