Biden cements Harris as leader in emotional convention speech

The first night of the Democratic National Convention walked the line between "thank you Joe" and "we are moving forward."

A tearful Joe Biden took to the stage at the and said the Democrats were "in a battle for the very soul of America" ahead of the November contest against Donald Trump

President Biden delivered the keynote speech Monday at the first night of the Democratic National Convention, highlighting his signature achievements of his administration as he handed the baton to the new Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris made a surprise appearance Monday night as Democrats showed a united front behind her and Biden, as speakers walked a line between "thank you, Joe" and "we are moving forward."

Biden returned to the familiar themes of saving democracy, which he has said was the reason he ran for president,  and building a better America.

After President Biden wrapped his speech, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff joined him on stage. Harris and Biden embraced after his speech, giving one final image of unity.

The party's 2016 nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, brought the convention center to its feet as she told Democrats "the future is here — it's in our grasp," alluding to what it would mean to elect Harris, who would be the first woman president and the first woman president of color if she wins.

Outside the convention center, Chicago police said four people were arrested when protesters breached a security perimeter.

Chicago has been gearing up for protests as 2024 has invoked some comparisons to the violent 1968 convention, including an incumbent president deciding not to run for reelection and divisive foreign policy.