Joseph R. Biden Jr. delivered a heartfelt goodbye – and dire warning – to fellow Democrats who showered their veteran warhorse with gratitude Monday during the party's first in-person convention since 2016.

It's a bittersweet time for the 81-year-old president, who after years of dogged questions about his age and capacity was pushed out by liberal donors and others within his own party after an abysmal debate performance in June.

The president wiped away tears after embracing his daughter, Ashley Biden, who introduced him to delegates, who've gathered in Chicago from across the country.

"I love you," Biden said.






He used most of his speech to brag about his administration's wins, attack former President Donald Trump and pass Vice President Kamala Harris a symbolic torch as the new leader of a party he has served for more than half a century.

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"Are you ready to vote for freedom?" Biden asked the crowd. "Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?"

Democrats entered the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, with a much more upbeat outlook about their chances at retaining the White House. Harris is surging past Trump in battleground states, according to polling.


Much of the convention this week will focus on that enthusiasm and turning the page as Democrats focus on reproductive rights, bringing down costs for average Americans and attacking Trump's character.

Protests outside the arena threaten to distract from the progressive unity fest, however, as left-leaning activists demand Harris and the Democrats do more to end Israel's bombardment of Gaza as a result of its war with Hamas stemming from the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack.


Here are the key moments from day 1 of the 


Thank you, Joe': Biden's farewell kicks off DNC 2024

Democrats paid tribute to Biden's five-decade career Monday evening, which began in the Richard Nixon era as the country's youngest senator and ends as its oldest president.


"Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you," Harris said in a surprise visit to the stage.


Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris addresses the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 

2024.