By AP News
Photos: YouTube Screenshots
President Joe Biden wrapped up the Democratic National Convention’s opening night by beginning his long political farewell with an address that both framed his own legacy and signaled he was ready to start ceding control of the party to Vice President Kamala Harris. His closing message to those still listening as the convention stretched late into the night: “I gave my best to you for 50 years.” Read more.
Highlights:
After he took the stage to a raucous ovation from delegates, Biden ticked through many of his achievements and shared the credit with Harris. He said picking Harris as his running mate was the best decision he ever made and promised to be the “best volunteer” that Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz have ever seen.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke hopefully of finally breaking the “glass ceiling” to elect a female president. Vice President Harris made an unscheduled appearance onstage to pay tribute to Biden ahead of his own address to the convention. On a night meant to honor the president who stepped aside to make way for Harris, the vice president added, “We are forever grateful to you.”
Thousands marched outside to protest U.S. support for Israel during the war in Gaza, but inside the venue, the issue went largely unmentioned until Biden got to the microphone. “Those protesters out in the streets have a point,” he said. “A lot of innocent people are being killed, on both sides.”
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