The Democratic National Convention is set to kick off in Chicago on Monday night with Vice President Kamala Harris making her first appearance alongside President Joe Biden. This marks a significant moment as the Democratic Party looks ahead to the upcoming November election.
The unexpected change in the Democratic ticket, with Harris stepping in as the party's nominee, has led to a series of appreciations for Biden. Their recent joint appearance in Maryland was seen as a precursor to the main event on Monday.
For Biden, this convention signifies the culmination of a long political journey that began when he first attended the Democratic National Convention as a young Senate candidate in 1972. Now, he will take the stage as the oldest sitting president in the country's history.
While there were initial discussions about Biden attending Harris' acceptance speech, it was ultimately decided that he would not stay in Chicago beyond Monday. The focus will shift towards officially endorsing Harris as the Democratic standard bearer.
Biden has expressed genuine pride in seeing the party unite around Harris and has been relieved that a prolonged nomination battle was avoided after he endorsed her swiftly following his withdrawal.
Meanwhile, Harris has been vocal in her admiration for Biden, describing him as an 'extraordinary president' during her recent speech. Before arriving in Chicago, Harris is scheduled to tour battleground Pennsylvania and hold a rally in Milwaukee.
