President Biden is set to deliver a pivotal speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, marking a significant shift in his political trajectory.

According to a report from The New York Times, the president will use this opportunity to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new standard-bearer for the 2024 presidential election.

However, a commentary from the same publication suggests that beneath the surface of unity, there are underlying tensions within the party following Biden's exit from the race. The piece describes complex maneuvering by top party leaders to push Biden out despite his belief that he could still win.

The speech, scheduled for just before 11 p.m. Eastern time, will serve as Biden's valedictory address, concluding the opening night of the convention. This marks a dramatic change from his original plan to use the event as a launchpad for his re-election campaign.

Biden's Speech To Highlight Harris's Readiness

President Biden's address is expected to focus on why Vice President Harris is the ideal candidate to carry forward his legacy. Aides report that Biden will argue that electing Harris will ensure the preservation of democracy.

The president plans to emphasize that Harris's candidacy is a natural progression from his decision four years ago to select her as his running mate. This positioning of Harris as his successor comes in the wake of Biden's unexpected exit from the race following a June debate performance that raised concerns about his age and vitality.

Biden and his team, including chief strategist Mike Donilon, have been working diligently to adapt the speech to this new political landscape. The address will now serve as a platform to transfer his support to Harris rather than bolster his own campaign.

Convention Atmosphere And Potential Challenges

The convention hall is expected to be filled with delegates who were once strong supporters of Biden's candidacy. Organizers anticipate an outpouring of affection for the 81-year-old president as he steps away from the political spotlight.

However, there are concerns about potential disruptions during the speech. A small group of uncommitted delegates might use this moment to express their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as Biden's inadequate support for Palestinians in Gaza.

Despite these potential challenges, the overall atmosphere is likely to be one of celebration and transition, with digital banners displaying Biden's familiar phrases decorating the hall.

Biden's Review Of Administration Accomplishments

A significant portion of Biden's speech is expected to highlight the achievements of his administration over the past four years. Before his decision to withdraw from the race, Biden often claimed that historians considered his accomplishments more consequential than any president since Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The president will likely remind voters of his administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had plunged the nation into fear and economic turmoil at the start of his term. He is expected to discuss the large economic stimulus package and the successful vaccination campaign that helped return the country to normalcy.

Biden's address will also touch on his domestic policy successes, including low unemployment rates, job creation, and legislation aimed at environmental protection, infrastructure repair, and reducing drug costs. His efforts in foreign policy, particularly in countering Russian aggression in Ukraine, are also likely to be mentioned.

The Stakes Of The 2024 Election

According to aides, President Biden will emphasize the importance of the upcoming election and what he perceives as the existential threat posed by a potential return of former President Donald J. Trump to the Oval Office. Biden has consistently maintained that he was motivated to run in 2020 by the threat he believed Trump posed to basic democratic norms.

An aide reported that Biden will argue in his speech that "if voters elect Ms. Harris, it will mean that democracy is preserved."

The convention speech represents a poignant moment for President Biden. Due to the pandemic in 2020, he was deprived of the traditional balloon-drop celebration that typically accompanies a nomination acceptance speech.

A Bittersweet Moment For Biden

While this year's convention will be centered around Vice President Harris, it will showcase the campaign infrastructure that Biden built over the past year. This machinery has now been largely transferred to Harris following Biden's withdrawal from the race and subsequent endorsement of her candidacy.

In conclusion, President Biden's speech at the Democratic National Convention marks a significant transition in the party's leadership. He will endorse Vice President Harris as the party's new standard-bearer, highlighting her readiness to lead and preserve democratic values. The address will review the administration's accomplishments, emphasize the stakes of the 2024 election, and underscore the importance of continuing Democratic leadership.

Despite the appearance of unity, reports suggest underlying tensions within the party following Biden's exit from the race. This moment, while bittersweet for Biden, represents a passing of the torch to Harris as she assumes the role of the Democratic Party's new face amidst a complex political landscape.