President Joe Biden kicked off the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday with an impactful speech that passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. The atmosphere was charged as Democrats celebrated Biden’s achievements while looking ahead to Harris’s upcoming clash with Donald Trump in the November elections.
Biden’s dynamic performance was emotional, highlighting his record as president while acknowledging the shift towards Harris. Accompanying him on stage was Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, alongside Harris, who also delivered a brief address.
The night featured notable speeches from Biden and former presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, overshadowed by an extensive program that emphasized abortion rights and showcased a mix of party figures.
Winners
President Biden
Biden’s keynote was more akin to a State of the Union than a convention speech, clocking in at around 50 minutes as he detailed his legislative and foreign policy victories. He took pride in his administration’s accomplishments, delivering a heartfelt message as he alluded to stepping down from the 2024 race.
“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president. I love the job. But I love my country more,” Biden stated, emphasizing his support for Harris as his successor. The 81-year-old president did not publicly address the mounting pressure from Democrats regarding his campaign viability but received a warm reception from party members nonetheless.
Shawn Fain
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain made waves with his passionate address, establishing his influence within the Democratic Party. His leadership during the UAW strike positioned him among the most recognized labor figures, and he called on union members to support Harris over Trump, framing the election as a choice of sides for workers.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the prominent progressive voices, demonstrated her rising status in the party landscape. She endorsed Harris emphatically, saying, “In Kamala Harris we have a chance to elect a president who is for the middle class,” as she sought to align Harris with progressive ideals, reinforcing her foothold in Democratic leadership.
Losers
Andy Beshear
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s endorsement of the Harris-Walz ticket seemed overshadowed by his own missed opportunity to be Harris’s running mate. While he played the loyal party member, this could have been a defining moment in his career. Though he remains a potential candidate for the future, his current profile in national politics is uncertain.
Project 2025
As discussions around Project 2025—a conservative policy agenda speculated to align with Trump’s values—unfolded during the convention, it threatened to polarize Democrats. Harris’s focus on Project 2025 may serve as a focal point to attack Trump, but it risks alienating independents and muting enthusiasm among party supporters, raising questions about the best approach for the campaign’s messaging.