WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will deliver the keynote address Monday night at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, symbolically handing over his party to Vice President Kamala Harris and pressuring what she says is a threat to the country if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Four weeks ago, Biden ruled out re-election after his party faced a crisis of confidence about his chances against the Republican nominee after a disastrous performance in the June debate. Now, Biden expects to receive an encouraging reception from many Sam operatives who wanted him out of the race.
Biden aides said the president is using his words to make the case for why he believes Harris must replace him and defeat Trump, who he says is a threat to democracy. Biden will also tout some of his popular accomplishments before stepping out of the spotlight as Harris and his running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, take center stage for the rest of the week, aides said.
Biden was greeted with chants of “Thanks, Joe!” on Thursday, when he appeared with Harris in Maryland, and aides said they were pleased with the consolidation of the party behind Harris. Biden endorsed Harris minutes after the campaign closed, helping orchestrate his nearly seamless political campaign for his vice president and avoiding a contentious battle in Chicago over the future of the party.
Although Biden is no longer at the top of the ticket, his influence is felt in Chicago, albeit in a much smaller role than he was as a candidate.
Speakers at the convention are expected to point to Biden’s accomplishments, from leading the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic to winning major investments in infrastructure, climate and health care. Harris has used Biden’s policies as a basis for his own policy plans.
The convention logo still resembles the president’s campaign logo, and the United Center sign features a quote from Biden’s Oval Office speech explaining his decision to suspend, when he urged voters to support Harris: “History is in your hands.” he said then.
On Monday, the signs will feature the usual Biden-ism: “Spread the Faith.”
First lady Jill Biden and other members of the Biden family will be in the arena to watch his speech, which will serve as a hallmark of his 50 years of Democratic politics. Harris was expected to attend that evening. Biden was not scheduled to be at the convention when Harris speaks at the main venue Thursday night.
