Chicago DNC speaker schedule 2024: Joe Biden delivers rousing speech as Democrats look to future with Kamala Harris

The Democratic National Convention kicked off in Chicago with a rousing, nearly hour-long speech from President Joe Biden, and the anticipation of ushering in a fresh face for the party’s 2024 presidential bid became palpable.

After 52 years on the political scene, Biden, 81, received a hero’s welcome for his act of stepping aside for Vice President Kamala Harris. His departure comes in the aftermath of speculation regarding his fitness for another presidential term.

Leadership handover from Biden to Harris

The convention’s first night was curated mainly to bid a dignified farewell to the incumbent president while introducing Harris, who is set to contest against Republican Donald Trump. The transition of power was emotional, with Biden being welcomed by a prolonged ovation and chants of “Thank you Joe.”

Biden, in his address, reiterated his 2020 campaign theme: “we’re in a battle for the very soul of America,” commending Harris and her running mate Tim Walz for their readiness to face this challenge. Biden stated, “Because of you, we’ve had the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period,” emphasizing the integral role Harris played in his success

Harris sets the stage for the convention

The convention’s first night was filled with exciting moments with outstanding speeches from major political figures, and the surprise appearance from Harris was the cherry on top. She showered Biden with gratitude and expressed her vision of American unity. “So guided by our love of country, knowing we all have so much more in common than what separates us, let us fight for the ideals we hold dear, and let us always remember when we fight, we win,” she proclaimed.

Associated speakers and their messages

Supported by the likes of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Kathy Hochul, Steve Kerr, Shawn Fain, Hillary Clinton, and Dr. Jill Biden, the convention provocatively explored the Democratic party’s vision. Clinton echoed sentiments of the potential historic breakthrough of Harris ascending to the presidency while Steve Kerr urged for unity and cooperation, much like that of his Olympic men’s basketball team

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Harris for the presidency, stating, “In Kamala Harris, we have a chance to elect a president who is for the middle class because she is from the middle class,”

While Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers Union, contrasted Harris’ empathy towards the working class with that of the self-serving interests of Trump and Vance

The first day of the convention ended with speeches praising Biden’s leadership and acknowledgment of his precedent-setting presidential era. The delegates, guided by the theme “For the People”, voted on the 2024 Democratic party platform.

Walz’s praise for Biden

Rounding up the eventful day was Vice Presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz, who praised President Biden at the Congressional Black Caucus meeting and expressed excitement about the party’s future. He said, “he put Kamala Harris at his side to make sure, and then he listened to her and then he passed the torch to her,”

Looking Forward

Such a promising start to the convention suggests a hopeful future for the Democratic party. With a line-up of influential speakers and Harris at the helm, the party is setting a powerful narrative for the upcoming election. The energy and optimism surrounding the event is testament to the Democrats’ willingness to adapt, evolve, and work towards a bright American future. The political landscape eagerly awaits the upcoming events of the convention, with spectators and delegates alike having high hopes from Harris and her team.