When President Joe Biden took the stage at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, the schedule for the first night of festivities was not what he had envisioned just a few weeks ago.
Biden was scheduled to attend the ceremony, with his acceptance speech scheduled for the last day of the convention. During this prime-time televised address before millions of people, he would then vigorously defend his presidency and ask voters to send him back to the White House for a second term.
But in his speech on Monday evening, after stepping down as Democratic candidate in late July, Biden not only outlined the policy achievements of his administration but also spoke fully in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris, his number two and the candidate he now expects to carry on something of his legacy should she win the White House.
After being introduced by his daughter Ashley, a seemingly tearful Biden greeted them and received a rousing welcome from Democrats, with many chanting, “We love Joe.”
And he had a simple message for his party’s loyal supporters.
“Our best days are not behind us, they are still ahead of us,” he said. “And democracy must be preserved.”
How can Biden’s speech at the party convention be evaluated in retrospect of his presidency?
Biden finally became a bridge to the future
During the 2020 Democratic primaries, Biden said on the campaign trail that he saw himself as a “bridge” to an emerging cadre of next-generation leaders within the party.
Biden’s selection of Harris as his vice presidential candidate was an important step in establishing the then 55-year-old U.S. Senator from California as the future Democratic candidate.
But Biden’s widely criticized June debate performance against former President Donald Trump and voters’ already lingering concerns about the 81-year-old president’s judgment prompted a number of Democratic lawmakers to call on him to drop out of the race. And despite Biden’s initial resistance, he changed course and ended his reelection campaign – while also making sure to endorse Harris as his successor.
Biden had glowing words for Harris on Monday night, telling voters that her selection as his No. 2 was “the best decision” of his career.
Harris thrilled the crowd as she took the stage on the first night of the convention. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
The president’s praise for Harris’ candidacy was a big part of his speech. And it came after Democrats’ tumult over his candidacy threatened to weaken the party as they once again face the prospect of another Trump presidency.
Yet on Monday (and into the early hours of Tuesday Eastern time), Biden sought to link Harris to everything from strengthening unions to increased investment in public safety. He also spoke of his desire to “end” the conflict in Gaza by implementing a ceasefire and paid tribute to protesters who have relentlessly pressured Democratic leaders on the issue.
Biden exuded unity in his speech, which will surely make him even more popular with Democrats – who largely view him positively on a personal level – but he still felt that another candidate would be a better ambassador at the moment.
That candidate is now Harris, and Biden will support her campaign with all means at his disposal.
A long-standing vision turned on its head
Before Biden entered the Oval Office, he had long aspired to the presidency.
In 1973, he took office as U.S. Senator for Delaware and held that office until his appointment as Vice President under Barack Obama in 2009.
During this time, Biden ran for president in 1988 and 2008. He failed each time, but never gave up on the idea. He wanted to run in 2016, but said Obama dissuaded him because he favored the candidacy of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Biden won the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and ousted Trump later that year. Signing major legislation such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, he saw his presidency as a transformative time in which he could accomplish even more in a second term.
Voter concerns about the economy and immigration played a major role in eroding his poll numbers over the past two years, putting lower-tier Democratic candidates at risk. And the debate with Trump ultimately paved the way for Harris’ rise.
Biden will leave Chicago after his speech and forgo the additional days at a party convention that had long been planned as part of his candidacy.
The president’s goal of a second term is a thing of the past, but his speech showed that he will not let anyone else determine his legacy, no matter what the future may bring.
