[Source-thehindu.com]
Biden’s Farewell and Harris’ Ascendancy
In what was one of the most poignant moments of his political career, President Joe Biden used the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to officially pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. The convention, originally expected to be a celebration of Biden’s legacy, instead turned into a moment of transition as the crowd offered a sustained ovation and chanted, “Thank you, Joe,” while the president, visibly emotional, wiped away tears. This gesture of gratitude seemed to fuel Biden’s nearly hour-long speech, where he claimed credit for his administration’s achievements, most notably “saving democracy.”
Biden’s Farewell was a multifaceted reflection on his time in office and the personal journey that brought him there. He expressed deep gratitude to his family and the nation, articulating the benefits of his domestic agenda—something he struggled to do consistently while in office. His speech not only contrasted his administration’s accomplishments with those of former President Donald Trump but also emphasized the need for a new generation of leadership, culminating in his endorsement of Harris. As he recounted his story of overcoming a stutter to become President, Biden made it clear that his decision to step aside was a deliberate move to allow fresh leadership to emerge.
Meanwhile, former President Trump, through his social media platform, announced that Harris’ campaign had declined his proposed Fox News debate on September 4. Instead, Harris confirmed her participation in an ABC debate on September 10 and another debate in October, signaling that the debate about debates was over. Trump, in response, indicated that he would host a “Tele-Town Hall” with Fox News on the same date.
Pro-Palestinian Activism and Abortion Rights Take Center Stage
Inside the convention, another significant development took place as pro-Palestinian Democrats marked a breakthrough. For the first time in decades, the Democratic Party provided a platform for pro-Palestinian activists, with a panel discussion sponsored by the Harris campaign highlighting the human cost of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This event represented a significant shift within the party, even as the “uncommitted” delegates—about 30 representatives who had not supported Biden due to his strong pro-Israel stance—pushed for more. While grateful for this acknowledgment, these delegates insisted that Harris would need to go beyond her current position backing a cease-fire to fully secure their support.
Outside the convention arena, pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police, underscoring the tension and the progress still to be made within the party. Inside, however, the acknowledgment of pro-Palestinian voices was seen as a major step forward.
Another powerful moment of the night came from Amanda Zurawski and her husband, Josh, who shared their harrowing experience following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Against a stark black background, they recounted how Amanda nearly died after being denied an abortion at 18 weeks of pregnancy due to Texas’ near-total abortion ban. Their testimony highlighted the severe consequences of restrictive abortion laws, resonating deeply with the audience and amplifying the Democrats’ message on reproductive rights.
The first night of the convention concluded with Biden’s Farewell embracing First Lady Jill Biden, followed by Vice President Harris joining them on stage, symbolizing the unity and continuity within the Democratic Party as it moves into the next phase of leadership. The large digital screen behind them displayed a “Thank you Joe” graphic, reinforcing the sentiment of the evening and setting the stage for Harris’ potential historic presidency.
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