At the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, Joe Biden delivered a speech well beyond his scheduled primetime appearance, concluding the event close to midnight Eastern Time.
The delay has sparked discussions about the strategic intentions behind the schedule, as the DNC focused heavily on transitioning its support to Kamala Harris for the upcoming election.
The first night of the convention was dedicated to celebrating Biden’s tenure in the White House, emphasizing his significant decisions such as selecting Kamala Harris as his running mate and his recent announcement to forego a 2024 reelection campaign.
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Throughout his nearly hour-long speech, an emotional Biden expressed his gratitude and commitment to the country, repeatedly interrupted by chants of “thank you, Joe” from the audience.
Biden’s speech touched on themes of democracy and the need for continued Democratic control over both the Senate and the House of Representatives. “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, dispelling rumors of resentment towards those who suggested he should not seek reelection. “All this talk about how I’m angry at all the people who said I should step down — it’s not true. We need to preserve our democracy in 2024. We need you to vote. We need you to keep the Senate and the House of Representatives. And above all, we need you to beat Donald Trump,” he urged.
Speculation about the delayed timing of his speech was rampant, with concerns that it was intended to minimize his exposure as the party begins to rally around Harris.
Y’all threw him in the trash, pushed him out and installed Kamala and now y’all are making him speak at midnight. Cruel is too nice of a word for all of you. No loyalty. He should have arrested Obama and Kamala for the coup.
— Stacey Celebrates (@SunlightShine55) August 20, 2024
They took the nomination away from him and now booted him out of prime time.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 20, 2024
Nate Silver, a renowned pollster, commented on the timing, suggesting it was no coincidence: “The media is very East Coast focused though, you’ve gotta be pretty naive to think the prolonged DNC tonight is for any reason other than diminishing Biden’s visibility,” he tweeted.
The media is very East Coast focused though, you’ve gotta be pretty naive to think the prolonged DNC tonight is for any reason other than diminishing Biden’s visibility. https://t.co/LSd5DJzrON
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) August 20, 2024
Rumors have circulated that Biden was pressured by party elders, including Nancy Pelosi, to step aside after a lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump on June 27, which raised concerns about his capability to endure another term.
Nancy Pelosi awkwardly chants “WE LOVE JOE” weeks after leading a coup to knife him in the back
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 20, 2024
Following the debate, there was notable concern within the party about Biden’s public gaffes and his physical stamina, leading to his decision to endorse Harris.
As Biden concluded his speech, he rallied the delegates for the upcoming electoral battle, asking, “Let me ask you. Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?” This marked a symbolic passing of the torch to Harris, setting the stage for her forthcoming campaign.
The night, while intended to honor Biden’s legacy, also clearly set the direction for a new leadership under Harris, amidst a backdrop of strategic decisions by the Democratic Party aimed at maintaining its competitiveness in the 2024 elections.
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