Biden in Chicago to pass the torch to Harris and bid political farewell

Democrats set to “get out the tissues” Monday for Joe Biden , who will come to solemnly pass the torch to Kamala Harris at the opening of the Democratic convention.

This will not be the case for pro-Palestinian protesters, who intend to show their anger against the president and vice president in the streets of Chicago.

Barely a month ago, the party expected to invest the octogenarian president, bogged down in the polls, without passion.

But now, after Joe Biden's withdrawal on July 21, Democrats are once again dreaming of a victory with their 59-year-old candidate against Donald Trump.

How can we imagine that Joe Biden feels no bitterness in the face of this outpouring of enthusiasm, which his candidacy has never aroused ?

– “Immense esteem” –

However, on Monday he will be forbidden from expressing anything other than unmitigated support in his speech.

© AFP – Robyn Beck

It will also be a kind of testament, at the end of half a century of political life, even if Joe Biden has promised to play a role in the campaign.

He is expected to plead for the defense of democracy against Donald Trump, who never conceded his defeat in 2020, and who has not committed to recognizing an unfavorable verdict at the polls in November.

“I will have tissues tomorrow,” LaurieBeth Hager, a Democratic delegate representing North Dakota, told AFP on Sunday.

From left. from right: Kamala Harris, Joe Biden and Barack Obama, at the White House, in Washington, April 15, 2022 © AFP – MANDEL NGAN

“I am amazed by the political courage it took” for him to step down, she added.

“There is immense esteem” for the Democratic president, J.B. Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, the state where Chicago is located, commented on CNN on Sunday, “but (Americans) need to know that they are voting for someone who can inspire them.”

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Now that he has thrown in the towel, the Democratic Party is overflowing with affection for “Joe,” who will disappear as soon as his speech is over for a vacation in California.

There is no doubt that the emotion will be very strong if, as rumor has it, Kamala Harris joins him on stage Monday evening.

– Demonstrations –

No tears to be expected on the part of the demonstrators, however pro-Palestinian protesters who want to protest the Biden-Harris administration's pro-Israel policies throughout the convention, with the largest rallies expected Monday and Thursday.

© AFP – MATTHEW HATCHER

Organizers are talking about tens of thousands of protesters in the third-largest U.S. city, which has a long history of political mobilization.

Opponents will only be able to catch a glimpse Monday of the United Center, home of the legendary Chicago Bulls basketball team, where the convention.

The streets leading to it are blocked by concrete blocks and trucks parked across them. The room is surrounded by a security perimeter, guarded by high metal barricades.

A very large police presence will be deployed throughout the convention, while the courts have been put on alert.

– Trump in Pennsylvania-

And Donald Trump ?

The former Republican president, who since Joe Biden's withdrawal has lost his best enemy, will increase his trips to key states, to try to stop the momentum gained by his rival.

Donald Trump at a rally in Asheville, North Carolina, on August 14, 2024 © AFP – Peter Zay

The 78-year-old billionaire will be in Pennsylvania on Monday to talk about the economy.

And certainly to launch a new salvo of violent attacks against his opponent, this “crazy” and “communist”.

Former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, as well as Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama, are expected in Chicago.

The convention is set to conclude Thursday with the grand speech by which Kamala Harris will accept her nomination, which has already been won following an online vote by delegates.

The Democratic euphoria almost makes us forget that the election is expected to be close and that Kamala Harris' lead in the polls remains within the statistical margin of error.

Donald Trump dominates the Republican Party, despite his historic conviction in a criminal case and prosecutions in several others.

He remains adored by a seemingly unbreakable base of supporters, even more so since the assassination attempt of which he was the victim in July.

“I don't see us as favorites at all,” warned Kamala Harris Sunday.

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