'America, I gave my best to you': watch as President Joe Biden speaks at DNC convention

Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY

President Joe Biden spoke Monday at the first night of the Democratic National Convention, saying he loved his country after the crowd finally quieted down from prolonged "WE LOVE JOE" cheers.

Before Biden even started speaking, tears appeared in the eyes of some audience members and Biden wiped away his own after an emotional introduction from his daughter Ashley Biden.

Biden's speech is likely much different than what he would have been planning less than two months ago, before the debate that would begin the end of his candidacy. Still, he recounted his tenure from candidacy until this convention as a fight for democracy, and linked some of his administration's achievements to Vice President Kamala Harris.

"I love the job, but I love my country more," Biden said toward the end of his remarks, as the crowd broke into another round of cheers.

Biden capped his speech quoting from "American Anthem": "America, I gave my best to you."

Watch President Joe Biden's full speech at the DNC convention here

Democratic convention live updates: What time does Joe Biden speak tonight? How can I watch?

President Joe Biden at DNC convention

  • Who is he: Joe Biden is the current and 46th president of the U.S.

  • What role does he play: Biden was the presumed Democratic nominee, until a disastrous June debate led to mounting calls for him to step aside. He bowed out of the race on July 21, and quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him on the ticket.

  • In his words: "You cannot say you love your country only when you win," he said. "On the step of the Capitol on a cold January day, I raised my right hand, I swore an oath to you and to God to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution...I believe then and I believe now, that progress was and is possible...our best days are not behind us, they're before us."

How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC

The convention is taking place Monday through Thursday this week at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the main venue for the DNC. Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second time.

The convention will air live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.

USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.

What are the themes for each night of the DNC?

The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention. The title of the convention is "For the People, For Our Future."

Here are the themes for each night:

  • Monday: "For the People"

  • Tuesday: "A Bold Vision for America's Future"

  • Wednesday: "A Fight for our Freedoms"

  • Thursday: "For our Future"

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Biden speech at the Democratic National Convention: Watch

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