"I Gave My Best to You": Biden Passes the Torch to Harris at Democratic Convention
At the Democratic National Convention 2024, President Biden looked back on his presidency. He endorsed Kamala Harris and stressed the need to protect democracy in 2024.
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President Biden spoke at the Democratic National Convention 2024, marking his last time on stage as president. Looking back on his term, Biden highlighted his successes and warned of the threat to democracy. He urged everyone to support Kamala Harris as the next president.
“It’s been an honor of my lifetime to serve as your president,” Biden said, reflecting on his long career as a senator, vice president, and president.
He made it clear that, while he loved his job, his love for the country came first. Biden stressed that his choice to step aside wasn’t out of anger, but from a deep commitment to protecting democracy in 2024.
The crowd at the convention, holding signs that read “We 💗 Joe,” cheered loudly, chanting, “We love Joe!” Biden, clearly emotional, wiped his eyes after his daughter, Ashley, introduced him.
[President Joe Biden speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19, 2024. Photo by Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images.]
Five months ago, Biden won the Democratic nomination, expecting to lead the party again. He surprised many by asking, “Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as president and vice president?”
Biden, who began his Senate career at 29, joked that he was “too young” then and now “too old” to remain president. Despite the challenges and mistakes, he always gave his best.
He remembered key moments like the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in 2017 and the January 6th Capitol assault in 2021. These events made him believe that progress and justice are possible. He said, “Democracy has won. Democracy has delivered. And now, democracy must be protected.”
Biden also criticized Donald Trump, dismissing Trump’s claims that America is a failing nation. He pointed out that violent crime has gone down since the pandemic and promised that crime will continue to drop with Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor, in the White House.
As Biden wrapped up his final convention speech, he stressed the importance of voting rights and freedom, especially against challenges from MAGA Republicans. He also mentioned foreign policy, highlighting his team’s work to secure a ceasefire in the Middle East.
Recognizing the protesters outside the convention, Biden agreed that too many innocent lives were being lost. He ended by pledging his support to Harris and Walz’s campaign, promising to be their best volunteer, as they continue to fight for democracy in 2024.