Biden Begins Political Farewell as Harris Takes Centre Stage at Democratic Convention
Biden’s farewell has started. The first night of the Democratic National Convention in the US delivered a series of powerful moments, with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris taking the spotlight. For British observers, the event marks the political shifts underway across the Atlantic, with Biden passing the torch to Harris, and Hillary Clinton reviving the hope of breaking the ‘glass ceiling’ to elect the first female president.
Biden’s Farewell: A Legacy in the Making
President Joe Biden used the convention’s opening night to begin what felt like a long political farewell. As he took the stage to a rapturous ovation, Biden’s message was clear: his focus is now on ensuring a smooth transition within the Democratic Party, with Harris poised to take the lead. Addressing delegates who cheered him on with placards reading “We love Joe,” Biden’s speech reflected on his administration’s achievements, from infrastructure projects to climate initiatives, all while sharing credit with Harris.
Biden, who has been a fixture in American politics for 50 years, expressed his gratitude and pledged to be Harris’s “best volunteer” in the upcoming election, where she and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will face the challenge of maintaining the Democrats’ hold on the White House. “I gave my best to you for 50 years,” Biden said, signalling that his era is drawing to a close.
Harris Steps into the Limelight
In an unscheduled and emotional appearance, Vice President Kamala Harris paid tribute to Biden, thanking him for his historic leadership and lifetime of service. As she praised Biden, the sentiment was palpable—Harris is not just a vice president; she is being positioned as the future of the Democratic Party. “We are forever grateful to you,” she told Biden, encapsulating the night’s theme of honouring the past while looking ahead to the future.
The Gaza Conflict: Biden Addresses the Elephant in the Room
While the convention was largely focused on domestic issues, the ongoing conflict in Gaza couldn’t be ignored, especially with thousands protesting in Chicago’s streets nearby. Inside the convention hall, however, the topic was notably absent until Biden took the microphone. Acknowledging the concerns of protesters, Biden said, “Those protesters out in the streets have a point. A lot of innocent people are being killed, on both sides.” His comments, which received a strong response from the crowd, showed that the issue, while divisive, is on the minds of many within the party.
Hillary Clinton and the Glass Ceiling
Hillary Clinton’s speech was another highlight, with the former Secretary of State rekindling discussions about breaking the “glass ceiling” in American politics. Clinton, who faced Donald Trump in the 2016 election, expressed her hope that Kamala Harris could do what she could not—become the first female president. She painted a vision of Harris “on the other side of that glass ceiling” taking the oath of office, a moment Clinton clearly yearns to witness.
Clinton’s fiery address, which received a standing ovation, also took aim at Trump’s criminal record, sparking chants of “lock him up” from the crowd—a sharp reminder of the deep-seated divisions that remain from the 2016 election.
A Nod to Jesse Jackson and Labour’s Legacy
The convention also paid tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon whose campaigns in the 1980s paved the way for future leaders of colour, including Barack Obama and Kamala Harris. Jackson, now 82 and battling Parkinson’s disease, received a heartfelt salute from the stage, reminding attendees of the Democratic Party’s long history of fighting for equality and justice.
In a similar vein, the party showcased its support for labour unions, a key constituency that has increasingly found itself courted by both parties. In a stark contrast to the Republicans’ approach, Democrats brought out a half-dozen union leaders to reaffirm their commitment to workers’ rights, with United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain leading a chant of “Trump’s a scab!”—a pointed criticism of the former president’s relationship with labour.
Remembering COVID-19: A Stance Against Trump
The Democrats didn’t shy away from revisiting the pandemic, using it as a lens through which to criticise Trump’s handling of the crisis. Speakers shared personal stories of loss and hardship, aiming to remind voters of the stakes involved in the upcoming election. While some may feel fatigued by pandemic politics, the convention made it clear that the Democrats see Trump’s pandemic response as a critical point of contrast as they make their case for continued leadership.
The opening night of the Democratic National Convention set the stage for what promises to be a defining moment in American politics. With Biden beginning to step back and Harris stepping up, the focus is now on whether the party can maintain its momentum and secure victory in the next election, all while addressing the pressing issues at home and abroad.
For more information on Biden’s farewell and the U.S election processes, you can explore resources on the U.S. Government’s official website.
