At the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Joe Biden cements his legacy—so Kamala Harris can continue
When Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race last month, officially passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harrishe announced the news while in quarantine for COVID—in a brief, almost anticlimactic letter. There were no cameras, no speech, no audience. But on Monday night, Biden seized the opportunity to deliver a true swan song at the Democratic National Convention, where he delivered a poignant speech that cemented his legacy as a president who presided over an administration of enormous influence—and one who (finally) chose to end it with a touch of Washington grace. “Democracy has prevailed,” he said from the podium, wiping away tears as he took the stage. “And now democracy must be defended.”
The president began by recalling the devastation of January 6, weeks before his inauguration. “In front of me was a city surrounded by the National Guard. Behind me was a capitol building that just two weeks earlier had been overrun by a violent mob,” he said. “I knew then in my heart what I know now. There is no place for political violence in America.”
On the issues themselves, Biden has taken several swipes at Trump—and has been particularly strong on abortion. “MAGA Republicans have discovered the political power of women in 2022,” he said, referring to the highly anticipated red wave that never materialized.Donald Trump will discover the power of women in 2024. Let’s see.” On foreign policy, the president also reiterated his concerns about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—as well as Israel’s war in Gaza. “End the suffering of the Palestinian people,” the president said, adding, “the protesters out there in the streets have a point.”
Biden’s remarks came less than a month after he dropped out of the race amid longstanding concerns about his mental fitness to campaign and serve. Those concerns came to a head after the president’s dismal June debate performance against Trump, who trailed Biden in polls the following month in seven swing states. Mainstream media pundits soon began describing the president as a lion in winter, while Democratic influencers—including Nancy Pelosi, Chuck SchumerAnd Barack Obama—expressed private concerns about his efforts. For weeks, Biden resisted calls to resign, accusing political and media “elite” of working against the will of the people, until he finally caved to the pressure.
While Biden largely avoided harsh words about his tumultuous exit on Monday, he did at times let his emotions show: “All the talk that I’m angry at all the people who said I should resign,” he said, “that’s not true.” For the most part, however, the president touted his historic accomplishments on labor, health care and infrastructure. “Donald Trump promised infrastructure week every week for four years. And he never built a damn thing,” he said. “But right now, we’re giving America a decade of infrastructure.” At one point, the crowd even chanted “Thank you, Joe,” to which the president responded, “Thank you, Joe.” Kamala,” carefully emphasized her role in his political intelligence group.
It was a graceful improvisation—but of course, Harris herself hardly needed it. Her elevation to the top of the ticket instantly energized Democrats, ending infighting among party leaders and boosting enthusiasm among average voters. Her running mate, Tim WalzThe outspoken Democratic governor of Minnesota has also breathed new life into the ticket and could prove to be a key factor in winning over swing voters in the Midwest in battleground states like Wisconsin and Michigan. Perhaps most notably, the Harris-Walz ticket has completely flipped the Democratic electoral map, with Harris now leading Trump in five of the seven battleground states. “They will continue to lead America forward,” Biden said of Harris and Walz. “Kamala and Tim will protect your civil rights.”
Biden’s remarks Monday night were certainly tinged with bitterness. After all, the president has spent half a century in public life—and has run for president for decades, only to be denied a second term by his own political allies. Ultimately, his decision to withdraw was wise, both personally and politically. But, as First Lady Jill Biden It was not something he said lightly, she recalled in her own speech: “I saw him dig deep into his soul.”
