Democrats honor Biden while pivoting to Harris on first day of convention CHICAGO (AP) — A refreshed Democratic Party gathered Monday night for a valedictory speech from President Joe Biden, whose decision to end his reelection bid released newfound energy with Vice President Kamala Harris ′ rise to the top of the ticket. Zeke Miller, Jonathan J. Cooper, Aamer Madhani And Darlene Superville, The Associated Press Aug 19, 2024 7:44 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow speaks during the first day of Democratic National Convention, Monday, Aug.
19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) CHICAGO (AP) — A refreshed Democratic Party gathered Monday night for a valedictory speech from President Joe Biden, whose decision to end his reelection bid released newfound energy with Vice President Kamala Harris ′ rise to the top of the ticket. The Democratic National Convention that began Monday in Chicago holds particularly high stakes for the party one month after an unprecedented mid-campaign switch from Biden to Harris.
The opening night was designed as a handoff from the incumbent to his hand-picked successor — albeit four years before he intended for her to follow him. Harris made an unannounced appearance onstage as the convention's prime-time program began Monday evening to thank Biden for his leadership in advance of his speech later on. “Joe, thank you for your histor.