Biden delivers emotional speech at DNC, passing spotlight to Harris

CHICAGO — President Joe Biden took the stage late Monday night at the United Center to conclude the first day of the Democratic National Convention greeted by signs proclaiming, “We love Joe.”

He repeatedly said, “thank you” and then delivered a speech in line with the opening night theme of “for the people.”

Biden basked in the long, four-minute ovation, saying that “I gave my best for you.”

He shifted to the business at hand: Passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid for the White House.

“The decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come,” he told supporters.

The speakers ahead of Biden touted the accomplishments of his presidency and zeroed in on how Harris, the party’s presidential nominee, will continue their shared legacy if elected in November. 

Biden, the speakers said, is helping usher in a new era for the party after nearly five decades of holding public office.

First lady Jill Biden shared moments that she said deepened her love for her husband, including when she “saw him dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton celebrated Biden for bringing “decency back to the White House,” and for his “service and lifetime of leadership.” 

“There’s a lot of energy in this room, just like there is across the country. Something is happening in America, you can feel it,” Clinton said. 

Nevada delegates at the convention also felt that energy, they said, including earlier Monday when Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg spoke at the delegation’s breakfast Monday morning. And at the Black Caucus, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — Harris’ running mate — commended leadership in Nevada for their efforts in fundraising and signing up new volunteers.

Daniele Monroe-Moreno, the chairwoman of the Nevada Democratic Party, said “all roads to the White House lead through Nevada” in reference to how the Silver State is one of six crucial swing states that will determine if Harris or former President Donald Trump wins in November.

Monroe-Moreno pointed to the state’s female majority Supreme Court and how both federal senators are women as another example of how Nevada serves as an example for progress for other states. 

That progress, Biden said, wouldn’t continue unless Harris was elected. 

“As your president, I’ve been determined to keep America moving forward, not going back, to stand against hate and violence in all its forms,” Biden said.

Biden was visibly emotional when he took the stage. After the lengthy ovation he proudly said, “America, I love you.”

In reflecting on his career, Biden said picking Harris four years ago as his running mate “was the best decision I made my whole career.”

That’s because “she’s tough, she’s experienced and she has enormous integrity ...Her story represents the best American story.”