Democrats gathered in Chicago for their convention on Monday with praise for Joe Biden’s presidency — and one last appeal to voters from the man who decided to leave it behind. The president is hoping his appearance headlining the opening of the party’s convention can bolster Vice President Kamala Harris’ political prospects and help cement his legislative and policy legacy by denying Republican Donald Trump the chance to return to power. But from the opening gavel, the party’s delicate and bittersweet gambit of celebrating Biden’s presidency while simultaneously passing the torch to a new generation was on full display.
Leaders from each end of the party’s political spectrum prepared speeches hailing the current president while signaling enthusiasm for the party’s ticket. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 34-year-old darling of the online left, was expected to launch the primetime portion of the proceedings. Other, more moderate New Yorkers, were expected to follow, with Governor Kathy Hochul and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — the only woman, beside Harris, to lead a major party presidential ticket — also expected to address the delegates.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, speaking to the state’s delegates earlier in the morning, underscored the contradiction at hand. “We love Joe Biden,” Schumer said, later adding: “And we’re so proud of him for doing the right thing.” Jim Clyburn, the veteran South Carolina lawmaker who singleha.