The Democratic National Convention (DNC) kicked off in Chicago with a surprise appearance by Vice President Kamala Harris and a keynote speech by President Joe Biden.
Democrats on Monday held the first day of the DNC at the United Center in Chicago, rallying around Harris while also commemorating Biden’s half-century public service.
President Joe Biden
Biden, 81, delivered a primetime address to the DNC after being introduced by his daughter Ashley Biden.
The president stepped out on the stage to a standing ovation as delegates chanted and held signs that read “We [love] Joe.”
Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee after Biden suddenly changed course and dropped his reelection bid. Shortly after his announcement, Biden endorsed Harris as his replacement in the 2024 race.
Biden praised Harris as his replacement on the Democrat ticket. Harris appeared to have tears in her eyes as she watched Biden’s address alongside her husband Doug Emhoff.
“Democracy has prevailed, democracy has delivered, and now democracy must be preserved,” Biden said in his remarks.
The president touted his time in the White House with Harris as “the most extraordinary four years of progress ever,” citing recovery from an economic crisis, a record-high stock market, the creation of tens and thousands of jobs, and “wages up and inflation down.” He also said that he and Harris passed the first major bipartisan gun safety legislation in 30 years.
Biden also touted his own legacy. He said that he has been proudly labeled “the most pro-union president in history.” Biden said he was proud to appoint the first black female justice to the Supreme Court, and he’s proud to throw his support behind Harris who would be the first black woman president in U.S. history.
The president criticized Trump for calling the United States a “failing nation.”
Biden called the election a “rare moment in history” in which the decisions Americans make now will change the course of the nation and the world.
“I’ve got five months left in my presidency. I’ve got a lot to do. I intend to get it done,” Biden said.
“America, I gave my best to you.”
Kamala Harris
Harris on Monday night made a surprise and brief appearance at the DNC. The Democratic presidential nominee was not expected on stage until the last day of the convention when she will formally accept her party’s nomination for president.
“I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible President Joe Biden,” Harris told the crowd. “Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you.”
She also reiterated her campaign slogan, “When we fight, we win!”
AOC
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) in her remarks on Monday touted Harris as a champion for the middle class, highlighting the statement “Kamala is for you.”
Harris would also “[take] on corporate greed” and continue to work “tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bringing hostages home,” according to the New York congresswoman.
“Just because this choice is clear to us, does not mean that the path will be easy,” urging people to vote and emphasizing that there are only 78 days until election day.
Hillary Clinton
Former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton touted Biden as an American patriot.
“Let’s salute President Biden,” Clinton said. “He has been democracy’s champion at home and abroad.”
Clinton compared Harris to her Republican rival Donald Trump, saying he made his own history by becoming the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.
“She will defend democracy and our Constitution, and will protect America from enemies, foreign and domestic,” Clinton said.
Guest Speakers on Abortion
Day one of the DNC also featured speakers who championed Harris’s goal to restore access to abortion nationally. This includes Louisiana resident Kaitlyn Joshua who said she was told “with 100 percent certainty” that her baby would not survive her pregnancy. Following her miscarriage, she was turned away by hospitals who refused to remove the fetus, which she said stopped growing. Louisiana bans abortions at all stages of pregnancy.
Others shared stories of how abortion laws in their states detrimentally affected their health after having complications with their pregnancies.
Trump-Vance Campaign
Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) continued to hit the campaign trail on the first day of the DNC, holding multiple events in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. Trump and Vance will campaign later this week in Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Arizona.