The Democratic National Convention in Chicago has become the focal point of political attention as President Joe Biden delivered a powerful speech that has ignited discussions across the nation. Biden’s address not only showcased his accomplishments during his presidency but also set the stage for the Democratic Party’s vision for the future. The event, which kicked off with great enthusiasm, saw party leaders and supporters gather to rally behind their candidate.
Biden’s speech highlighted key policy achievements and addressed critical challenges facing the country. He touched on topics ranging from domestic issues to foreign policy, emphasizing the contrast between his administration’s approach and that of his Republican opponents. The president’s words resonated with the audience, sparking a standing ovation and reinforcing party unity. As the convention unfolds, Biden’s address has set the tone for what promises to be a pivotal moment in the upcoming election cycle.
Biden’s Emotional Entrance and Standing Ovation
Ashley Biden’s Introduction
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago witnessed a deeply personal moment as Ashley Biden, President Joe Biden’s only living daughter, took the stage to introduce her father. She humanized the president, referring to him as “the OG girl dad” and sharing intimate family memories. Ashley recounted a touching story from her childhood, describing how her father made a special trip home during a busy period in Washington to be with her on her eighth birthday, only to return to the capital immediately after.
As a social worker and social justice advocate, Ashley emphasized the values her father instilled in her. “Dad always told me that I was no better than anybody else and nobody was better than me. He taught me that everybody deserves a fair shot and that we shouldn’t leave anyone behind,” she stated. Ashley’s speech not only highlighted her father’s personal qualities but also his political legacy, calling him “one of the most consequential leaders ever in history”.
Jill Biden’s Remarks
Following Ashley’s heartfelt introduction, First Lady Jill Biden addressed the convention, her appearance alone eliciting a thunderous response from the audience. Dressed in a shimmering, steel-blue Ralph Lauren dress, she walked onstage to a standing ovation, with attendees waving green “JILL” signs overhead.
In her brief but impactful speech, Jill Biden shared personal anecdotes from their nearly 50-year marriage, painting a picture of a man both determined and empathetic. She spoke of Joe Biden’s commitment to public service and his ability to connect with people, whether it was lingering with a grieving supporter or reading one more bedtime story to their children.
The First Lady also touched on a pivotal moment in recent political history, recalling how she watched her husband “dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris“. This statement highlighted the significance of the convention and the shift in Democratic Party leadership.
Crowd’s Enthusiastic Response
As President Biden finally took the stage, the United Center erupted in an overwhelming display of support and gratitude. The crowd rose to their feet, greeting him with extended applause and chants of “Thank you, Joe” that lasted for approximately five minutes. The president, visibly moved by the reception, repeatedly expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you” and “I love you all” to the enthusiastic audience.
The emotional intensity of the moment was palpable, with supporters holding up signs featuring heart symbols and declarations of love for the president. This outpouring of affection came at a crucial time, following weeks of concern within the party about Biden’s ability to secure victory against Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
The president’s decision to forgo the nomination in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris had initially caused some uncertainty. However, the crowd’s reaction at the convention demonstrated a strong unity within the Democratic Party and a renewed sense of purpose for the challenges ahead.
As the cheers subsided, Biden proudly acknowledged his daughter’s introduction, exclaiming, “That was my daughter!”. This moment of familial pride, combined with the overwhelming support from the convention attendees, set a powerful tone for the president’s keynote speech and the Democratic Party’s vision for the future.
Key Policy Accomplishments Highlighted
Economic Achievements
President Joe Biden’s speech at the Democratic National Convention highlighted the significant economic progress made during his administration. He emphasized that the past four years have seen “one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever”. The president pointed out the remarkable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic growth.
Biden’s administration has focused on delivering for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. He noted that the job of the president is to serve the entire nation, stating that more infrastructure spending went to Republican-leaning states than Democratic ones. This approach underscores the administration’s commitment to bipartisan progress and nationwide development.
Infrastructure Investments
The Biden-Harris Administration has made substantial investments in infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, they have announced nearly $454 billion in funding, covering over 56,000 specific projects and awards across more than 4,500 communities in all 50 states, D.C., territories, and Tribal areas.
Some key infrastructure achievements include:
- Launching improvements on over 165,000 miles of roads and initiating over 9,400 bridge repair projects.
- Providing funding for nearly 3,000 low-and zero-emission American-made transit busses and over 5,000 clean school busses in 600 communities.
- Delivering funding for over 450 port and waterway projects to strengthen supply chains and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Deploying investments in over 300 airport terminal projects to modernize and expand terminals.
- Launching over 4,100 projects to help communities build resilience against climate change impacts and cyber-attacks.
The administration has also made significant strides in improving internet access. They have enabled over 23 million low-income households to access free or discounted high-speed internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Additionally, they have funded 12,000 miles of middle-mile high-speed internet infrastructure across 370 counties and provided funding to more than 280 Tribal governments to connect over 65,000 Tribal households with high-speed internet.
Healthcare Reforms
Biden’s speech emphasized the administration’s efforts to lower drug costs and improve healthcare accessibility. The president celebrated the cap on insulin prices and the reduction in prescription drug costs. South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn praised the administration’s work, stating, “Thanks to Joe and Kamala, we reduced the price of prescription drugs”.
The administration has made significant progress in healthcare reforms:
- Launching Medicare drug price negotiations for the first time, with prices for the initial 10 drugs set to take effect in 2026.
- Capping the cost of insulin at $35 for seniors.
- Limiting out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs to $2,000 for seniors.
Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic nominee, has pledged to accelerate drug price negotiations and expand these cost-saving measures to all Americans if elected president. Her platform includes working to “cap the cost of insulin at $35 and out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs at $2,000 for everyone, not just seniors”.
The administration has also taken steps to address medical debt, with Biden announcing a plan to exclude medical debt from credit reports. Harris has gone further, pledging to clear billions of dollars in medical debt if elected president.
Throughout his speech, Biden emphasized the collaborative nature of these accomplishments, sharing credit with Vice President Harris and highlighting their close working relationship. He referred to their time in office as “one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever”, setting the stage for Harris to continue and build upon these achievements as the new Democratic nominee.
Passing the Torch to Kamala Harris
Praise for Harris as VP
President Joe Biden’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago marked a significant moment in American politics as he officially passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden’s endorsement of Harris highlighted her qualities and accomplishments during their time in office together. He emphasized the importance of his decision to choose Harris as his running mate in 2020, stating, “Selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made when I became our nominee. It’s the best decision I made”.
The president praised Harris’s integrity and leadership skills, expressing confidence in her ability to lead the nation. “She has enormous integrity,” Biden declared, underscoring his trust in her capabilities. This endorsement came at a crucial time, as the Democratic Party united behind Harris as their new standard-bearer.
Endorsement as Presidential Nominee
Biden’s endorsement of Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee was unequivocal and enthusiastic. He proclaimed, “She will be a president our children can look up to” and a “historic president who puts her stamp on America’s future”. This statement not only highlighted Harris’s potential as a role model but also emphasized the historic nature of her candidacy.
The significance of Harris’s nomination was not lost on the convention attendees. Hillary Clinton, the first woman nominated for the presidency by a major party, spoke about the groundbreaking nature of Harris’s candidacy. “On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris raising her hand and taking the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States,” Clinton said, adding, “When a barrier falls for one of us, it falls, it falls and clears the way for all of us”.
Vision for Democratic Future
Biden’s decision to step aside and support Harris was seen as a selfless act of political altruism. Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., expressed the sentiment of many Democrats, saying, “I think it’s hard to put into words the selflessness. We don’t get a lot of examples of that in American history”. This move was viewed as a strategic decision to enhance the party’s chances of defeating Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
The convention served as a platform to introduce Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, to the nation. Harris’s background and potential to make history resonated with many attendees. Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton expressed her excitement, saying, “I wasn’t sure I would see this particular moment in my lifetime, to see a Black woman who is now on the cusp of becoming our next president”.
Harris’s campaign is focusing on addressing key issues affecting Americans. She has unveiled initial policy plans aimed at tackling inflation and reducing the costs of food, housing, and childcare. This approach demonstrates her commitment to addressing the immediate concerns of voters while building on the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration.
The Democratic Party’s vision for the future under Harris’s leadership was summarized by Cedric Richmond, Harris-Walz campaign co-chair: “Joe Biden showed this country what real leadership looks like. It’s about getting things done for the American people. Results, progress doing the right thing simply because it’s the right thing. And now Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have united our party around their vision to lead us into the future”.
As the convention progressed, it became clear that the Democratic Party was fully embracing this transition of power, celebrating Biden’s legacy while looking forward to a new chapter under Harris’s leadership. The enthusiasm and unity displayed at the convention set the stage for a dynamic and historic presidential campaign.
Addressing Criticism and Party Unity
Response to Calls for Stepping Aside
President Joe Biden addressed the growing concerns within the Democratic Party regarding his candidacy for the 2024 election. Despite calls from prominent party members to step aside, Biden maintained a resolute stance. He directly confronted the issue during his speech at the Democratic National Convention, stating, “All this talk about how I’m angry at all the people who said I should step down—that’s not true”. The president emphasized his love for the country and the need to preserve democracy, which he placed above personal ambitions.
Biden’s decision to exit the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee was met with mixed reactions. Some viewed it as a selfless act, with First Lady Jill Biden noting that it reminded her of how the president works for causes larger than himself. The move was seen as a strategic decision to enhance the party’s chances in the upcoming election.
Commitment to Democratic Values
Throughout his speech, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles and the importance of preserving American democracy. He rejected political violence and emphasized the need for enduring democratic institutions, a theme that has gained even more relevance since the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The president framed the upcoming election as a crucial moment for the nation, declaring, “We’re in a battle for the very soul of America”.
Biden also addressed the Israel-Hamas war, acknowledging the concerns of protesters calling for an end to violence against Palestinians. He stated, “Those protesters out in the street, they have a point, a lot of innocent people are being killed, both sides”. This recognition of diverse viewpoints within the party demonstrated an effort to bridge internal divisions on complex foreign policy issues.
Appeal for Party Solidarity
The president’s speech served as a rallying cry for Democratic unity. He shared credit for his administration’s accomplishments with Vice President Harris, emphasizing their partnership and paving the way for her candidacy. Biden stated, “We’ve had one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period. When I say we, I mean Kamala and me”.
The convention featured strong endorsements for Harris from party leaders. Hillary Clinton spoke passionately about electing Harris, framing it as a historic moment: “On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris raising her hand and taking the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States”. Clinton’s words underscored the significance of Harris’s candidacy and the potential for breaking barriers.
Other prominent Democrats echoed the call for unity. Rep. James Clyburn praised Harris’s commitment to addressing economic issues, stating, “While Trump has been looking out for himself and his billionaire buddies, Kamala has been fighting to lower costs for all Americans”. This message aimed to present a unified front against the Republican opposition and highlight the party’s focus on working-class issues.
As the convention progressed, it became clear that the Democratic Party was embracing this transition of power, celebrating Biden’s legacy while looking forward to a new chapter under Harris’s leadership. The president’s appeal for party solidarity was encapsulated in his call to action: “We saved democracy in 2020 and now we must save it again in 2024”. This message sought to unite Democrats and independents behind Harris’s candidacy and the party’s vision for the future.
Foreign Policy and Global Challenges
Support for Ukraine
President Joe Biden’s foreign policy agenda has placed significant emphasis on supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. During his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to aiding Ukraine against Russian aggression. He highlighted the importance of maintaining international alliances and standing firm against threats to global democracy.
The president’s approach to the Ukraine crisis has been characterized by a combination of diplomatic efforts and material support. Biden has worked to rally international partners and strengthen NATO alliances in response to Russian actions. This strategy aligns with his broader foreign policy goal of reasserting American leadership on the global stage and countering authoritarian influences.
Middle East Peace Efforts
Biden’s administration has been actively engaged in addressing the complex challenges in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. During his DNC speech, the president acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “Those protesters out in the street, they have a point. A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides”. This recognition of the humanitarian crisis demonstrates Biden’s nuanced approach to the conflict.
The president emphasized his commitment to achieving a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages. He stated, “A few days ago, I put forward a proposal that brought us closer to achieving” a ceasefire “than we’ve been since” Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Biden also highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts, mentioning that his administration is “working around the clock” to prevent a wider war, reunite hostages with their families, and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Biden’s approach to the Middle East crisis involves a multi-faceted strategy:
- Pursuing diplomatic channels to negotiate a ceasefire
- Working to secure the release of hostages
- Increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza
- Striving to prevent the conflict from escalating into a broader regional war
The president expressed his determination to address these challenges, stating, “I intend to get it done,” referring to his efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.
Climate Change Initiatives
Climate change remains a cornerstone of Biden’s foreign policy agenda. The president has taken significant steps to reassert U.S. leadership in global climate action since taking office. On his first day as president, Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change, signaling a renewed commitment to international cooperation on this critical issue.
Biden has convened the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF) multiple times, bringing together world leaders to galvanize efforts in tackling the climate crisis. The president has set ambitious goals, including reducing U.S. emissions by 50-52% by 2030, aligning with the 1.5°C warming limit.
Key climate initiatives announced by the Biden administration include:
- Providing $1 billion to the Green Climate Fund, bringing total U.S. contributions to $2 billion
- Requesting $500 million over five years for the Amazon Fund and related activities
- Launching the Global Methane Pledge, now joined by 150 countries
- Introducing a new Methane Finance Sprint to scale up methane reduction efforts
At COP28 in 2023, the U.S. supported an agreement to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. In line with this commitment, the Biden administration has taken steps to limit fossil fuel production, including pausing approvals for new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain in securing adequate international climate finance. While Biden has committed to mobilizing $11.4 billion in climate finance annually by 2024, the U.S. is currently not on track to reach this goal. The president faces the task of prioritizing increased Congressional appropriations for international climate finance, a challenge given the current political landscape.
Contrast with Trump and Republican Agenda
Democracy and the Rule of Law
President Joe Biden’s speech at the Democratic National Convention highlighted stark differences between his administration’s approach to democracy and that of his Republican opponent, Donald Trump. Biden warned that a Supreme Court ruling granting presidents broad immunity from prosecution would embolden Trump “to do whatever he wants” if he regains the White House. The president emphasized the importance of respecting the limits of presidential power, contrasting his adherence to these limits with Trump’s potential disregard for the law.
Biden also addressed Trump’s recent legal troubles, mocking him over his conviction on 34 felony counts. The president stated, “Violent crime has dropped to the lowest level of more than 50 years, and crime will keep coming down when we put a prosecutor in the Oval Office instead of a convicted felon”. This statement underscored the Democratic Party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and contrasted it with Trump’s legal challenges.
Economic Policies
The convention highlighted significant differences in economic approaches between the Democratic and Republican agendas. Biden celebrated his administration’s legislative achievements, including the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act. He emphasized the strength of the economy under his leadership, stating, “We’ve gone from economic crisis to the strongest economy in the entire world”.
In contrast, speakers at the convention portrayed Trump’s economic policies as favoring the wealthy at the expense of working Americans. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez accused Trump of being willing to “sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing the palms of his Wall Street friends”. She further characterized Trump as a “two-bit union buster”, highlighting the Democratic Party’s alignment with labor unions.
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain reinforced this message, leading the crowd to chant “Trump is a scab”. Fain credited Biden and Harris for standing by striking autoworkers, contrasting this support with Trump’s approach to labor issues.
Social Justice Issues
The convention also emphasized significant differences in approaches to social justice issues, particularly abortion rights and healthcare. Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky blamed Trump and his Supreme Court picks for the state’s near-total abortion ban, which lacks exceptions for rape, incest, or nonviable pregnancies. Beshear stated, “Trump’s actions have resulted in extreme bans on abortion — in my state, even in cases of rape, incest, and non-viable pregnancies. That fails any test of humanity, any test of basic decency, any test of whether you have any underlying empathy”.
Democrats highlighted their commitment to protecting abortion access, featuring speakers whose healthcare suffered as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The convention program included a video of Trump praising his role in getting Roe struck down, further emphasizing the contrast between the two parties’ stances on this issue.
The Democratic speakers also addressed other social justice concerns, with Representative James Clyburn decrying the conservative initiative Project 2025 as “Jim Crow 2.0”. Clyburn contrasted this with Harris’s approach, stating, “While Trump has been looking out for himself and his billionaire buddies, Kamala has been fighting to lower costs for all Americans”.
Call to Action for Voters
Importance of 2024 Election
The upcoming 2024 election stands as a pivotal moment for the future of American democracy. President Joe Biden emphasized this critical juncture, declaring, “This is no ordinary moment. This is truly an inflection point in the nation’s history“. He stressed the significance of unity and engagement, reminding supporters of the collective effort that led to victory in 2020 and urging them to maintain that solidarity for the challenges ahead.
Biden highlighted the monumental tasks facing the nation, including recovering from the pandemic, revitalizing the economy, addressing climate change, and safeguarding democracy itself. He stated, “There’s no one else coming to do this work. It’s up to us: our country, our planet, our democracy. They’re all in our hands right now”. This call to action underscores the weight of responsibility placed on voters in the upcoming election.
Protecting Democratic Institutions
The preservation of democratic institutions emerged as a central theme in Biden’s address. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every vote is counted and that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the election results. This focus on electoral integrity comes in response to ongoing challenges to the democratic process.
Biden directly addressed attempts to undermine democratic norms, stating, “You can’t say you love the country only when you win”. He further emphasized the need to defend the right to vote, positioning it as a fundamental aspect of preserving democracy. This message resonates with concerns about potential threats to democratic institutions and the importance of voter participation in safeguarding these foundational principles.
Mobilizing Grassroots Support
The call for grassroots mobilization emerged as a key strategy for driving voter turnout and engagement. Biden urged supporters to stay involved, emphasizing the critical nature of the next phase of political action. He provided a direct call to action, encouraging listeners to “Text VOLUNTEER to 43367” to get involved in campaign efforts.
This push for grassroots support aligns with the broader goal of empowering local communities to participate actively in the political process. By engaging at the grassroots level, the campaign aims to ensure that the demands and concerns of diverse communities are heard and addressed by elected representatives.
The importance of collective action was further emphasized by Hillary Clinton, who stated, “We’re not just electing a president. We’re uplifting our nation. We’re opening the promise of America wide enough for everyone”. This sentiment underscores the transformative potential of widespread civic engagement and voter participation in shaping the nation’s future.
As the election approaches, the call to action for voters remains clear: stay engaged, get involved, and make your voice heard at the ballot box. The message from party leaders is unequivocal – the future of American democracy depends on the active participation of its citizens.
Conclusion
President Joe Biden’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago has set the stage to shape the future of American politics. His endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee marks a significant shift in the party’s leadership. The convention highlighted key accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, from economic progress to healthcare reforms, while drawing sharp contrasts with the Republican agenda.
As the 2024 election approaches, the Democratic Party has united behind a vision that emphasizes protecting democratic institutions and addressing critical challenges facing the nation. Biden’s call to action underscores the crucial role voters play in shaping America’s future. With a focus on grassroots mobilization and the protection of fundamental rights, the Democrats are gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal moment in the country’s history.