WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — President Joe Biden will tout his administration’s accomplishments, the need to defend democracy and his partnership with Vice President Kamala Harris during his primetime address at the Democratic National Convention on Monday.
“The President is expected to address how in the battle for the soul of America, we’ve ensured democracy prevailed, democracy delivered, and now with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, we must ensure democracy is preserved,” a Biden aide tells NewsNation.
Instead of an incumbent president making his re-election case, Biden will be celebrating the successes of his single term and arguing why Harris should be elected as the next President of the United States, Biden aides said.
Biden told reporters Sunday evening he feels “good, real good” about the speech. He was returning from Camp David where he worked on finishing up the text with key aides.
However, a theme that has not changed: drawing the contrast between the Democratic ticket and former President Donald Trump, who Biden views as a threat to democracy. The president will attach the successes of his administration with his partner, Harris, in an effort to defeat Trump.
Biden is “pleased at the momentum behind the campaign, and looks forward to making his case,” one official said.
The White House confirmed Harris will be in the audience as Biden passes the torch to her.
Democrats are going into the convention in a much stronger position than it looked prior to Biden dropping out of the 2024 race. Instead of the effort to push its candidate with growing negatives out – causing a fractured convention – the presumptive Democratic nominee is now reinvigorating the party and reshaping swing state polls.
Harris is leading Trump among likely voters in Arizona and North Carolina while narrowing his lead significantly in Georgia and Nevada, new polls from The New York Times and Siena College show. She is also neck and neck with Trump in the key rust belt states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Throughout the convention, there will be clear tributes to Biden’s presidency illuminating the United Center in Chicago.
All delegates will receive a goody bag which will include coffee as an ode to “Cup of Joe.” A marquee quote from Biden’s Oval Office speech – “History is in your hands” – will be displayed on the steps of the arena Monday evening, as well as digital banners that will say “History is in your hands. Let’s win this!” and “Spread the Faith.”
First Lady Jill Biden will also speak at the convention on Monday, aides said, and other members of the family will be in attendance.
