\US President Joe Biden is set to deliver an emotional farewell address at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday, as he officially passes the leadership baton to Kamala Harris, who will be the Democratic nominee for the upcoming November election. This significant moment comes less than a month after Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the race and Harris's rapid rise as the party's candidate.
Biden, who has been a central figure in American politics for five decades, will take the stage for his primetime speech, where he is expected to express his confidence in Harris as the right person to continue the mission of safeguarding American democracy, particularly against the threat posed by Republican rival Donald Trump. Harris, the first female, Black, and South Asian vice president of the United States, is scheduled to make a brief appearance with Biden during his speech, highlighting the unity within the Democratic Party as it transitions to new leadership.
However, Biden's address is set against a backdrop of mixed emotions and challenges. His presidency, which has seen significant achievements, also faces lingering controversies, including a major planned protest in Chicago against the administration's support for Israel's actions in Gaza. Despite this, Biden appears confident, having spent the weekend at Camp David refining his speech with his top aides.
Now serving as a lame-duck president, Biden is acutely aware that his legacy will largely depend on Harris's success in the upcoming election. If she fails to defeat Trump, Biden's decision to step down and his timing will undoubtedly come under scrutiny. His wife, First Lady Jill Biden, who played a crucial role in his decision to withdraw, will also address the convention, adding a personal touch to the proceedings.
As Biden prepares to hand over the reins, he does so with a sense of nostalgia and pride in his accomplishments. His time in office is remembered for overcoming significant challenges, including defeating Trump in 2020 and navigating the nation through the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a rocky start to his re-election campaign, Biden's eventual decision to step aside has been met with widespread appreciation within the Democratic Party.
Kamala Harris has since reinvigorated the Democratic campaign, particularly resonating with young, female, and Black voters who were previously disillusioned by the prospect of another election dominated by two elderly male candidates. Meanwhile, Trump, who once seemed poised for a smooth path to the presidency, has been thrown off course by Harris's unexpected rise, struggling to adapt his campaign strategy.
As Biden prepares to leave the political stage after his address, he will embark on a six-day vacation in California, leaving the convention and the party's future in the hands of Harris. The convention continues in his absence, with Harris set to deliver her headline speech later in the week, further solidifying her position as the Democratic Party's standard-bearer in the upcoming election.
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