(Chicago) Joe Biden was greeted Monday by a long and deafening ovation at the Democratic convention in Chicago, where he came to pass the torch to Kamala Harris, calling for the “preservation” of democracy.
“We love Joe!” and “Thank you, Joe!” the delegates chanted. “I love you,” he responded.
In the audience, the vice president wiped her eyes, and tears streamed down many faces during the president’s speech.
“We are fighting a battle for the very soul of America,” he proclaimed, using one of the emblematic expressions of his presidency.
“We are forever grateful” to an “incredible” president, Harris had said earlier, during a brief, surprise solo appearance at the convention.
PHOTO ELIZABETH FRANTZ, REUTERS ARCHIVES
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in Maryland on August 15
Joe Biden’s speech was immediately marked by emotion.
“Joe and I have been together for almost 50 years. Yet there are times when I fall in love with him all over again,” First Lady Jill Biden announced her husband, as she entered the stage to the sound of Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You.”
” Dad, […] “We don’t tell you often enough that you are the love of our lives,” their daughter Ashley said, referring to a “fighter who was underestimated his entire life.”
For the 81-year-old president, there was something certainly moving in this outpouring of affection, but also quite cruel.
PHOTO MARK SCHIEFELBEIN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden
After all, just a month ago he was still thinking about receiving his party’s nomination.
On Tuesday, delegates will crown Kamala Harris in a symbolic vote, after having already formally invested her in an online ballot.
“Glad he’s quitting”
Democrats expected to campaign without passion for the octogenarian president, who is mired in the polls.
But now, after her incredible withdrawal on July 21, they are starting to dream again of a victory thanks to their 59-year-old candidate.
” I adore [Joe Biden] “But I was absolutely delighted that he gave up because he was dragging us down,” said Harry Pascal, a Democratic activist.
Donald Trump, who has planned trips to several decisive states this week, began Monday in Pennsylvania.
The former Republican president attacked Kamala Harris’ “communist” plans and claimed without any evidence that she had staged a “coup” against Joe Biden.
Hillary Clinton, the unsuccessful candidate against Donald Trump in 2016, nevertheless reminded us in Chicago that nothing was won.
“Don’t get distracted. Don’t get complacent,” the former secretary of state, who was the favorite to beat Donald Trump, said in a vigorous speech.
PHOTO MATT SLOCUM, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Donald Trump
Like Joe Biden, the evening must have left him with a bittersweet taste. Hillary Clinton, who wanted to become the first female president of the United States, called for breaking for good “the highest, hardest” glass ceiling “by electing Kamala Harris.
On Tuesday, former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama will headline the convention in their hometown of Chicago.
There is no doubt that this couple, adored by Democrats, will know how to ignite the delegates.
The American vice-president will go campaigning for the day in Wisconsin, one of the announced “swing states” of the November election, that is to say a highly strategic state.
Kamala Harris’ lead over Donald Trump in most polls remains within the statistical margin of error.
Donald Trump dominates the Republican Party, despite his historic conviction in one criminal case and prosecutions in several others.
He remains adored by his base, even more so since the assassination attempt he suffered in July.