BTN News: In a poignant and highly anticipated moment, President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, marking the culmination of a career that has spanned decades in American politics. With a tone that balanced pride, humility, and a touch of sadness, Biden addressed the nation and his party, reflecting on his tenure as president and expressing his unwavering support for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now poised to take the reins in the upcoming electoral battle against Donald Trump.
At 81, Biden walked onto the stage in Chicago to a hero’s welcome, greeted by an audience that had been anxiously awaiting his remarks. The convention had been running behind schedule, but the crowd’s energy didn’t wane as they rose to their feet, applauding for over four minutes, chanting “Thank you, Joe!” as he stood, visibly moved, by their display of gratitude. This ovation seemed to release a tension that had been building within the Democratic Party ever since Biden made the unexpected decision to step aside, allowing Harris to take center stage.
Biden’s decision, a move that some party members had urged him toward, comes at a critical juncture in American history. His withdrawal from the race a month earlier had sent shockwaves through the political landscape, particularly as the party gears up to face what many see as an existential threat in the form of Donald Trump’s candidacy. Despite reports suggesting that Biden was reluctant to relinquish his bid for re-election, his speech conveyed a sense of peace with his decision, as he urged the party to unite behind Harris.
“Cometí muchos errores en mi carrera, pero di lo mejor de mí,” Biden stated, a sentiment that resonated deeply as he recounted the challenges and achievements of his presidency. His words echoed the resolve of the man who had triumphed in the 2020 election, defeating Trump, and who now passed the torch with grace. He used this final address not only to celebrate the accomplishments of his administration—such as the unprecedented investments in infrastructure and healthcare reforms like capping insulin prices—but also to frame Harris as the ideal leader to continue the work they’ve started.
Biden’s praise for Harris was effusive and heartfelt. He recounted the moment he chose her as his running mate four years ago, describing it as “the best decision I made in my entire career.” His endorsement of Harris was as much a testament to her capabilities as it was a reflection of the unity and continuity he hopes to see within the party. Biden emphasized her experience, her integrity, and her embodiment of the American story, qualities he believes make her uniquely qualified to lead the nation. The symbolism of his words was clear: just as Biden once served as vice president before ascending to the highest office, so too could Harris.
The night was filled with high-profile endorsements for Harris, with notable figures like former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offering their support. Clinton, a trailblazer in her own right, highlighted Harris’s potential to shatter the “highest and hardest glass ceiling” by becoming the first female president of the United States. Clinton also commended Biden for his selflessness in stepping back, calling it a new chapter in America’s history—a chapter that the Democratic Party is ready to write.
Among the younger voices rallying behind Harris was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who connected the generational divide within the party by emphasizing the need for fresh leadership that can address pressing issues like the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Ocasio-Cortez’s reference to the war was significant, as it touched on a topic that has deeply divided the party’s base since the violent events of October 7, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, leading to a brutal Israeli response in Gaza.
Outside the convention hall, the tension over this issue was palpable as thousands of protesters gathered, expressing their anger over the Biden administration’s stance on the conflict. Their chants and signs, including those from the “Abandon Biden” movement, demanded an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, reflecting a growing rift within the party over foreign policy. During his speech, Biden acknowledged the protesters, agreeing that “innocent people are dying on both sides” and reiterating his call for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The night was not without its challenges. Due to the convention’s delayed schedule, the planned performance by legendary musician James Taylor had to be canceled—a small sacrifice in the grand scheme of an evening that was both historic and emotional. The speeches delivered on this first night of the convention were designed not just to bid farewell to Biden, but to build momentum for Harris’s campaign, aligning her with the achievements of the Biden administration and positioning her as the Democratic Party’s standard-bearer.
Jill Biden, the first lady, added a personal touch to the evening, sharing her perspective on her husband’s decision to withdraw from the race. She spoke of the pain and difficulty of that choice, but also of the love and respect she felt for him as she watched him “search his soul” before ultimately choosing to pass the torch. Her words underscored the human aspect of this political transition—a reminder that behind every political decision are the personal sacrifices and emotional struggles of those in public service.
As the night drew to a close, Biden’s final message was one of hope and unity. He urged the party to come together, to support Harris, and to continue the work of building a better America. His legacy, now firmly entwined with hers, is one that will be defined not just by what he achieved in office, but by how he chose to step aside, allowing a new generation to lead the way. For Biden, it was a fitting farewell—a moment to reflect on a life of service, to celebrate the progress made, and to express confidence in the future of the nation he has served for so long.
