President Biden to Deliver Keynote Speech at Democratic National Convention, Advocating for Kamala Harris as His Successor
ICARO Media Group
President Joe Biden is gearing up to deliver a keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, where he will address the American people and make a strong case for Vice President Kamala Harris as his chosen successor. This high-profile moment on Monday marks one of the last opportunities for President Biden to connect with the nation after more than five decades in politics.
Previously, President Biden had been preparing a different speech, but with the Democratic Party rallying behind Harris as the presidential nominee, his focus has shifted. The convention, held at the United Center in Chicago, will serve as a platform for Biden to endorse Harris in front of thousands of delegates and party members.
Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 race and throw his support behind Harris was met with mixed reactions within his own party. However, his aides believe that his productive single term in the White House and the strategic move to pass the torch to Harris have earned him the goodwill of the Democratic Party.
During his speech, President Biden is expected to emphasize the achievements he and Harris have made together and stress the urgency to defeat former President Donald Trump, whom he views as a threat to democracy. A Biden aide shared that the president will address the battle for the soul of America, highlighting the importance of preserving democracy, especially with the help of Harris and Tim Walz.
As the president prepared to head to Camp David, he was asked by reporters about his message for Democrats at the convention. President Biden succinctly answered, "Win."
In addition to President Biden, the first lady, Jill Biden, a strong supporter of the president, will also deliver a speech at the convention on Monday night. Various Biden family members will be joining the couple in Chicago for the event.
President Biden is collaborating with his longtime advisor Mike Donilon and Vinay Reddy, the director of speechwriting at the White House, to fine-tune his speech. Camp David, where the president frequently retreats to prepare for major speeches, will serve as his dedicated workspace and allow him to focus on the task at hand.
While President Biden still grapples with the aftermath of ending his 2024 bid, his aides express satisfaction with the momentum surrounding Harris' candidacy. They believe that his swift endorsement of Harris has contributed to Democratic unity and the avoidance of a fragmented convention.
The convention will draw important contrasts between the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration and Trump's time in office. This will include highlighting how their leadership helped the country overcome the pandemic, revive the economy, protect democracy both domestically and internationally, and restore integrity to the White House.
President Biden's appearance at the convention carries sentimental significance, as it comes four years after he accepted the nomination in a scaled-down event due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While this year's focus will primarily be on Harris, there will be small tributes to Biden throughout the week's festivities, symbolized by the convention's logo and various commemorative items.
Following his speech, some staff members from Biden's 2020 campaign have organized a post-speech party for alumni of the Biden network, bringing together individuals from his senate office, vice presidential office, and past presidential campaigns.
Looking beyond the convention, President Biden is already planning for his final months in office, aiming to shape his legacy. His team is drafting plans for a closing agenda that encompasses implementing further legislation, tackling the issue of rising costs, and focusing on foreign policy, including potential travel overseas to solidify his impact on the global stage.
Additionally, President Biden has signaled his intention to hit the campaign trail in support of Harris in the upcoming months, although the frequency of these appearances remains unclear. The duo recently made their first joint appearance as president and vice president, promoting efforts to lower prescription drug costs.
As the Democratic National Convention kicks off, all eyes will be on President Biden as he delivers a compelling speech endorsing Kamala Harris, positioning her as his successor and detailing their shared vision for a better future for America.