President Joe Biden delivered a major speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, handing over the reins of the party to Vice President Kamala Harris and highlighting their administration's accomplishments. Biden declared "America, I gave my best to you," and endorsed Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for President and Vice President of the United States.
President Joe Biden delivered a stirring address at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, handing over the reins of the party to Vice President Kamala Harris and highlighting their administration's accomplishments. Biden declared "America, I gave my best to you," and endorsed Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for President and Vice President of the United States.
Speaking in front of a packed United Arena, the site of the convention, Biden thanked the crowd for their support and praised his vice president. "Selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made before I became our nominee, and it was the best decision I made my whole career," he said. "She's tough, she's experienced, and she has enormous integrity, enormous integrity. Her story represents the best American story."
Biden Addresses DNC, Declares "I Love My Country More," Endorses Harris for Presidency
Biden then turned his attention to former President Trump and the threats he said the Republican presidential nominee posed to America's democracy and international alliances. "We're facing a threat to our very democracy," Biden warned. "We're facing an assault on the truth, on science, on reason, and on our institutions."
Pledging to support Harris and Walz in any way he can, Biden said he would be "the best volunteer Harris and Walz have ever seen." Harris and Walz, along with their spouses, then joined Biden on the podium following his address, in a clear sign of party unity.
Biden Addresses DNC, Declares "I Love My Country More," Endorses Harris for Presidency
Biden's speech came four weeks and one day after his announcement that he would not seek a second term in office and would endorse Harris to replace him on the party's 2024 ticket. The decision followed Biden's poor performance in a debate against Trump and growing pressure from within his own party to end his re-election campaign.
Since Harris succeeded Biden, she has seen a surge in polling and fundraising, and the race against Trump is once again tight. Trump has attacked the Democrats for what he called "a vicious COUP" against Biden, but Biden dismissed any notion that he was angry about changing course.
Biden Addresses DNC, Declares "I Love My Country More," Endorses Harris for Presidency
"It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president. I love the job, but I love my country more," Biden said. "And all this talk about how I’m angry [at] all those people who said I should step down — that’s not true."
With five months left in his presidency, Biden's speech was not billed as a farewell address, but it did in some ways have the feeling of a swan song, as he touted his administration's accomplishments. However, he also pointed to the work he has left, including supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia and securing a cease-fire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas to end the deadly war in Gaza.
Biden Addresses DNC, Declares "I Love My Country More," Endorses Harris for Presidency
Former Secretary of State, former senator, and former first lady Hillary Clinton also spoke at the convention, blasting Trump, praising Biden, and saying that Harris has the "character, experience and vision to lead us forward."
The speeches by Clinton and Biden symbolized how the Democrats old guard is passing the torch to a younger generation. Harris, in a brief surprise appearance from the podium earlier in the evening, praised her boss. "Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you."
Biden Addresses DNC, Declares "I Love My Country More," Endorses Harris for Presidency
