President Joe Biden bid farewell to the Democratic Party he has been part of since 1969 in what could be one of the final significant moments of his political career.
During the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Biden delivered a fast-paced and emotional farewell speech.
The president received a standing ovation lasting four minutes and 30 seconds before he could begin his remarks, with the crowd chanting, “Thank you, Joe.” This warm reception contrasted sharply with the 2020 convention, where the pandemic left him addressing a largely empty hall.
“Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and America? Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?” Biden asked the crowd. He emphasized the importance of preserving democracy, stating, “Democracy has prevailed, democracy has delivered, and now democracy must be preserved.”
Reflecting on his presidency, Biden noted that the nation is at another “inflexion point,” with voters choosing between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. He described his presidency as a turning point: “Now it’s summer. The winter is passed.”
Biden took a jab at Trump, referring to him as “the loser” and asserting, “Crime will keep going down when we put a prosecutor in the Oval Office instead of a convicted felon.” He recalled the 2017 white nationalist riots in Charlottesville as the catalyst for his presidential run. He praised his decision to select Kamala Harris as his running mate, calling it “the best decision I made my whole career.”
The convention hall was filled with “We Love Joe” signs, with Biden reflecting on his achievements, including significant climate legislation, making college more affordable, and strengthening gun safety laws. He highlighted the resilience of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, saying, “Putin thought he’d take Kyiv in three days. Three years later, Ukraine is still free.”
Biden acknowledged the criticism his administration has faced, particularly concerning the handling of Israel’s war in Gaza, subtly referencing recent pro-Palestine protests. He expressed his commitment to finishing his term with a strong push, stating, “I’ve got five months left in my presidency – and I’ve got a lot to do. And I intend to get it done.”
Biden positioned his candidacy as part of a broader struggle for the nation’s soul, declaring, “I love the job, but I love my country more.” He concluded his speech to thunderous applause, embracing First Lady Jill Biden as a “Thank you, Joe” graphic played on a large digital screen. Biden waved to the crowd before joining Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, on stage.
“Joe, thank you for your historic leadership and lifetime of service to our nation and for all you continue to do,” Harris said. “We are forever grateful to you.”
