On a bittersweet night for the 81-year-old US president, thousands attending the Democratic National Convention hoisted "We love Joe" placards and cheered before he delivered effectively a farewell address to the party faithful.
With force and emotion, Mr Biden spoke for nearly an hour on the rally's opening night one month on from his dramatic decision to bow out of the presidential election, after doubts about his mental and physical stamina reached a deafening crescendo.
The crowd in a Chicago sports arena was deafening in welcoming him to the stage for a four-minute ovation, reflecting gratitude at his self-sacrifice in endorsing vice-president Ms Harris to run against Trump, 78, a decision that has transformed the Democrats' prospects for November.
Mr Biden produced a tissue and appeared to wipe away a tear after being introduced by his daughter Ashley and wife Jill, who told the audience that she "saw him dig deep into his soul" when he decided to exit the White House race. "America, I love you," Mr Biden replied when the ovation finally ebbed.
This story is from the August 20, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the August 20, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
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