Biden Travels to Chicago for a Hero's Farewell
The president anticipated that he would be concluding the convention, but instead, Democrats are rejoicing at his exit.
TroibNews 
President Joe Biden's envisioned Democratic convention has taken a dramatically different turn than expected a month ago.
Originally, Biden's appearance in Chicago was to be the culmination of over fifty years in politics, marking both an acknowledgment of his impactful first term and a confirmation of his unique ability to triumph over former President Donald Trump once more.
However, the convention, initially seen as a highlight of his political career, will now be compressed into a mere few hours. This change comes as a result of a surprising turn of events that has revitalized his party but at the cost of his personal political aspirations. The loud cheers that will greet Biden at the United Center on Monday night will reflect a mix of relief and admiration, with the party celebrating his decision to step down, a move that has significantly boosted Democrats' confidence about winning in November.
As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to give her acceptance speech later in the week, President Biden will have already distanced himself, vacationing away from the festivities.
“He’s going to get an incredible reception,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), a strong supporter of Biden, about the expectations for his speech on Monday, which will now also serve as his moment to officially pass on the leadership baton. “But I’m sure it’s very complicated. I know it’s very complicated.”
The altered convention aims to reflect the evolution within the Democratic Party that seeks to both honor Biden’s presidency and pivot towards future leadership under Harris.
The agenda for the week will highlight Biden's presidency, subtly shifting to present his accomplishments as collaborative successes with Harris. Monday aims to remind the public of the challenging circumstances Biden managed upon taking office three-and-a-half years ago and the strides made since, from foreign relationship restoration to reducing crime and unauthorized border crossings, amidst implementing a broad economic strategy.
Still being finalized in the days before the convention, Biden’s speech is set to recount his presidential achievements which have been likened to those of Lyndon Johnson by his aides. He views Harris' candidacy as a defining segment of his legacy, essential for defeating Trump and for her potential to become the first female president of the United States.
In his address, Biden plans to issue a severe caution about the risks of a further Trump presidency and will endorse Harris as a fully prepared successor to the presidency, confirming her crucial role in his governance. Harris is expected to be present during his speech.
“As he likes to say, it’s an inflection point — an inflection point for our country and for his presidency and his career,” stated Ron Klain, a long-time confidant and former Chief of Staff to Biden. “He made a decision [to bow out], and now he has to make that decision successful.”
First Lady Jill Biden is also slated to speak on Monday night.
Despite his public humorous demeanor recently, conversations with Biden reveal a mix of feelings as he enters the convention week, as per sources requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.
Privately, Biden is reportedly relieved, proud of Harris’s quick rallying of party support, a validation of his immediate endorsement of her. His decision to step down, though difficult, was seen as crucial by him despite his belief in his potential victory in November.
Joe Biden has consistently displayed ambition, according to a Democrat familiar with White House dynamics, asserting, “Joe Biden has been the same person for 50 years — it’s just the level of caffeination that’s changed.”
Reflecting on the swift shift in sentiment from challenging Biden’s fitness to praising him, Biden's allies are experiencing mixed feelings.
“There’s a lot of strain there,” noted a Democrat about Biden's strained relations with former allies like Nancy Pelosi.
A Biden aide clarified Biden's stance on Obama's actions or lack thereof, saying, "The president is focused on nothing but getting as much done as possible over the next five months and helping the VP get elected to secure all the progress we've made."
Ensuring not to overshadow Harris's moment, Biden plans to keep his convention appearance focused and concise. Following his speech, Biden is set to depart to California for a vacation, leaving the stage for newer Democratic voices.
“It’s going to be bittersweet, for sure,” admitted former Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), now a White House advisor, regarding Biden's stepping down. “But based on my conversations with him,” Jones added, “I think he’s well-satisfied with where he is and his place in history.”
Determined to remain proactive, Biden has tasked his team with developing a robust domestic policy agenda and targeting a ceasefire in the Middle East as potentially lasting achievements of his tenure.
However, the central focus at the convention will be on celebrating Biden’s willingness to prioritize the party's future success over personal ambition. He is anticipated to be warmly received as a highly effective president and a democratic stalwart for his decisions.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
Originally, Biden's appearance in Chicago was to be the culmination of over fifty years in politics, marking both an acknowledgment of his impactful first term and a confirmation of his unique ability to triumph over former President Donald Trump once more.
However, the convention, initially seen as a highlight of his political career, will now be compressed into a mere few hours. This change comes as a result of a surprising turn of events that has revitalized his party but at the cost of his personal political aspirations. The loud cheers that will greet Biden at the United Center on Monday night will reflect a mix of relief and admiration, with the party celebrating his decision to step down, a move that has significantly boosted Democrats' confidence about winning in November.
As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to give her acceptance speech later in the week, President Biden will have already distanced himself, vacationing away from the festivities.
“He’s going to get an incredible reception,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), a strong supporter of Biden, about the expectations for his speech on Monday, which will now also serve as his moment to officially pass on the leadership baton. “But I’m sure it’s very complicated. I know it’s very complicated.”
The altered convention aims to reflect the evolution within the Democratic Party that seeks to both honor Biden’s presidency and pivot towards future leadership under Harris.
The agenda for the week will highlight Biden's presidency, subtly shifting to present his accomplishments as collaborative successes with Harris. Monday aims to remind the public of the challenging circumstances Biden managed upon taking office three-and-a-half years ago and the strides made since, from foreign relationship restoration to reducing crime and unauthorized border crossings, amidst implementing a broad economic strategy.
Still being finalized in the days before the convention, Biden’s speech is set to recount his presidential achievements which have been likened to those of Lyndon Johnson by his aides. He views Harris' candidacy as a defining segment of his legacy, essential for defeating Trump and for her potential to become the first female president of the United States.
In his address, Biden plans to issue a severe caution about the risks of a further Trump presidency and will endorse Harris as a fully prepared successor to the presidency, confirming her crucial role in his governance. Harris is expected to be present during his speech.
“As he likes to say, it’s an inflection point — an inflection point for our country and for his presidency and his career,” stated Ron Klain, a long-time confidant and former Chief of Staff to Biden. “He made a decision [to bow out], and now he has to make that decision successful.”
First Lady Jill Biden is also slated to speak on Monday night.
Despite his public humorous demeanor recently, conversations with Biden reveal a mix of feelings as he enters the convention week, as per sources requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.
Privately, Biden is reportedly relieved, proud of Harris’s quick rallying of party support, a validation of his immediate endorsement of her. His decision to step down, though difficult, was seen as crucial by him despite his belief in his potential victory in November.
Joe Biden has consistently displayed ambition, according to a Democrat familiar with White House dynamics, asserting, “Joe Biden has been the same person for 50 years — it’s just the level of caffeination that’s changed.”
Reflecting on the swift shift in sentiment from challenging Biden’s fitness to praising him, Biden's allies are experiencing mixed feelings.
“There’s a lot of strain there,” noted a Democrat about Biden's strained relations with former allies like Nancy Pelosi.
A Biden aide clarified Biden's stance on Obama's actions or lack thereof, saying, "The president is focused on nothing but getting as much done as possible over the next five months and helping the VP get elected to secure all the progress we've made."
Ensuring not to overshadow Harris's moment, Biden plans to keep his convention appearance focused and concise. Following his speech, Biden is set to depart to California for a vacation, leaving the stage for newer Democratic voices.
“It’s going to be bittersweet, for sure,” admitted former Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), now a White House advisor, regarding Biden's stepping down. “But based on my conversations with him,” Jones added, “I think he’s well-satisfied with where he is and his place in history.”
Determined to remain proactive, Biden has tasked his team with developing a robust domestic policy agenda and targeting a ceasefire in the Middle East as potentially lasting achievements of his tenure.
However, the central focus at the convention will be on celebrating Biden’s willingness to prioritize the party's future success over personal ambition. He is anticipated to be warmly received as a highly effective president and a democratic stalwart for his decisions.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
