Joe Biden’s handover to Kamala Harris, Palestine supporters, call for abortion rights: Highlights from first day of Democratic National Convention

People react during US President Joe Biden’s speech on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, US., August 19, 2024. (REUTERS)

Hillary Clinton backs Kamala Harris

Hillary Clinton congratulated Harris for “breaking glass ceilings” as she prepared to contest the elections to become the first woman US President. “As a prosecutor, Kamala locked up murderers and drug traffickers. Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial,” Clinton said as she recalled the insults Trump had hurled at her during her 2016 campaign trail.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attends the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. August 19, 2024 (REUTERS)

What did Joe Biden say?

Biden’s 50-minute speech, which was the centrepiece on the convention tables, included a plethora of statements, both old and new. The most crucial was his reiterated support for a cease-fire in Gaza. While pro-Palestine demonstrations were held simultaneously on streets outside the United Center, where the convention was being held, Biden took it upon himself to address the issue.

He asked to “end the war in Gaza and bring peace and security to the Middle East”. While people protested outside, Biden, in his speech, said the protesters had a point.

US President Joe Biden, Democratic presidential candidate and US Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff stand on stage during Day one of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, US, August 19, 2024. (REUTERS)

Biden also attacked his Republican nemesis, Donald Trump, whom he called a “loser” for thinking America is failing. As “Thank you, Joe” and “We love You” echoed in the convention halls, Biden compared Trump to Harris. “Crime will keep coming down when we put a prosecutor in the office instead of a convicted felon,” he said.

The 81-year-old President also recounted all the essential laws and bills that his government made possible for America to prosper. In a symbolic contrast, Biden called the start of his tenure a dark winter of peril, which has now been replaced by a summer of optimism.

Biden vouched that his successors would continue his work on priorities such as protecting voting rights for women, access to abortion, and taxing the rich. He called his decision to elect Harris one of the best of his political career, which spanned over 50 years.

Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. President Joe Biden prepare to embrace, as Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and First Lady Jill Biden embrace behind them, at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. (Reuters)

In his speech, Biden acknowledged that he is now too old to be President, but emphasised that he has dedicated his life to serving the American people. After his speech, he was scheduled to fly to California’s wine country for a vacation.

Abortion rights

The convention featured multiple Democrats expressing their support for abortion rights in the US. Amanda Zurawski, Kaitlyn Joshua, and Hadley Duvall shared personal challenges they faced with abortion in the country.

Zurawski, who was denied an abortion following a miscarriage and was on the brink of losing her life in Texas, stated, “A second Trump term would rip away even more of our rights.” Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky asserted that all women should have the freedom to make their own decisions.