President Joe Biden will deliver a speech at the National Democratic Party Convention in Chicago on the night of 19 August, symbolically passing the party to Vice President Kamala Harris and campaigning against Republican opponent Donald Trump.
Four weeks ago, Biden completed his bid for re-election as his party fell into a crisis of confidence regarding his chances against the Republican candidate following a devastating performance in the June debates. The 81-year-old Biden reluctantly withdrew from his re-election campaign after Democrats raised concerns about his mental state following poor debates against Trump on 27 June.
However, Biden will now receive an enthusiastic reception from many of the same officials who had urged him to exit the race, as Vice President Kamala Harris now represents the Democratic Party in the election against Republican Donald Trump.
Biden’s aides stated the president will use his remarks to argue why Harris should replace him and defeat Trump, who he describes as a threat to democracy. Despite, his influence will still feel in Chicago, albeit in a much smaller role than if he had remained as the presidential candidate.
Speakers are expected to recall Joe Biden’s achievements at the convention, from assisting the country in emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic to securing major investments in infrastructure, climate, and healthcare. Harris has utilised Biden’s policies as the foundation for her own political plans.
Sources have also reported the campaign has discussed a joint appearance by Biden and Harris on stage, which is likely to occur. There have also been discussions regarding her appearance prior to Biden’s address at the major event. Harris will return after a tour of western Pennsylvania on 18 August and will be in Chicago for the majority of the crucial convention week, making a side trip to Milwaukee on 20 August for a campaign event.
The President informed journalists on Friday evening that he would spend the weekend preparing his speech for the convention, as First Lady Jill Biden and other members of the Biden family will be at the arena to watch his address, which will serve as a so-called culmination of his 50 years in Democratic politics. Jill Biden will also speak at the convention on Monday evening.
59-year-old Harris has replaced President Biden in the 2024 presidential race, making the contest more competitive in several states where the elections are likely to be decided, as public polls in key states indicated that Biden lost ground to Trump in some polls following the debates.
