Biden says in keynote speech: “I love the job, but I love my country more”

President Biden delivered the keynote address on the first night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, highlighting the key accomplishments of his administration as he passed the baton to new Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris made a surprise appearance on Monday night as Democrats showed a united front behind her and Biden and speakers walked a fine line between “Thank you, Joe” and “We are making progress.”

“I love the job, but I love my country more,” Biden said of his recent decision not to run for re-election. First Lady Jill Biden said she saw Biden “look deep into his soul and decide not to run for re-election and support Kamala Harris.”

After a standing ovation and shouts of “Thank you, Joe,” Biden returned to his familiar themes: saving democracy – which he said was the reason he ran for president – ​​and building a better America.

“We are at a turning point, one of those rare moments in history where the decisions we make now will shape the world for decades to come,” Biden said.

The party's nominee for the 2016 election, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, rocked the convention center when she told Democrats, “The future is here – we can get there.” She was referring to what it would mean to elect Harris as president, who, if she wins, would be the first woman and the first woman of color to be elected president.

“Together, we have made many cracks in the highest and hardest glass ceiling,” Clinton said. “And tonight, tonight, as we are about to break through it once and for all, I want to tell you what I see through all those cracks and why it matters to each and every one of us.”

There were also stirring speeches from Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers union, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as more serious speeches from women who have suffered the devastating consequences of lack of access to abortion.

Despite the energetic first day of the party conference on Monday, the party is still struggling with the chaotic two months, including Biden's disastrous debate on 27 June and his announcement on 21 July that he would drop out of the race and Supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in the nominationwhich led to their stormy campaign and Selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.

Democrats formally nominated Harris in a virtual roll call earlier this month, and Walz was declared the nominee under party rules. The convention held a ceremonial vote on Walz's nomination on Monday, and a ceremonial roll call for Harris will be held on Tuesday.

Outside the convention center, Chicago police said Four people were arrested when protesters breached a security perimeter. Chicago is preparing for protests as 2024 draws some comparisons with the violent congress of 1968including the incumbent president who has decided not to run for re-election and a divisive foreign policy.