President Joe Biden is set to deliver a pivotal speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which will signal a significant transition within the party as he passes the leadership torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. This address is more than just a farewell; it’s a calculated move to position Harris as the future of the Democratic Party and to rally the base against the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.
Biden’s speech comes after a turbulent period within his party. Just four weeks ago, he withdrew from the presidential race amid growing doubts about his ability to defeat the Republican nominee in the upcoming election, particularly after a lackluster performance in the June debate. His exit from the race, however, has not diminished his influence. Instead, it has allowed for a smooth transition of power to Harris, who now stands as the Democratic standard-bearer alongside her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Biden’s aides have hinted that his speech will focus on highlighting the stakes of the upcoming election. He is expected to frame Trump as a direct threat to American democracy, making the case that Harris is the leader capable of continuing the progress made under his administration. The president will also take the opportunity to tout his administration’s achievements, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, climate change, healthcare, and the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. These accomplishments are expected to serve as the foundation for Harris’s policy platform as she campaigns for the presidency.
The convention itself will be a reflection of Biden’s enduring legacy, even as he steps back from the spotlight. The event’s branding and messaging will draw heavily from Biden’s campaign themes, with a continued emphasis on the values and policies he championed during his time in office. The convention’s logo, for example, echoes the design of Biden’s campaign logo, and the signage will prominently feature quotes from his speeches, including his emotional appeal to voters when he withdrew from the race, urging them to support Harris with the words, “History is in your hands.” On the night of his address, another familiar Biden phrase, “Spread the faith,” will be prominently displayed.
Biden’s decision to endorse Harris immediately after ending his campaign has helped unify the party, avoiding what could have been a divisive and contentious battle over the future of the Democratic Party. This endorsement has been seen as a strategic move to ensure a seamless transition and to rally the party behind a single candidate, strengthening Harris’s position as the nominee.
When Biden appeared with Harris in Maryland shortly after his withdrawal, he was met with chants of “Thank you, Joe!” from supporters, reflecting the party’s gratitude for his decades of service and his role in facilitating this transition. This warm reception is expected to continue in Chicago, where many of the same officials who were previously uncertain about his re-election chances are now ready to embrace Harris as the new leader of the Democratic Party.
Biden’s speech on Monday will be a culmination of his 50-year career in Democratic politics. The event will be attended by First Lady Jill Biden and other members of the Biden family, underscoring the personal significance of this moment for the president. Harris is also expected to be in attendance, although Biden will not be present later in the week when she delivers her own address on Thursday evening, a speech that will be the centerpiece of the convention.
As Biden prepares to take the stage, his message will be clear: the future of the Democratic Party is in the hands of Kamala Harris, and the future of the country depends on preventing Donald Trump from returning to power. His speech will serve as both a farewell and a rallying cry, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely contested and highly consequential election.
