Tearful Biden receives hero's farewell at DNC, passes torch to Kamala Harris; Video surfaces

New Delhi:  US President Joe Biden delivered his final address at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), declaring, "I gave my best to you." The statement was met with a prolonged ovation, highlighting the significance of his decision to step aside and allow Vice President Kamala Harris to take center stage.

Biden, 81, was greeted as a hero, weeks after facing intense pressure from within his party to withdraw his reelection bid. The opening night of the DNC in Chicago was crafted to honor Biden’s contributions while propelling Harris toward a potential showdown with Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, whose bid for the White House is seen by Democrats as a serious threat to the nation’s future.

Biden reflects on his legacy

Despite reports suggesting otherwise, Biden made it clear that he harbors no resentment about the conclusion of his presidency. He called for unity within the party, urging Democrats to rally behind Harris. "I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you," Biden admitted during his address.

President Joe Biden, with tears in his eyes, is introduced onto the DNC stage by his daughter Ashley.

The First Lady and their grandchildren cheer on the president from the audience. pic.twitter.com/MVW8tlEyY9

— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) August 20, 2024

Biden’s speech was marked by clarity and energy, reminiscent of his victorious 2020 campaign. He took the opportunity to defend his administration's achievements, endorse Harris, and criticize Trump’s leadership. His performance stood in stark contrast to the more hesitant and occasionally incoherent appearances that had fueled doubts about his reelection prospects.

Emotional farewell and endorsement of Harris

When Biden took the stage, he was visibly emotional, receiving a four-minute ovation accompanied by chants of “Thank you, Joe.” In response, he expressed his deep affection for the nation, saying, "America, I love you."

Reflecting on his choice of Harris as his running mate four years ago, Biden called it “the best decision I made in my whole career.” He praised Harris for her toughness, experience, and integrity, noting that her story embodies the best of America. Biden also drew a parallel between Harris and past presidents, emphasizing her readiness for leadership.

After his address, Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, joined Biden and his family on stage. Earlier, Harris had expressed her gratitude to Biden, acknowledging his historic leadership and lifetime of service.

Night of unity and challenges

The DNC featured high-profile speakers, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who praised Harris and acknowledged the possibility of her breaking the ultimate glass ceiling to become the first female president of the United States. Clinton also commended Biden for his decision to step aside, framing it as a pivotal moment in American history.

Amidst the convention's celebrations, Biden’s speech was delayed by over an hour, leading to the cancellation of a performance by legendary musician James Taylor. Outside the venue, protesters gathered to express opposition to the Biden-Harris administration’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, underscoring the divisions within the party.

Biden addressed the protests during his speech, acknowledging the tragic loss of innocent lives on both sides of the conflict and reiterating his commitment to securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages.