CNN

Democrats kicked off their convention in Chicago on Monday with a farewell to President Joe Biden, followed by a closing handoff to Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a significant shift in leadership. The night, running notably behind schedule, highlighted the party’s unity and Biden’s support for his successor.

Reflecting on his choice of Harris as his running mate in 2020, Biden called it “the best decision I made my whole career.”

“She’ll be a president our children can look up to. She’d be a president respected by world leaders, because she already is. She’d be a president we can all be proud of. And she’d be a historic president who puts her stamp on America’s future,” Biden said.

This symbolic handoff showcased a unified Democratic Party, which had been facing internal pressure just a month ago to push Biden out of the race. Now, they’ve rallied behind Harris, standing firmly against her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.

The Democrats focused on key issues, including abortion rights, Trump’s legal challenges, and the belief that his policies favor the wealthy, while Harris’ platform aims to serve working people.

“A vote is a kind of prayer for the world we desire for ourselves and our children, and our prayers are stronger when we pray together,” said Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, who also serves as a pastor at the church once led by Martin Luther King Jr.

The night also emphasized Harris’ potential to make history as the first woman to win the presidency. Hillary Clinton, recalling her own failed bid eight years ago, expressed her hope for Harris’ success, saying she wanted her grandchildren to know she supported Harris when the “glass ceiling” finally shatters.

“This is when we break through,” Clinton said. “The future is here.”

Six Takeaways from the First Night of the Democratic National Convention:

Biden Takes a Final Bow

Just weeks ago, some were calling for Biden to step aside. But on Monday night, Democrats gathered in Chicago expressed their gratitude for his decades of public service and, more importantly, for his decision to pass the baton to Harris.

After a four-minute ovation, Biden delivered a spirited message of support for Harris and running mate Walz, while also taking aim at Trump and reflecting on the legislative achievements of his administration.

He began by recalling the challenges of 2020, from the global pandemic to the national reckoning on race, before shifting into a reflective mode. Biden weaved in sharp critiques of Trump and shared his signature sayings about good government, greed, guns, and authoritarianism.

“Because of you – and I’m not exaggerating – because of you, we’ve had one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period,” Biden said. “When I say we, I mean Kamala and me.”

Despite occasional stumbles in his speech, the audience rallied behind him, erasing the concerns that had plagued Democrats earlier in the year following his debate with Trump.

“I love my job,” Biden said at one point, “but I love my country more,” offering a glimpse into his decision to step aside from his campaign.