Speaking in Chicago one month after he withdrew from the presidential race, Biden endorsed the Harris campaign while also warning voters about the dangers posed by another potential Donald Trump term.
Wiping back tears, Biden was greeted with thunderous cheers and chants of “We Love Joe” as he took to the stage.
After thanking his family, Biden immediately asked: “Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?”
Dwelling on the successes of his administration, Biden reminded the audience of the battle against COVID and highlighted economic and health sector achievements.
“We've had one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period. And when I say 'we,' I mean Kamala and me.
On the subject of Ukraine, Biden slammed Putin for his invasion and accused Trump of “bowing down” to Russia’s leader. Harris, he said, “won’t do it.”
Defending his presidential record, Biden doubled down on his support for NATO and praised Ukraine’s resistance against Russia. “Putin thought he'd take Kyiv in three days," he said. “Three years later, Ukraine is still free.”
Rounding on Trump, the president said: “Violent crime has dropped to the lowest level for more than 50 years, and crime will keep coming down when we put a prosecutor in the Oval Office instead of a convicted felon.”
The barbs continued. Responding to Trump’s assertion that America was “a failing nation,” Biden hit back: “When he talks about America being a failing nation, he says, we’re losing. He’s the loser. He’s dead wrong.”
Questions had been raised about Biden’s competency after a string of mishaps led to many questioning his health. In Chicago, however, the president looked invigorated as he delivered what several analysts claim will be his last major address.
“Democracy must be preserved,” Biden said. “We are in a battle for the very soul of America.”
Referring to the Capitol riot of 2021, Biden presented it as a portent of what could come. “On that day, we almost lost everything about who we are as a country, and that threat is very much still alive,” he said.
Referencing Trump, he said: “He’s promising a bloodbath, if he loses, in his words, and that he’ll be a dictator on day one, in his own words. And by the way, this sucker means it.”
Bowing out, Biden said: “I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you.
“For 50 years, like many of you, I gave my heart and soul to our nation, and I’ve been blessed a million times in return with the support of the American people.”
