By Ezekiel David
At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, there was a dramatic handover of power when President Joe Biden, 81, gave his farewell speech and Vice President Kamala Harris took centre stage.
With only a few weeks’ notice, Biden’s decision not to seek a second term cleared the path for Harris to lead the Democratic ticket against Donald Trump, the Republican opponent. It was a well-planned opening night of the convention to honour Biden’s legacy and advance Harris in the next race.
Biden’s Emotional Farewell
Biden, met with a resounding four-minute ovation and chants of “Thank you Joe,” delivered a poignant speech reflecting on his time in office. “I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you,” he stated, addressing the audience with clarity and energy. He defended his record, highlighting achievements like infrastructure investments and the insulin price cap. He also praised Harris, calling his decision to select her as his running mate “the best decision I made my whole career.”
Harris: A Symbol of Progress
Following his address, Harris was greeted by Biden and his family, marking a significant turning point for the Democratic Party. Her candidacy represents a new era as the first black woman and someone of South Asian origin to be nominated for president by a major party. “On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris taking the oath of office as our 47th president of the United States,” former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in acknowledgement of this.
Addressing the Challenges
The convention wasn’t without its controversies. Protests erupted outside the arena, condemning the Biden-Harris administration’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Inside, a brief protest calling for an end to arms sales to Israel was swiftly quelled. Biden acknowledged the demonstrators, stating, “Those protesters out in the street have a point. A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides.”
Looking Ahead to the Election
Democrats sought to highlight the sharp differences between Trump and Harris as attention turned to the coming election. They emphasized Trump’s criminal convictions and charged him with putting his own interests ahead of that of the American people. Important topics like abortion access, which has energized Americans since Roe v. Wade was overturned, were also highlighted throughout the convention.
Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future
The convention paid tribute to the civil rights movement, featuring an appearance by the Rev Jesse Jackson and numerous references to activist Fannie Lou Hamer. This historical context underscored the significance of Harris’s nomination, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for equality and representation in American politics.
(Source: AP)