President Biden plans to deliver a speech on the first night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and officially hand over the 2024 presidential nominee status to Vice President Harris.
The DNC is set to take place next Monday, August 19, in Chicago. Biden’s speech is seen as a passing of the torch within the Democratic Party as he announced his withdrawal from the race on July 21, leading to Harris being elected as the party’s new nominee through virtual events.
Following a poorly received performance in the first presidential debate with Republican candidate Trump at the end of June, pressure mounted within the party for Biden to step aside, leading to his official withdrawal on July 21.
As the sole candidate who completed the Democratic Party’s primary process, Biden now needs to both promote his achievements and persuade Americans to choose another Democrat to lead the White House.
The Democrats hope Biden will focus on his legislative legacy, which includes the passage of a bipartisan infrastructure bill, a comprehensive climate and healthcare bill, and the “Chip and Science Act”.
The Democratic National Convention will last four days and four nights. Since Biden’s withdrawal, the agenda has been revamped to highlight his accomplishments and introduce Harris to the American public.
The Democratic Party’s “Three Presidents” have always been adept fundraisers and top ministers who will summarize and refine domestic policies on the economy, society, and other issues of concern to the public.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is scheduled to speak next Monday night. Former President Obama will deliver a prime-time speech on Tuesday night, August 20.
Following tradition, Wednesday night will feature the vice presidential nominee’s speech, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaking after former President Clinton.
The focus of Thursday night’s convention on August 22 will be Harris’s nomination speech, marking the climax of the event.
According to Axios, speech drafts are currently in progress, and there may be adjustments and changes to the lineup of speakers.
“Beyond the nominated speaker acceptance speeches on Wednesday and Thursday nights, the program schedule has not been finalized or publicized,” a convention official told Axios.
The aim of the national convention is to introduce the presidential and vice presidential candidates to the general public who may not closely follow the campaign.
Organizers often share personal highlights and stories in addition to the speeches, which can be used as part of the party’s information campaign after the convention concludes.
Axios reports that the DNC hopes to convey a message of the Democratic Party’s commitment to America’s future.