Biden passes electoral baton to Kamala Harris on first day of US Democratic Convention

“We love Joe!” and “Thank you, Joe!” the audience chanted, standing, before a Biden who He replied “I love you” before starting the speech which leaves the fight for the Presidency in the hands of Harris, symbolizing the generational transition of the Democratic Party.

Introduced by his daughter, Ashley, Biden appeared in a blue suit and tie. He was seen for seconds wiping away some tearsas did Harris, who earlier appeared briefly on stage to start the meeting by thanking the president, whom she described as “incredible.”

Although a nostalgic speech was expected to seal half a century on the political scene, Biden, 81, began his speech energetically, focused on the fight that Harris and the party have ahead.

“Keep America Moving Forward“not by backing down,” Biden urged.

BREAKING: The crowd has erupted in applause for President Biden. This is an emotional but important moment. Democrats love Joe Biden. Retweet so all Americans see this and can thank President Biden for his years of selfless service. pic.twitter.com/cLWmQHpRUs

— Kamala’s Wins (@harris_wins) August 20, 2024

But also, as is customary in his political life, Biden He dedicated special words to his wife Jillfor whom he asked for applause, as well as for his family.

Thank you, @JoeBidenfor your historic leadership and for all you continue to do.

We are forever grateful. pic.twitter.com/vrQSnBVTWv

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 20, 2024

“Tonight We honor President Joe Biden and his legacy“said Luciano Garza, electoral delegate for Texas.

“It’s surreal, very sad, but we are hopeful about what he has done, passing the torch to Kamala Harris, who will continue his legacy,” he concluded.

VP Harris kicks off the DNC by thanking President Biden as she prepares to officially accept the Democratic presidential nomination. pic.twitter.com/sRTcSb7QSO

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 20, 2024

“This is the kind of sacrifice America was founded on,” said Missouri delegate Kyle Yarber, who compared it with one of the founders of the country, George Washington.

The nomination is a milestone in Harris’s career and caps one of the most eventful months in American politics, in which the vice president erupted after Bidenharassed by questions about his advanced age, decided to end his aspirations for a second term.

The 59-year-old lawyer has revitalized the Democratic Party, just when many were beginning to resign themselves to a scenario of defeat.

“Lock him up!”

Hillary Clinton thrilled the audience at this year’s Democratic convention with an intense speech: “Something is happening in America (…). Something we have worked and dreamed of for a long time.“.

But Clinton, who lost the election to Trump in 2016, warned of the challenge ahead and called for “work harder than ever“.

Before signing off to the tune of “Fight Song,” her campaign anthem, Clinton urged curbing “the dangers that Trump and his allies represent”saying the Republican had made “his own kind of history: the first presidential candidate convicted on 34 counts.”

Hillary Clinton takes jab at Donald Trump’s felony convictions during her DNC speech, as she nods along to the crowd’s chants of “lock him up.” pic.twitter.com/rDQWh3NB12

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 20, 2024

To which the audience responded in chorus: “Lock him up! Lock him up!”

On a night full of speeches, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also focused her darts on the former Republican president. “We know that Donald Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant line their pockets and fatten their friends on Wall Street,” he said.

“There is no place in America for political violence, you cannot love your country only when you win,” Biden said, referring to Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/PvtVYVpGXW

— EFE News (@EFEnoticias) August 20, 2024

Trump, meanwhile, is in the middle of a busy schedule in key states like North Carolina, Arizona and Pennsylvaniawhere on Monday he delved into personal insults against Harris and conspiracy theories.

In addition to political support, the Democratic convention opened space for voices in favor of access to abortion, the main theme of Harris’ platforms, and a thorn in the side of Republicans.

The summit will continue this week with the heavyweights of the party happening on stage in Chicago.

This Tuesday, All eyes will be on Barack and Michelle Obama, while former President Bill Clinton is expected on Wednesday, as is Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate.

Discontent

But despite the image of unity and excitement that Democrats want to portray at their convention, the feeling is not monolithic.

Some thirty delegates from the “non-committed” movement arrive at the meeting uncomfortable with the Biden-Harris administration’s stance on the war in Gaza.

Asma Mohammed, a delegate from Minnesota, said she was disappointed by the lack of a pro-Palestinian voice at the convention, and a dissonant voice was heard in Biden’s nostalgic farewell.

“I think the party needed a change“I am not sad to see someone who has unabashedly supported a genocidal regime in Israel leave,” he said.

The group is a small minority, considering the gathering’s nearly 5,000 delegates, but the cause has made waves, with about a thousand people protesting in downtown Chicago on Monday over Israel’s crackdown on Hamas in Gaza. which has left more than 40 thousand dead.