President Joe Biden delivered controversial speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, marking his official step back from the party’s nomination for the 2024 presidential race.
Speaking well past prime time, Biden addressed the Democratic crowd at Chicago’s United Center, his remarks delayed until 11:27 p.m. Eastern time. The late start potentially limited the speech’s live viewership across the nation.
Biden, visibly emotional, began by dabbing his eyes after an introduction from his daughter Ashley.
“America, I love you!” he exclaimed, as the crowd chanted, “Thank you, Joe!”
Throughout his 51-minute address, Biden at times went off script while he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement nominee.
The president touched on several controversial topics, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. In a departure from his administration’s typically staunch pro-Israel stance, Biden acknowledged anti-Israel protesters outside the convention, saying, “Those protesters out in the street, they have a point. A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides.”
Many anti-Israeli protesters have been seen on camera since the Oct. 7th massacre chanting anti-Semitic phrases and calling for the destruction of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East.
Biden also went after his political opponent, former President Donald Trump. He called Trump a “liar” multiple times.
The speech was filled with stumbles and lies, critics said.
At once point, Biden mangled his words when discussing the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and at one point admitted, “I’m so damn old.”
Some other lowlights —
NEW: President Biden has arguably one of his worst speeches to date, lies and slurs his way through the entire speech.
Recap:
1. Biden says women are without electrical [power?]
2. Biden says border crossings are down under his administration compared to Trump (??)
3. Biden… pic.twitter.com/WPlE1Do3yU
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 20, 2024
The convention setting highlighted the dramatic shift in the Democratic Party’s leadership. Biden’s speech, originally intended as a re-nomination acceptance, instead served as a farewell address.
The rapid transition was evident in the Democratic Party’s platform, which still referred to Biden’s “second term” 21 times and didn’t mention Harris’s newer policy proposals.
Despite the circumstances, Biden insisted he was at peace after being forced to step aside. “It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president. And I love the job, but I love my country more,” he said.