Dear Commons Community,

President Joe Biden received a hero’s welcome last night at the Democratic National Convention and delivered an oration designed to be a handoff to Kamala Harris.  His address  framed his own legacy and signaled he was ready to cede control of the party to Harris.

He took the stage to a long ovation from delegates hoisting “We love Joe” placards and told them in turn, “I love you!” After the affectionate opening, Biden spent stretches of his 50-minute speech hitting Trump, returning to a key theme of the reelection campaign he’s no longer running.

Biden ticked through many of his administration’s achievements, including a major public works package and climate program, and shared the credit with Harris. He said picking Harris as his running mate was the best decision he ever made and promised to be the “best volunteer” that Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz have ever seen.

His closing message to those still listening as the convention stretched late into the night: “I gave my best to you for 50 years.”

Kamal Harris made an unscheduled appearance onstage to pay tribute to Biden ahead of his own address to the convention. She told the president, “Thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you’ll continue to do.”

On a night meant to honor the president who stepped aside to make way for Harris, the vice president added, “We are forever grateful to you.”

Amen!

Tony

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