‘America, I gave my best to you’- Biden in Farewell
Joe Biden found himself delivering a speech he never anticipated giving, especially not under these circumstances this year.
Yet, if anyone understands how swiftly situations can shift, it’s Biden – a president whose life has been marked by both personal tragedy and professional hardship.
Addressing a full crowd in Chicago on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention, Biden passionately defended his presidency. He revisited key themes from his 2020 campaign and touched on those he re-emphasized this year before withdrawing from the re-election race in mid-July following a disastrous debate.
“Like many of you, I gave my heart and soul to this nation,” Biden declared near the end of a nearly hour-long speech, frequently interrupted by chants of “Thank you, Joe.”
Biden had taken the stage after being introduced by his daughter Ashley and wife, Jill, who shared how she witnessed him “dig deep into his soul” when deciding to leave the race.
After embracing Ashley, Biden discreetly wiped away tears with a tissue.
With a hand over his heart, Biden stood a bit taller at the podium, flashing a broad smile as the cheers echoed on.
While reflecting on his legacy, Biden also spent considerable time praising his vice president, whom he hopes will succeed him in the White House.
“Selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made when I became our nominee, and it’s the best choice I made in my entire career,” he stated. “She’s resilient, experienced, and has tremendous integrity.”
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Although Biden didn’t explicitly mention passing the torch to a new generation, unlike his Oval Office address weeks prior, the intent was clear. Once his speech concluded, Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, joined the Bidens on stage for warm embraces.
“I love you,” the vice president mouthed to Biden during their hug.
While Biden focused on Harris in the closing parts of his address – subtly acknowledging that her success against Donald Trump in November could shape his legacy and that of the Democratic Party – many earlier speakers paid homage to Biden himself.
Kamala Harris kicked off the tributes with a surprise appearance, met with roaring applause.
“Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, your lifelong service to this country, and all you continue to do,” she expressed. “We are forever grateful.”
Later, Delaware Senator Chris Coons – one of Biden’s closest confidants – offered his heartfelt praise.
“I’ve never known a more compassionate man than Joe Biden,” Coons said. “He’s someone who draws from his losses and faith to create a better future for countless others.”
Hillary Clinton also honored Biden earlier in the evening, telling the crowd he had “restored dignity, decency, and competence to the White House.”
The 2016 Democratic nominee received prolonged applause, noting that while she didn’t shatter the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” by becoming the first woman president, “Kamala Harris will be the one on the other side, taking the oath.”
The reaction Biden received in the packed convention hall was electric. The Democrats in Chicago had been in high spirits all day, and the ovation for Biden seemed as much a thank you for his reluctant decision to step aside as it was recognition of a political career that began when he was elected to Congress at 29.
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Tomorrow, Barack Obama will speak at the convention, followed by Bill Clinton on Wednesday. Both are former presidents who ran for – and won – re-election.
Biden won’t get that chance. Instead, he was left to define his legacy as a one-term president in a speech that, barring a national crisis, maybe his last address to a major American audience.
Near the end of his speech, Biden quoted a line from the song *American Anthem.*
“Let me know in my heart when my days are through, that America, America, I gave my best to you,” he said.
The crowd responded with another wave of applause.
Eight years ago, Biden chose not to run for president in favor of supporting Hillary Clinton – partly due to pressure from Obama. Four years ago, he secured the nomination, but the COVID-19 pandemic deprived him of a packed convention celebration and the traditional post-speech balloon drop.
This event was as close as Biden would get to a classic Democratic convention spotlight.
Following his speech, which ended just past midnight on the East Coast, Biden left the arena and boarded Air Force One en route to California for a brief vacation. His time at this Democratic National Convention was brief, and though a few months ago he hoped for more, his tenure as president is now down to months, not years.
‘America, I gave my best to you’- Biden in Farewell
