CHICAGO — On July 21, 2024, three weeks after his halting debate performance, Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement.
Last night here at the Democratic National Convention, instead of delivering an acceptance speech for his party’s nomination, Biden delivered one of his last major speeches as president of the United States.
After his daughter Ashley introduced her dad as her “best friend,” Biden walked alone to the Democratic National Committee center-stage lectern among an appreciative blue and red sea of “We Love Joe” signs. As he recounted achievements of the Biden-Harris administration, including the CHIPS Act, infrastructure investments and unmatched climate mitigation efforts, the crowd bellowed, “Thank you, Joe.”
U.S. President Joe Biden greets first daughter Ashley Biden during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Biden humbly reminded them to thank Kamala, too. The president said making Harris his political partner was one of the smartest things he’d ever done.
Biden’s send-off speech was a bittersweet and historically unprecedented moment, as was his decision to walk away from power. His decision has electrified the Democratic party, along with a fast-growing sector of voters who were dreading the Trump-Biden rematch.
Delivering words of encouragement and unity at the Democratic National Committee, Biden didn’t lick his wounds or air his grievances at having been pushed aside.
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Instead, he reminded the nation that nearly four years ago, as he raised his right hand and swore his oath of office just days after the U.S. Capitol had been attacked by people who only love democracy when they win. He reminded Americans that Trump has said — again — that he won’t honor the results of the 2024 election if he loses. Again.
Emanating sincerity in his speech late Monday night, Biden said it was the honor of his life to serve as president, and that he loved the job.
But, he said in pointed reference to his decision to pass the baton to Harris and the next generation, “I love my country more.”
The Democratic National Convention promises to be a joyous celebration, a reset.
Biden’s selfless act in walking away from power for the good of his country will be revered long after Biden leaves the mortal world.
But Biden also delivered notable legislative and diplomatic accomplishments as president. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says Biden “accomplished more in three and a half years than most presidents get done in eight.” State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, chair of the Illinois state Democratic Party, predicted that Biden will one day be “viewed as one of the best presidents we ever had.”
For House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who supported Biden’s decision to step down and is rumored to have pushed it, has said that Biden belongs on Mt. Rushmore. Illinois’ senior U.S. senator, Dick Durbin, who served with Biden in the Senate, said Biden made “a remarkable record as a president … (b)ut I think he’s made the right decision (to step down), and I respect him for it.”
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Welch said the Democratic National Committee celebrates Biden because he “saved our country” when he defeated Trump in 2020.
“What this country was going through because of Donald Trump was unbelievable and Joe Biden stepped right in and turned that ship around …,” he said. “The decision he made to pass the torch to Kamala Harris is a perfect example of who he is and what he stands for and it’s all about putting country first, and that’s translating into what you’re seeing in the excitement, not just here in Illinois but all across the country.”
Addressing the nation about his decision to drop out of the race, Biden said, “Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy, and that includes personal ambition.”
The contrast with Trump — who incited an insurrection to cling to power after the voters rejected him — is painfully obvious.
Despite his fervent belief that he could and should serve a second term, Biden walked away from power to save democracy from fascism. He has stressed repeatedly that America is an idea, the premise that all of us are created equally. Even if that goal has not yet been met, it still defines us.
Biden yielded to next generation. With inspiring gravitas and humility, he closed his Democratic National Committee speech with an anthem:
“The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day…
what shall our legacy be, what will our children say?
Let me know in my heart when my days are through,
America, America, I gave my best to you.”
For that, and for all that he has accomplished for our benefit over the past 50 years in public service, President Biden deserves our unending gratitude.
Sabrina Haake is a columnist and 25 year litigator specializing in 1st and 14th Amendment defense. Her Substack, The Haake Take, is free.
