Biden eyes legacy in emotional farewell

CHICAGO, Aug 20 (BBC): It was not the speech Joe Biden wanted to give. At least, not this year, under these circumstances.

But if anyone knows how quickly fortunes can change, it's this president - whose personal and professional life has been scarred by tragedy and adversity.

Speaking to a packed arena in Chicago on the first night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), Mr Biden offered a full-throated defence of his presidency - touching on many of the themes that he campaigned on in 2020 and again this year before abandoning his re-election bid in mid-July, a few weeks after a catastrophic debate performance.

"Like many of you, I gave my heart and soul to this nation," he said, towards the end of a nearly hour-long address punctuated by raucous shouts of "Thank you, Joe".

Mr Biden had walked out onto the stage after being introduced by his daughter Ashley and wife, Jill, who told the audience she "saw him dig deep into his soul" when he decided to exit the presidential race.

After hugging Ashley, he put a tissue to his eyes to dab away the tears.

The president touched his heart, and stood a little straighter at the lectern, flashing a toothy smile as the crowd continued to cheer.

His speech had a keen eye on his place in history but he spent time singing the praises of his vice-president - the woman he hopes will succeed him in the White House.

"Selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made when I became our nominee and it's the best decision I made my whole career," he said. "She's tough, she's experienced, and she has enormous integrity."

Unlike his Oval Office address four weeks ago, Mr Biden did not speak directly of passing the torch to a new generation - but the message was clear enough. After the president concluded his remarks, Ms Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff came out to embrace Mr Biden and his wife, Jill.

"I love you," the vice-president mouthed to Mr Biden after their hug.

While Mr Biden spent much of the end of his speech focusing on Ms Harris - a tacit acknowledgment that how she fares against Donald Trump in November's vote could make or break how history, and his party, remembers him - many of the evening's earlier speakers directed their tributes to the current White House resident.

It started with a planned - but unannounced - appearance by Ms Harris herself, who took the stage to thunderous applause.

"Joe, thank you for your historic leadership and for your lifetime of service to our nation and for all you continue to do," she said. "We are forever grateful to you."