Biden finally became the “Bridge” to the future in his DNC speech

But during his speech Monday night, after withdrawing as the Democratic nominee at the end of July, Biden not only highlighted the policy successes of his administration but also fully endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris, the No. 2 his and the candidate he is now counting on to carry on some of his legacy if he wins the White House.

After being introduced by his daughter Ashley, a visibly tearful Biden greeted her and received an emotional reception from Democrats, with so many chanting, “We love Joe.”

And he had a simple message for the party faithful.

“Our best days are not behind us, they are ahead of us,” he said. “And democracy must be preserved.”

How might Biden’s convention speech be viewed when reflecting on his presidency?

Biden ultimately became the bridge to the future

During the 2020 Democratic primaries, Biden said on the campaign trail that he saw himself as a “bridge” to a future cadre of next-generation leaders within the party.

Biden’s selection of Harris as his running mate was a major step in cementing the 55-year-old US senator from California as the future Democratic standard bearer.

But Biden’s wide-ranging debate performance in June against former President Donald Trump and already lingering concerns among voters about the 81-year-old president’s acuity have prompted a slew of Democratic lawmakers to call on him to drop out of the race. And despite Biden’s early resistance, he reversed course and ended his re-election bid — while making sure to endorse Harris as his successor.

Biden had glowing words for Harris on Monday night, telling voters that picking her as No. 2 was the “best decision” he’s made in his career.

The president’s praise for Harris’ candidacy was a big part of his speech. And it came after Democratic uproar over his candidacy threatened to weaken the party as it again faces the prospect of another Trump presidency.

But on Monday (and into early Tuesday ET), Biden sought to tie Harris to everything from strengthening unions to boosting investment in public safety. He also spoke of his desire to “end” the conflict in Gaza by establishing a ceasefire and nodded to protesters who have relentlessly pressured Democratic leaders on the issue.

Biden projected unity during his speech, an act sure to endear him even more to Democrats — who overwhelmingly view him personally — but still felt another candidate would be a better messenger for now .

Harris is now that candidate, and Biden is doing everything to support his campaign.

A long-term, overturned vision

Before entering the Oval Office, Biden had long aspired to the presidency.

In 1973, he assumed the seat of U.S. Senator from Delaware and held that role until he became Vice President under Barack Obama in 2009.

During that time, Biden ran for president in 1988 and 2008, faltering in each contest but never giving up on the idea. He wanted to run in 2016, but said he was dissuaded from doing so by Obama, who was keen on the candidacy of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Biden won the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination and unseated Trump later that year. As he signed major pieces of legislation, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, he envisioned his presidency as a transformative one that could do even more in a second term.

Voter concerns about the economy and immigration have played a major role in eroding his poll numbers over the past two years, which has also threatened down-ballot Democratic candidates. And the debate with Trump ultimately paved the way for Harris’ rise.

Biden is set to leave Chicago after his speech and forgo extra days at a convention that had long been planned around his candidacy.

The president’s goal of a second term is now a thing of the past. But his speech showed he won’t let anyone else define his legacy, no matter what the future holds.