Democracy must be preserved: Biden

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden asked Americans on Monday to defend democracy one more time in the upcoming Nov. 5 presidential election.

"Let me ask you: Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? And let me ask you: Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as president and vice president?" Biden said on the first night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois.

As the four-day event kicked off earlier Monday, thousands of pro-Palestine protestors gathered in Chicago to push for an end to US support for Israel's war on Gaza, where more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed.

Biden, 81, became emotional during his appearance at the convention after being introduced by his daughter Ashley.

"With a grateful heart, I stand before you now on this August night to report that democracy has prevailed. Democracy has delivered, and now democracy must be preserved," he said.

He also said that each vote will determine whether democracy and freedom will prevail.

"It’s that simple—and that serious. The power is in your hands. History is in your hands. America’s future is in your hands," he added.

Last month, Biden announced that he was dropping out of the 2024 race for the White House, ending his bid for reelection.

After offering his "full support and endorsement" for Harris to be the Democratic Party’s nominee, she officially launched her presidential campaign. Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate in the race.

Harris to formally accept nomination on Thursday

Earlier, Harris made a surprise appearance at the convention and vowed to defeat Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 election.

"This November, we will come together and declare with one voice, as one people, we are moving forward," she said.

Harris, 59, is scheduled to speak on Thursday, the final day of the convention, when she will formally accept the party’s nomination for president.

If elected, she would make US history as the first female president.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who ran for president in 2016, also made a speech at the convention, where she praised Biden for bringing dignity and competency to the White House.

"And now, we are writing a new chapter in America's story. Kamala has the character, experience and vision to lead us forward," Clinton said.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made an appearance onstage as well, getting loud cheers from the crowd.