On Monday night, President Joe Biden took the stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago to deliver his farewell address, marking the end of his political career that spans over five decades. The event was filled with emotion, underscored by Biden’s reflections on his legacy, family, and the nation he has served for so long.
Biden, 81, was introduced by his daughter, Ashley Biden, in a poignant moment that signaled a symbolic passing of the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. Ashley’s introduction came after remarks by First Lady Jill Biden, who had earlier expressed her deep pride and gratitude for her husband’s service. The president’s family, including his children and grandchildren, were visibly emotional as they watched from the VIP suite, reinforcing the close-knit nature of the Biden family.
As Biden took the stage, the crowd erupted in applause, cheering for over four minutes before he could begin his speech. Visibly moved, Biden hugged Ashley and appeared to wipe away tears with a tissue. The crowd’s enthusiasm was a testament to the admiration and respect he has garnered within his party over the years.
In his address, Biden began by expressing his love and gratitude to his family, particularly his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, whom he referred to as “our rock.” He emphasized the importance of family, stating, “Family is the beginning, the middle, and the end. And I love you all.” He then turned his attention to the nation, declaring, “America, I love you.”
Reflecting on his administration’s accomplishments, Biden highlighted his determination to keep the country moving forward. He spoke about his commitment to standing against hate and violence in all its forms, striving to create a nation that thrives on diversity, leaves no one behind, and embodies the values it professes to uphold.
“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, to be a nation where we not only live with but thrive on diversity, demonizing no one, leaving no one behind, and becoming a nation that we profess to be,” Biden declared.
He also took pride in his efforts to “rebuild the backbone of America—the middle class.” Biden noted that the legislation passed during his administration benefited both red and blue states, underscoring his belief that a president must deliver for all Americans. “Because of you—and I’m not exaggerating—because of you, we’ve had one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period. And when I say we, I mean Kamala and me,” he said, acknowledging the vice president’s contributions to their shared achievements.
Biden recounted the events that motivated his decision to run for president in 2020, particularly the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. He shared how the rally, which was marked by violence and white supremacist rhetoric, deeply affected him and reinforced his commitment to running with a “deep conviction in America.”
“I just lost part of my soul, but I ran with a deep conviction in America. I know and believe in an America where honesty, dignity, and decency still matter, an America where everyone has a fair shot and hate has no safe harbor,” Biden said.
While Biden’s speech was a significant moment for his legacy, the convention was not without controversy. On the opening day of the DNC, thousands of mostly peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters marched in Chicago, expressing anger over the Biden administration’s support for Israel in the ongoing Gaza conflict. The protests intensified as demonstrators reached a park on Chicago’s West Side, where they paused to amplify their calls for a ceasefire.
Amid the noise, frustration was directed toward Vice President Kamala Harris, with some protesters referring to her as “Killer Kamala.” The situation escalated when a group of protesters broke through part of the perimeter security fence near the convention arena, prompting a swift response from riot police. Reuters witnesses reported that four people were detained, though Chicago police did not specify the number of arrests at a subsequent press conference.
Despite the tension outside, Biden’s speech inside the convention hall marked a poignant end to his long and storied career, as he passed the mantle of leadership to the next generation of Democrats.
