Democrats say 'hi' to Harris, 'bye' to Biden at Democratic National Convention

In one of the final political speeches of his political career, US President Joe Biden addressed the Democratic National Committee in Chicago, to defend his presidential record while forwarding the elevation of Vice President Kamala Harris as the next potential occupant of the White House. Harris, who made a surprise appearance on the stage even though she wasn't scheduled to speak on the first night of the convention, thanked Biden for his record as a Democrat veteran and the US president.

Adding thrust to the defence of his presidential record was theaudience's response at the Convention, who for over four minutes hailed the 81-year-old veteran with roars of 'Thank you, Joe'.

"I ran to rebuild the backbone of America, the middle class," Biden stated, adding, "I made a commitment to you that I'll be president of all America, even if you didn't vote for me."

Biden credited his administration's efforts with bringing the country from "economic crisis to the strongest economy in the world."

He cited a historic increase in health insurance coverage and a significant victory over big pharmaceutical companies.

"Now diabetes patients will not have to pay $400 for insulin but only $35."

The US president also hailed the revival of American manufacturing, with companies investing millions in new chip factories, which he said would "bring hundreds of jobs."

As the self-proclaimed "most pro-union president in the history of America," Biden said he believes in the importance of strong labour unions.

"If unions do good, then we do good."

'Ukraine is still free'

Addressing foreign policy, Biden defended his record in rallying international support against Russia's invasion of Ukraine and expanding NATO with the inclusion of Finland and Sweden.

"Putin thought he would take Kyiv in three days," Biden said, "Three years later, Ukraine is still free."

In a pointed criticism of former President Donald Trump, Biden accused him of neglecting America's moral responsibilities, particularly in failing to honour fallen soldiers.

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"The first commander in chief to bow down in front of a dictator, as Trump bows down to Putin," Biden said.

He also took aim at Trump's handling of domestic issues, blaming him for a purported 30 per cent increase in the murder rate during his tenure.

"During our tenure, the murder rate has decreased significantly," Biden claimed.

Biden was particularly expressive about his administration's achievements in social justice, including the appointment of the first Black woman to the US Supreme Court and the most diverse cabinet in history.

Hailing Kamala Harris, Biden called her "a president who is well respected" and someone "we will be proud of."

The US president ended his address by urging Americans to "save democracy in 2020 and now we must save it in 2024," adding, "America is and always has been a nation of possibilities."