President Joe Biden gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, connecting with voters both there and across the country after deciding not to run for president in 2024.
President Biden expressed his gratitude to his family, particularly his wife Jill, whom he referred to as his “rock.”
“I love her more than she loves me,” he joked.
Quoting his father, the President said, “‘Family is the beginning, the middle, and the end.’ I love you all. And America, I love you too.”
Protecting democracy
President Biden emphasized the triumph of democracy since January 6th
“There is no place in America for political violence,” President Biden stated, reflecting on his inauguration following the U.S. Capitol attack in January. “None.”
He then declared, “Now it’s summer. The winter has passed. With a grateful heart, I stand before you now on this August night to report that democracy has prevailed. Democracy has delivered. And now democracy must be preserved.”
A focus on the economy and the middle class
President Biden compared his economic policies and infrastructure to those of former President Trump
President Biden reminded the audience that he ran for president in 2020 to safeguard democracy, promote freedom and equality, and enhance the country’s economy.
“We both recognize that there is more work to be done. But we are headed in the right direction,” President Biden affirmed, highlighting the administration’s ongoing efforts to lower healthcare costs, invest in infrastructure, and boost high-tech manufacturing and American jobs.
“We passed the most significant climate legislation in history,” the president noted, outlining plans to cut carbon emissions by half by 2030 and create more jobs in the transportation sector.
“And how can we claim to be the greatest nation without the best education system?” he posed.
Trump’s policies
President Biden addressed the impact of women in politics
President Biden criticized former President Donald Trump’s viewpoints and positions, particularly on crime and immigration.
“Crime rates will continue to decline with a prosecutor in the Oval Office rather than a convicted felon,” he remarked.
“Trump persists in spreading falsehoods about the border,” President Biden remarked. “Here’s what he doesn’t tell you. Trump terminated the most robust bipartisan border agreement in American history.”
President Biden also referenced the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, condemning Trump’s views on abortion and urging voters, especially women, to support the continuation of abortion rights.
“MAGA Republicans saw the power of women in 2022. And Donald Trump will witness the power of women in 2024,” he declared.
Foreign policy
President Biden stated that his administration was on the verge of achieving a ceasefire and aid agreement in Gaza to alleviate humanitarian crises and end the conflict.
“Those demonstrators on the streets have a point. Many innocent lives are lost on both sides,” he acknowledged.
Looking forward
President Biden expressed confidence in Vice President Harris becoming a president to be proud of
President Biden announced that Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, would continue to champion lower consumer prices and healthcare costs, offer new support for first-time homeowners, and promote fair taxation.
“Kamala and Tim will defend your freedoms,” President Biden affirmed. “They will protect your right to vote. They will safeguard our civil rights.” And he added, “You can count on Kamala and Tim to do everything in their power to uphold Roe v. Wade.”
Harris will be a president “our children can admire,” President Biden asserted. “She will be a leader respected by global leaders because she already is. She will be a president that we can all be proud of. And she will be a groundbreaking president who leaves her mark on America’s future.”
The president also pledged, “I will be the most dedicated volunteer for Harris’ and Walz’ campaign that they have ever seen.”
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This convention is a tribute to Biden’s legacy as a politician and public servant over more than 50 years, not just as president.
Prior to his presidency, Biden served as Vice President under President Barack Obama for two terms and was a U.S. Senator from Delaware for 36 years.
President Biden discusses the remainder of his presidency and decision not to run for reelection
President Biden was initially expected to run for reelection as the Democratic nominee this year, but on July 21, he announced his decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Harris.
This change came after weeks of speculation and scrutiny regarding the president’s suitability for a second term. President Biden faced increasing pressure from within his party to pass the torch and ultimately chose to prioritize uniting the country.
“I believe that my record as president, my leadership on the world stage, and my vision for America’s future deserved a second term, but nothing, absolutely nothing, can stand in the way of protecting our democracy. That includes personal ambitions,” he declared in a national address less than a month ago, echoing the theme of his initial presidential campaign in 2020.
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