The Democratic National Convention kicked off in Chicago on Monday, with party members gathering to celebrate the theme “for the people.” The evening’s events were marked by a surprise appearance by Vice President Kamala Harris, who will succeed President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee.
Harris took the stage to a standing ovation, praising Biden’s leadership and expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to run alongside him. “This is going to be a great week, and I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible President Joe Biden,” she said. Harris’s brief remarks were met with enthusiasm from the crowd, who chanted “Kamala! Kamala!” as she left the stage.
Biden’s speech was also highly anticipated. The president received a standing ovation from the crowd, who chanted “Thank you, Joe” as he began his remarks. Biden reflected on his decision to suspend his campaign, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president. “It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president,” he said. “I love my job, but I love my country more.”
Biden also took aim at his former rival, former President Donald Trump, criticizing his handling of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. “There is no place in America for political violence,” he said. The president also touted his administration’s legislative accomplishments, including lowering the racial wealth gap and record small business growth.
First Lady Jill Biden also addressed the convention, reflecting on her nearly 50-year wedding anniversary to the president. She praised Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, saying “Kamala and Tim, you will win.” Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, also spoke, paving the way for Harris’s candidacy. Clinton cited the similarities between herself and Harris, saying “I know her heart and her integrity.”
However, not all was smooth sailing on the first night of the convention. Pro-Palestinian activists caused chaos outside the United Center, breaching the security perimeter and clashing with law enforcement. Nearly 300 officers were mobilized to bring order to the situation, and a handful of protesters were arrested. The Abandon Biden group also announced that they were rebranding as the Abandon Harris group, citing their dissatisfaction with Harris’s stance on the war between Israel and Hamas.
Despite the chaos, the convention continued without a hitch, with Harris and Walz’s campaign gaining momentum. The evening’s events set the stage for a week of unity and celebration for the Democratic Party, as they rally behind their new ticket.
