CHICAGO (Gray Media) – After a night of high-profile speeches and surprises, the Democratic National Convention has officially begun. Nearly six hours of speeches on Monday included an unscheduled appearance by Vice President Kamala Harris and an emotional address by President Joe Biden.
Just a month ago, the delegates at the United Center belonged to Joe Biden. Now they are devoting themselves to the new face of the party.
“It’s going to be a great week,” Vice President Kamala Harris told a shocked and loud crowd.
In her brief remarks, the Vice President paid tribute to the man who handed her the torch.
“Thank you for your historic leadership and lifelong commitment to our country,” said Vice President Harris.
And then, on an evening themed “For the People,” Biden delivered lengthy speeches on his legacy, marking the beginning of the end for a president who is moving on for the good of the party.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve you as President. I love the job, but I love my country even more,” said President Biden.
President Biden highlighted his accomplishments and praised Vice President Harris, but reiterated his belief that Donald Trump is a threat to democracy and must be kept out of the White House.
“We stand at a turning point, one of those rare moments in history where the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world,” said President Biden.
The president capped off an energetic first night in Chicago with what appeared to be ideological agreement among Democrats across the spectrum, with speeches ranging from labor leaders to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-New York) to Gov. Andy Beshear (D-Kentucky) to the first woman to ever top a major party’s ticket.
“Should we move forward or retreat? Come together as ‘we the people’ or split into ‘us versus them’? That is the choice we face in this election,” said Hillary Clinton.
With President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden spending the rest of the week in California, the spotlight will be on Vice President Harris. Tuesday will feature more spectacular speeches, including from Michelle and former President Barack Obama.
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