Biden and Kamala Harris at the Democratic Convention: A Call for Unity and Action

An emotional Joe Biden opened the Democratic National Convention thanking the support for his person: "I love my job, but I love my country more"
<p>El presidente de EE. UU. Joe Biden, la primera dama Jill Biden, la candidata presidencial demócrata, la vicepresidenta de EE. UU. Kamala Harris y el segundo caballero Doug Emhoff asisten al primer día de la Convención Nacional Demócrata (DNC) en el United Center en Chicago, Illinois, EE. UU., 19 de agosto de 2024 - REUTERS/MIKE SEGAR</p>
U.S. President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff attend the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 19, 2024 - REUTERS/MIKE SEGAR

On Monday night, Joe Biden said goodbye to the Democratic National Convention with an emotional and energetic speech. Even though many in his party had pressured him to abandon his attempt of reelection, Biden was grateful and without resentment for the end of his term. "I gave them my best," he said proudly. 

<p>El presidente estadounidense, Joe Biden, se dirige a los delegados en el primer día de la Convención Nacional Demócrata (DNC) en Chicago, Illinois, EE. UU., el 19 de agosto de 2024 - REUTERS/MIKE SEGAR</p>
US President Joe Biden addresses delegates on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, US, August 19, 2024 - REUTERS/MIKE SEGAR

When Joe Biden took the stage, he hugged his daughter Ashley tightly and hugged her long and tenderly. He whispered words of love and gratitude in her ear, his eyes filled with tears of joy. Ashley smiled and kissed her father's hand, her eyes shining with admiration and love. 

The crowd that surrounded them applauded, shouted, and chanted, "We love Joe!" enthusiastically. Their faces lit up with emotion in capital letters. The president of the United States took the stage, smiling with pride and gratitude as he gazed out over the crowd. "I love you, daughter," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “That's my daughter!” The crowd continued to applaud, demonstrating the deep bond between father and daughter. 

<p>Carteles con la leyenda "We love Joe" durante el primer día de la Convención Nacional Demócrata en el United Center el 19 de agosto de 2024 en Chicago - PHOTO/ANDREW HARNIK/ GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP </p>
Signs reading ‘We love Joe’ during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago - PHOTO/ANDREW HARNIK/ GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP 

Biden, 81 years old, received a hero's welcome at the convention, which was designed to give the current president a graceful exit and launch Kamala Harris into a showdown with Donald Trump. The president spoke clearly and energetically, defending his track record, his vice president and attacking Trump. 

His speech was reminiscent of the Biden who won in 2020, rather than the babbling and sometimes incoherent candidate who showed up in the debate. Biden was emotional as he took the stage and was greeted by a standing ovation that lasted more than four minutes and by chants of "Thank you Joe" and "We love you." 

<p>Ashley Biden, la candidata presidencial demócrata, la vicepresidenta de EE.UU. Kamala Harris, Doug Emhoff, el presidente de EE.UU. Joe Biden, la primera dama Jill Biden, Naomi Biden, Melissa Biden y Hunter Biden en el escenario durante el primer día de la Convención Nacional Demócrata en el United Center el 19 de agosto de 2024 en Chicago - PHOTO/ CHIP SOMODEVILLA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images vía AFP</p>
Ashley Biden, Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Doug Emhoff, U.S. President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Naomi Biden, Melissa Biden and Hunter Biden on stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024 in Chicago - PHOTO/ CHIP SOMODEVILLA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images vía AFP

He described his choice of Harris as his running mate four years ago as "the first decision I made when I became our nominee, and it was the best decision I made in my entire career." "She's tough, she's experienced, and she's got tremendous integrity," he said. "Her story represents the best American story." 

After his speech, Harris and her spouse, Doug Emhoff, came out to hug Biden and his family. "Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for a lifetime of service to our nation, and for all that you will continue to do," Harris said. "We will be eternally grateful to you," she said. 

He highlighted his administration's accomplishments, such as the increase in the investment in infrastructure and the lowering of insulin prices and recalled the 2017 "Unite the Right" protests that encouraged him to run for president in 2020. His speech was a call for unity and action and demonstrated his commitment to democratic values. 

First lady, Jill Biden, also spoke at the convention and shared the personal and emotional story of her spouse's decision to withdraw from the race and support Kamala Harris. She said she fell in love with him again "just a few weeks before I saw him think deeply and decide not to run again and support Kamala Harris." Their speeches paid tribute to the sacrifice and love Biden and Harris have for the homeland. 

<p>La primera dama Jill Biden y el presidente de Estados Unidos Joe Biden saludan a la audiencia durante el primer día de la Convención Nacional Demócrata en el United Center el 19 de agosto de 2024 en Chicago - PHOTO/ JOE RAEDLE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP</p>
First Lady Jill Biden and U.S. President Joe Biden greet the audience during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago - PHOTO/ JOE RAEDLE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Speakers sought to link Biden and Harris to what the party considers the ruling couple's most famous accomplishments. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised Harris and highlighted "her ability to break the highest and strongest glass ceiling" to become the first female president of the United States. Clinton said that "together we have created many cracks in the tallest and strongest glass ceiling" and "on the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris, who will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States." 

At the Democratic National Convention, party leaders laid out an ambitious plan, including an expanded version of the 2025 Project, Trump's plan for a second term. They also addressed abortion, an issue that touches the hearts of many Americans who believe it could play a key role in the elections. The conference also focused on other important issues, such as the war in Gaza and the struggle for racial and gender equality. 

<p>El presidente estadounidense Joe Biden saluda a su hijo Hunter Biden en la Convención Nacional Demócrata (DNC) en Chicago, Illinois, EE.UU. el 19 de agosto de 2024 - REUTERS/CRAIG HUDSON</p>
U.S. President Joe Biden greets his son Hunter Biden at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. August 19, 2024 - REUTERS/CRAIG HUDSON

The Democratic Party is committed to justice, equality, and the pursuit of a better future for all. In a moving moment, Biden addressed the audience and highlighted the anti-war protests in Gaza, which has become a controversial topic in recent days.

"The protesters in the streets were right," he said emotionally. "Many innocent people died on both sides." "The president's job is to fulfill the commitments that the United States assumes," he said. His speech was a call to action and responsibility and reflected his commitment to justice and peace. 

At this critical moment for American democracy, it is important for political leaders like Biden and Harris to maintain discourses in favor of moderation, transmitted from the heart and with conviction about the values that unite the American society. As well as that, American citizens must continue to be active and committed to politics and to the fight for justice and equality. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "Democracy is not an experiment, it is a process that requires the committed participation of all."