A fiery passing of the torch by Biden

PRESIDENT Joe Biden gave a fiery speech as he signed off to delegates at the Democratic National Convention and passed the torch of the party's hopes to Kamala Harris.

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

Just weeks after withdrawing from the presidential race over concerns about his fragility, the 81-year-old raised the roof on the United Center in Chicago as he bowed out after more than 50 years in politics.

Earlier in the night, his Vice-President Harris sent thousands of delegates into rapturous applause as she made a surprise appearance.

But the night belonged to Biden. Watched by First Lady Jill, their son Hunter, daughter Ashley and six of his grandchildren, he initially fought back tears.

After thanking his supporters, Biden went on the offensive with an often rambling but blistering attack on Republican Donald Trump.

Just as he did during his 2020 campaign, Biden cast the election as an existential fight for democracy.

"Are you ready to vote for freedom?" Biden shouted, embracing the Harris campaign's theme.