'Harris Departure Ceremony' Opens US Democratic Convention... Biden and Hillary's First Day Speeches

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) to officially confirm the Democratic Party's presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the United States opened on the 19th (local time) for a four-day schedule. On the first day of this convention, which can be seen as Vice President Kamala Harris's kickoff event, President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took the prime time stage to support Vice President Harris.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

The Democratic National Convention, which opened around 6:15 p.m. at the United Center in Chicago, began with a welcoming speech by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Over the four days of the convention, the Democratic Party will officially nominate Vice President Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as their presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively. This event serves as a de facto kickoff and coronation to carry forward Vice President Harris's momentum ahead of the November general election.

The highlight of the first day of the convention, themed "For the People," is undoubtedly President Biden's keynote speech scheduled during prime time. Originally the Democratic presidential candidate, President Biden stepped down from the candidacy in July after facing intense criticism regarding his age following the first TV debate in June, declaring his support for Vice President Harris. Accordingly, Biden's speech on this day is interpreted as a meaningful moment of passing the torch to Vice President Harris.

President Biden reportedly spent the past weekend at Camp David, the presidential retreat, preparing his speech ahead of the convention. He told reporters that the speech would be "memorable." Local media noted that former President Lyndon Johnson, who had given up on a re-election bid, did not attend the 1968 Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, emphasizing that Biden's speech would be a moment of passing the torch to Vice President Harris.

Vice President Harris also attended the convention ahead of President Biden's speech. Arriving at the venue around 8 p.m. to the background music of Beyonc?'s "Freedom," Vice President Harris gave a brief greeting, saying, "This week is going to be a really good week," and added, "I want to start by celebrating our amazing President Biden, who will speak later tonight. Thank you for your historic leadership, your lifelong service to our country, and all that you will continue to do."

Unlike her competitor, former President Donald Trump, who appeared throughout the Republican National Convention, Vice President Harris is not expected to attend the Democratic National Convention every day due to campaign schedules. However, CNN reported that she showed a strong willingness to attend this day to express gratitude, respect, and honor for President Biden's decision to step down from the presidential race.

CNN reported, "Tonight marks the beginning of a new Democratic National Convention. The biggest goal is to maintain Harris's momentum." The New York Times (NYT) conveyed the atmosphere, stating that Harris's nomination signifies a generational shift from the generations that have led the Democratic Party for decades, confirming the themes of diversity and progressivism emphasized by the party.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Besides President Biden, another notable speaker on this day is former Secretary Clinton. Having challenged to become the first female president of the United States in 2016 but lost to former President Trump, she is expected to speak about how much the glass ceiling has cracked since her challenge and what we will see after the glass ceiling is broken. Clinton's camp said she would emphasize that Vice President Harris has the character, experience, and vision to lead us and would urge people to focus only on the candidates. The NYT highlighted Clinton's speech, noting the lineup of speakers considers that Harris's presidential victory would break racial and gender barriers as the first Black woman and Indian-American president.

Speeches by former Secretary Clinton and President Biden are scheduled to take place shortly. First Lady Jill Biden and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who was once a vice-presidential candidate, will also take the stage to urge support for Vice President Harris.

Additionally, on the second day of the convention, the 20th, speeches are scheduled by former President Barack Obama and his wife, as well as Vice President Harris's husband, "Second Gentleman" Doug Emhoff. On the third day, Vice Presidential candidate Governor Walz will deliver his acceptance speech. Former President Bill Clinton and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will also take the stage that day. Vice President Harris is expected to reveal her vision for her administration through her acceptance speech as the presidential candidate on the final day of the convention, the 22nd.