‘America, I gave you the best of me’: Biden boasts record, passes torch to Kamala Harris in emotional DNC speech – Essence

CHICAGO, Ill. — President Joe Biden delivered a strong and emotional speech on the first night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, officially passing the torch to his successor, Vice President Kamala Harris. In a moment that captured the essence of democratic leadership, Biden gracefully stepped down, handing the Democratic Party leadership to Harris while basking in the overwhelming love and support of delegates in attendance.

When Biden took the stage, the atmosphere was electric. Delegates erupted in a thunderous ovation, chanting “We love Joe!” and “Thank you, Joe!” for nearly three minutes before he began speaking. The president, clearly moved, paused to soak in the moment, raising his hands to thank the delegates and their outpouring of emotion.

In his speech, Biden reflected on his long profession, which spanned a half-century as a senator, vp and eventually president. He quoted the moving lyrics of “American Anthem,” a song he said is vital to his family: “What our legacy will be, what our children will say, let me know in my heart when my days are done, America, America, I gave you the best of everything.”

Biden’s words carried the weight of history as he entrusted the future of the Democratic Party — and the nation — to Kamala Harris, whom he described as “the vice president who will soon be president Kamala Harris.” He praised Harris as a pacesetter of toughness, experience and integrity, someone who represents “the best of American history.” Biden expressed confidence that Harris can be a president “our children will look up to” and “world leaders will respect,” adding that “she will be a president we can all be proud of. She will be a historic president who will make her mark on the future of America.”

The significance of Biden’s decision to step down was underscored by the proven fact that he’s the first sitting president in greater than five a long time to voluntarily withdraw from in search of reelection. Although he has expressed a deep desire to proceed serving, Biden ultimately decided that the party and the country could be higher served by a younger leader. His selflessness stood in stark contrast to his predecessor, Donald Trump, who famously refused to accept the results of the 2020 election and is now running again.

Biden’s speech was each a farewell and a final plea to preserve American democracy. He recalled the turmoil surrounding his inauguration and the challenges the country faced then, noting that “democracy prevailed, democracy worked, and now democracy must be preserved.” His voice, strong and full of conviction, reflected the passion that has defined his presidency.

The president was also generous in sharing credit with Harris, emphasizing that each one of his administration’s accomplishments were shared victories. As the crowd chanted “Thank you, Joe,” Biden interrupted to say, “Thank Kamala, too,” a gesture that underscored the unity in the Democratic Party moving forward under Harris’ leadership.

As the night drew to an in depth, Biden’s legacy was cemented not only by his accomplishments in office, but additionally by the manner in which he selected to depart. His graceful exit, marked by love and admiration from his party, ensures that Biden can be remembered not just for what he did as president, but additionally for the way he leaves office, with dignity and charm.