Joe Biden broke down in tears as he took the stage at the Democratic National Convention and called on the Party to embrace Vice President Kamala Harris.
Top Democrats from across the country gathered for their national convention in Chicago on Monday as they came together to sign Harris as their party’s best hope to defeat the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
President Biden's appearance at the start of the four-day event comes after he was pressured to quit the race by party leaders worried the 81-year-old incumbent was too old to win or serve another four years.
Wiping away multiple tears after being introduced by his daughter Ashley and waving to a crowd that gave him an extended standing ovation, a smiling Biden said: "I love you."
Joe Biden calls on DNC delegates to welcome Kamala Harris as presidential nominee
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Biden was tearful after listening to Ashley Biden's speech
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Joe Biden wiped away tears
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Joe Biden was comforted on stage by his daughter Ashley
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In a speech to Democrats, officially passed the torch to his Vice President to take his place in the presidential race.
He said: “Are you ready to vote for freedom, democracy and America? Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?”
Speaking briefly about the January 6 riots in 2021, Biden said: “There is no place in America for political violence, none.”
“You can not only say you love this country when you win,” he says, referring to Donald Trump.
Biden added that it was the violence in Charlottesville that inspired him to run for President.
Rounding out his speech, Biden said: “It’s been the honour of my lifetime to serve as your president.
“I love my job, but I love this country more.
“I love my country more and we need to preserve our democracy.
“Above all we need you to beat Donald Trump. Elect Kamala and Tim President and Vice President of America.”
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Kamala Harris spoke briefly at the Democratic National Convention
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Kamala Harris began her speech with a thank you to Joe Biden for his service
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Kamala Harris was welcomed with rapturous applauseREUTERSEarlier at the convention, Kamala Harris made a brief appearance and thanked Joe Biden for his service.
“Let us fight for the ideals we hold dear and let us always remember, when we fight we win!” Harris said.
“Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation. We are forever grateful.”
Harris is expected to formally accept the Democratic nomination on the final day of the convention on Thursday night before delegates, supporters and party faithful.
Polls a month ago showed Trump with a clear lead over Biden, but Harris has closed the gap both nationally and in many of the highly competitive states, including Pennsylvania, that will play a decisive role in the election.
If elected on November 5, Harris would make US history as the first female president.
Hillary Clinton joked Donald Trump's election tactics 'sounded familiar'
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Addressing DNC delegates, Clinton thanked Joe Biden for his time as President
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This week, Trump is planning to campaign in several battleground states that are likely to determine the outcome of the election.
Some major allies and donors have been urging Trump to steer clear of racial and gender-based insults of Harris and focus his attacks instead on her policy record.
At a small business in southern Pennsylvania, he repeatedly referred to Harris as "Comrade Kamala" in an effort to paint her as a communist at an event to discuss economic policies.
On social media, he said he would reduce crime in cities like Chicago. "THIS IS A WAR ZONE, AND WILL BE HANDLED ACCORDINGLY," he wrote on social media.