Biden prepares to open Democratic convention with push to elect Harris

CNN —

President Joe Biden is spending the weekend readying his speech for the opening night of the Democratic National Convention, a moment markedly different than what he had prepared for just a few weeks ago before the Democratic Party coalesced around a new presidential nominee.

The president’s keynote speech Monday will provide Biden with one of the most high-profile moments he has left to address the American people as his more than five decades in politics begins to wind down. The remarks will come nearly one month after Biden bowed out of the 2024 race and threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris as his chosen successor.

Biden will make his case for why Harris should be elected president in front of thousands of Democratic delegates and party members at the United Center in Chicago just weeks after many in his own party publicly and privately clamored for him to end his presidential bid.

Biden’s aides believe he now enters the convention having earned the goodwill of the Democratic Party following a productive single term in the White House and his move to pass the torch to Harris.

Vice President Kamala Harris gives remarks alongside President Joe Biden at Prince George’s Community College on August 15, 2024 in Largo, Maryland.

Related article Biden, still smarting from his 2024 exit, turns his attention to Harris – and his own legacy

The president is expected to use his speech to lay out his argument for Harris, describe the record they’ve achieved together and stress the need to defeat former President Donald Trump, who he believes poses a threat to democracy, Biden aides said.

“The President is expected to address how in the battle for the soul of America, we’ve ensured democracy