President Joe Biden has firmly positioned Vice President Kamala Harris as the leading figure in the battle for the White House against Republican Donald Trump. Speaking at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Biden lauded Harris as the key to preserving American democracy.

Biden took the stage in Chicago to a rousing reception from party loyalists, marking the beginning of a four-day convention. His speech, widely regarded as a farewell to the party he has served for decades, was delivered despite Biden still having five months left in office. Introduced by his daughter Ashley, Biden was visibly emotional, wiping away tears as the crowd cheered with signs declaring "We (heart) Biden." In response, Biden warmly declared, "I love YOU."

In his address, Biden called on Democrats to rally behind Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, urging the crowd, "Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America?" His remarks were punctuated by sharp criticisms of Trump, with Biden promising to be Harris and Walz's "best volunteer" in their campaign.

This convention marks a significant shift in the party's focus, with enthusiasm centered on Harris and a collective sense of relief following Biden's decision to step aside from his own reelection bid. After intense pressure from party leaders concerned about his age, the 81-year-old president announced his decision on July 21, prioritizing the country over his personal aspirations. "I love the job, but I love my country more," Biden stated, receiving chants of "We love Joe" from the audience.

Biden, who served as vice president under the nation's first Black president, Barack Obama, is now urging Democrats to unite behind Harris. If elected on November 5, Harris would make history as the first woman, and the first Black and South Asian person, to hold the presidency.

Harris entered the convention with considerable momentum and her campaign has shattered fundraising records, drawn massive crowds, and shifted key battleground states in favor of the Democrats. After Biden's speech, Harris joined him onstage, where the two shared a hug.

Just a month ago, Biden had planned to deliver a speech accepting the Democratic nomination for a second term. However, following a disastrous debate performance against Trump on June 27, pressure from within the party led to his decision to withdraw from the race. Biden will now spend the week vacationing in California.

In his convention speech, Biden highlighted his administration's successes, including economic growth and strengthened international alliances. He made a strong case for Harris as his successor, emphasizing the ongoing struggle against racism and white supremacy, which he condemned as un-American.

Biden also drew a stark contrast between Harris, a seasoned prosecutor, and Trump, who he labeled a "convicted felon" and criticized for his foreign policy failures, particularly in relation to Russia and NATO. Biden vehemently rejected Trump's portrayal of the U.S. as a "failing nation," declaring, "He's the loser."

In a departure from earlier speakers, Biden acknowledged the anger of pro-Palestinian protesters who had gathered outside the convention hall, noting his continuous efforts to achieve a ceasefire. "Those protesters out in the street, they have a point," he said, referring to the ongoing conflict. Earlier in the day, these demonstrators, though fewer in number than anticipated, had marched near the convention center, with a splinter group breaching security and leading to the detention of four individuals.