Joe Biden emphatically “passed the torch” to Kamala Harris during an electric Democratic National Convention in Chicago, having bowed out of the race for reelection a month prior.
In a stirring keynote speech on Monday, he minced no words about his adversary Donald Trump’s ambitions to reclaim power in Washington.
Amid chants of “Thank you, Joe!” and “We love Joe” from the crowd, Biden warned that Trump’s return would hinder America’s progress.
Striking a formidable tone, he queried, “How can we have the strongest economy in the world without the best infrastructure in the world? ” showcasing a vigour that was absent during his stilted CNN debate performance against the GOP candidate, reports the Express US.
“Donald Trump promised infrastructure week, every week, for four years,” Biden declared. “And he never built a damn thing! “.
He then pledged an era of infrastructural revolution, heralding what he foresees as a successful tenure for Harris in the Oval Office, encapsulating the moment with his famed phrase “passing the torch,”.
The octogenarian also implored the American people to support Vice President Harris, painting Trump as a significant menace should he manage a comeback into the presidential abode.
This momentous occasion was further ignited when Hillary Clinton, after receiving a standing ovation, delivered her own vehement criticism of Trump.
Addressing a room full of supporters, she declared: “Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial and when he woke up he made his own kind of history – the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.”
The crowd responded with chants of “lock him up”.
The Democratic party had a mere four weeks to overhaul the Convention, following an unexpected mid-campaign switch from Biden to Harris just last month.
In July, Biden revealed his decision to step back from the 2024 race, after a lacklustre performance in a June debate against Trump sparked worries among Democrats about his suitability for a second term.
Before Biden’s speech on Monday, Harris briefly addressed the Convention, expressing gratitude to the president for his “historic leadership” and stating that the nation was “forever grateful to him.”
“I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible President Joe Biden,” Harris announced.
The week-long Convention on Monday showcased speeches from a variety of speakers, including former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and first lady Jill Biden.
A significant portion of the programming centred on Biden’s record of accomplishments during his tenure, which included the passage of major legislative pieces.
Following his address at the Convention, Biden will head straight to southern California’s Santa Ynez Valley for a holiday on Monday, as per the White House.
Harris is set to formally accept the party’s nomination on Thursday, following her official certification as the Democratic nominee in a virtual vote held a fortnight ago.
Tim Walz is slated to accept his nomination as her running mate on Wednesday evening.
Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are anticipated to grace the event with their presence and address the attendees on Tuesday.
