Biden, a president in transition, will argue for Harris as he passes the Democratic torch

CNN —

Joe Biden has prepared for major speeches throughout his presidency the same way: huddling with his closest advisers at Camp David, with few outside distractions to cloud the group’s brainstorming and editing sessions.

The routine for Biden’s opening night speech at the Democratic National Convention is no different, but the stakes couldn’t be more so.

Biden is now preparing to address his own political party after its most influential members — lawmakers, donors and, according to polls, voters — forced his hand to exit the race less than a month ago.

Sen. Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention in 1996.

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Advisers insist the speech is far from Biden’s farewell. He’ll campaign heavily for Vice President Kamala Harris in the coming months, they say, as well as try to cement his legacy and focus intently on foreign policy. The swan songs, they say, will come later.

Still, Monday’s speech in Chicago is likely to be the biggest audience Biden will have before November’s election. After 50 years in public life, it’s one of his final chances to make his case for his legacy and his view of the country.

Those close to him say he will want to talk about the progress the US made in the last three and a half years, an appeal expected to be supplemented by highly produced visuals showcasing the evolution of the country’s economy from Covid-era school closures and employees working from home to an America that’s fully open for business.

He’ll argue Harris is the natural successor to that record, and will frame his work in office as a foundation for her to build upon. In keeping with the