Biden Urges Support for Harris During Emotional Speech at DNC
In a heartfelt address at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, President Joe Biden celebrated his accomplishments as he nears the end of his tenure and declared strong support for his vice president, Kamala Harris, emphasizing the importance of democracy.
A Legacy of Service
Biden took the stage for what may be his final time as a presidential candidate and reflected on his extensive career in public service, thanking his supporters for their trust and involvement. “It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president,” he stated, echoing sentiments from over five decades of service as a senator, vice president, and, now, president. His emotional remarks were punctuated by a resounding standing ovation from the crowd, as chants of “We love Joe!” permeated the arena.
A Call to Action for 2024
Five months following his clinching of the Democratic nomination, Biden recognized the changing tides as he urged both love and allegiance to the upcoming Democratic leadership of Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz. “Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as president and vice president of the United States?” he queried, calling for unity as the nation moves into the 2024 election cycle.
Reflecting on the Past and the Future
The president reminisced about critical moments that shaped his presidency, mentioning the harrowing events in Charlottesville in 2017 and the January 6 Capitol riots. Stressing that democracy is still at stake, he stated, “Democracy has prevailed. Democracy has delivered. And now, democracy must be preserved.”
Citing Wins and Engagement
Highlighting notable accomplishments during his presidency—alluding to 60 million new jobs, reduced inflation, and a significant expansion of healthcare coverage—Biden maintained that challenges remain but called for assured progress ahead. He responded to chants of gratitude from supporters by thanking Harris for her partnership in government.
Political Tensions with Trump
Segueing into more political jabs, Biden derided former President Donald Trump and his promises by asserting, “He never built a damn thing.” He juxtaposed Trump’s claims of a failing nation with his vision of progress and success that contrasts with the Trump administration’s record. Across various issues, he affirmed his administration’s commitment to keeping crime down and noted a drop in violent crimes nationwide.
International Affairs and Current Events
Biden also addressed the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, dedicating effort towards securing cease-fires while acknowledging the significance of deliberative international diplomacy, especially regarding the protection of innocents on both sides of the conflict.
Unity and Commitment Moving Forward
Concentrating on his aspirations for the future, Biden reinforced the idea that the United States must remain a realm of possibilities for everyone, rallying for continued hard work as the forthcoming election approaches. He resonated with the audience’s sentiments when declaring his upcoming volunteer support for Harris and Walz, promising proactive engagement in their campaign.
