Biden Extols Own Presidency, Endorses Harris in DNC Speech
In a politically charged address delivered less than a month after withdrawing from the presidential race, President Joe Biden praised his own accomplishments and urged fellow Democrats to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor in the 2024 election, NBC News reports.
“Join me in promising your whole heart to this effort — that’s where my heart will be,” Biden said on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention.
The outgoing head of state outlined a set of achievements during his presidency, including landmark infrastructure and climate change legislation, lower prescription drug costs for seniors, and successful pandemic response efforts.
His remarks, concluding after midnight on the East Coast, pictured his presidency as one that “saved democracy” from the threat posed by former President and current Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Biden’s decision to step aside came after a June debate against Trump, which ignited calls within the Democratic Party for him to withdraw from the race. Despite initially vowing to fight on, Biden eventually yielded to mounting pressure and announced his surrender of the nomination, endorsing Harris on July 21.
His speech centered on the importance of electing Harris.
“Selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made when I became our nominee,” Biden said, referring to his 2020 choice to put her on the ballot as his running mate. “It’s the best decision I made.”
