President Joe Biden to Take Center Stage at Democratic National Convention Amid Party's Shift
By Steve Holland
WASHINGTON (Multibagger) - President Joe Biden, urged by allies to step aside from his reelection bid, will be in the spotlight on opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, signaling a swift transition within his party.
Instead of his anticipated acceptance speech on Thursday for another term, Biden will kick off the Chicago convention before heading to California for a break.
During his speech, Biden is expected to highlight his achievements in boosting the U.S. economy and strengthening alliances abroad, while endorsing his vice president, Kamala Harris, as his successor.
Harris, 59, is likely to join Biden on stage, sources revealed. Her campaign is strategizing on utilizing Biden's support to win over voters, with the president planning to fundraise for her ahead of the upcoming election.
After yielding to pressure and backing Harris on July 21, Biden faced criticism following a lackluster debate against Donald Trump, prompting concerns about his ability to secure a second term.
Despite initially resisting calls to step aside, Biden eventually withdrew from the race as polls favored Trump, with Harris gaining momentum as a result of his endorsement.
While Biden and Pelosi, a key party figure at 84, have yet to reconcile, Biden remains focused on his remaining time in office and supporting Harris's candidacy.
Democrats will also honor their 2016 candidate, Hillary Clinton, on Monday night, followed by speeches from former Presidents Obama and Clinton in the subsequent days.
In his address, Biden is expected to credit Harris for his accomplishments and caution against a potential return of Trump to the White House following the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
Presidential historian Thomas Alan Schwartz believes Biden's withdrawal was a strategic move to prioritize the party's interests, with the focus now on ensuring Harris's success in the 2024 election.
Overall, Biden's presence at the convention underscores the party's shift towards supporting Harris and the need to prevent a Trump presidency, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming elections.