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Chicago, United States of America (USA)
U.S. President Joe Biden attends Day one of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 19, 2024. (Reuters)
Joe Biden urged support for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz during his DNC speech in Chicago, rallying a crowd of 50,000 and addressing both cheers and protests
US President Joe Biden made a passionate appeal for the future of American democracy and urged support for Vice President Kamala Harris during his speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Monday.
Addressing a crowd of close to 50,000 people at the United Center in Chicago, Biden urged attendees to vote for “freedom,” “democracy,” and “America,” and called on them to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as president and vice president.
‘Elect Harris and Walz’
“Let me ask you: Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? And let me ask you: Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as president and vice president?” Biden said during his DNC speech.
“More Americans have health insurance today than ever before. And after fighting for 50 years to give Medicare the power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, we finally beat Big Pharma. Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote,” he added.
Let me ask you: Are you ready to vote for freedom?Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America?
And let me ask you: Are you ready to elect @KamalaHarris and @Tim_Walz as president and vice president?
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 20, 2024
The convention, which kicked off in Chicago, saw a mix of fervent support and vocal protests, with thousands of anti-war activists demonstrating nearby. Biden’s appearance was met with an emotional reception from the audience, reflecting his significant role in the Democratic Party.
During his address, Biden also attacked Republican nominee Donald Trump, saying the former US president promised infrastructure week every week for four years but “he never built a damn thing.”
President Biden: Donald Trump promised ‘infrastructure week’ every week for 4 years. And he never built a damn thing. Now because of what Kamala and I have done, we’re giving America an infrastructure decade, not week pic.twitter.com/PNYLMK0oE5— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 20, 2024
Before Biden, Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also took the stage, drawing loud cheers and further energising the crowd.
On July 21, Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the presidential race, paving the way for Harris to become the Democratic nominee. The DNC’s opening night set a tone of unity and enthusiasm as the party gears up for the November election.
