President Joe Biden addresses DNC as he passes torch to VP Kamala Harris

United States President Joe Biden took the stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Monday night to deliver his farewell address.

At 81, Biden was introduced with pride by his daughter, Ashley, symbolizing a transition of leadership to Vice President Kamala Harris, all while surrounded by strong family support.

This moment holds particular significance as Biden speaks to his party following his recent withdrawal from the presidential race, a decision influenced by key party members and voters.

With a career spanning 50 years in public service, this speech is one of his last opportunities to advocate for his legacy and vision for the nation.

Earlier in the evening, several speakers expressed gratitude to Biden for his dedicated service to the country. First Lady Jill Biden delivered remarks before introducing Ashley, who then welcomed her father on stage.

As Biden embraced Ashley, he appeared emotional, wiping away tears with a tissue. Other members of the Biden family, watching from the VIP suite, were also visibly moved by the moment.

The crowd erupted in applause, cheering for more than four minutes before Biden began his speech. He opened by thanking his wife, Jill, calling her "the rock" of their family.

"Family is the beginning, the middle, and the end. And I love you all," Biden said. "America, I love you."

In his address, Biden reflected on the accomplishments of his administration. "As your president, I’ve been determined to keep America moving forward, not backward. To stand against hate and violence in all its forms, to be a nation where we not only coexist but thrive on diversity, demonizing no one, leaving no one behind, and becoming the nation we aspire to be," he declared.

Biden also emphasized his commitment to "rebuild the backbone of America—the middle class." He highlighted that the bills passed during his presidency benefited "red states more than blue" because a president must deliver for all Americans.

"Because of you—and I’m not exaggerating—we’ve had one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period. And when I say we, I mean Kamala and me," he added.

Biden also recalled the events that motivated him to run for president in 2020, including the 2017 "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

"I lost part of my soul, but I ran with a deep conviction in America," Biden said. "I know and believe in an America where honesty, dignity, and decency still matter, an America where everyone has a fair shot and hate has no safe harbor."

Meanwhile, several members of Biden's family, including his children and grandchildren, gathered near the Delaware delegation on the convention floor.

Outside the convention, thousands of mostly peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters marched in Chicago on the opening day of the DNC, expressing anger over the Biden administration's support for Israel in the Gaza war.

After hours of peaceful demonstrations, a group of protesters breached part of the perimeter security fence, prompting a response from riot police, according to a Reuters witness.

The DNC's security team confirmed that protesters broke through a section of the outer perimeter near the convention arena but assured that law enforcement responded quickly and there was no threat to attendees.

Reuters witnesses reported seeing four people detained and placed in handcuffs. At a press conference, Chicago police confirmed arrests were made but did not specify the number.

As tensions escalated before the fence breach, protesters gathered in a neighborhood park on Chicago's West Side, amplifying their calls for a ceasefire. The crowd directed their frustration toward Harris, chanting "Killer Kamala" in reference to the Democratic candidate.