Joseph R. Biden Jr. shared an emotional farewell – infused with a stern message – with his Democratic peers who warmly expressed their appreciation on the opening day of the party’s first in-person convention since 2016 in Chicago.

For the 81-year-old president, this moment is filled with mixed emotions, as he faced pressure from progressive donors and party members following a poor debate in June, which led to discussions around his capability due to age.

Visibly moved, the president wiped away tears while embracing his daughter, Ashley Biden, who introduced him to delegates from across the nation.

“I love you,” Biden expressed to the crowd.

Biden spent a significant portion of his speech highlighting the accomplishments of his administration, criticizing former President Donald Trump, and symbolically passing the leadership role to Vice President Kamala Harris, a position he has held for over 50 years.

“Are you prepared to vote for freedom?” Biden asked attendees. “Are you ready for democracy and for America? Let me ask, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?”

As the Democrats entered the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, they felt encouraged about their prospects of retaining the presidency, with Harris showing favorable polling against Trump in critical states.

This week’s convention is set to revolve around this optimism while emphasizing issues such as reproductive rights, lowering costs for everyday citizens, and challenging Trump’s character.

However, protests outside the venue could divert attention from the convention, as leftist advocates urge Harris and the Democratic Party to take stronger action against Israel’s attacks on Gaza, which are in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault.

Here are the significant highlights from day one of the DNC.

‘Thank you, Joe’: A heartfelt tribute to Biden at DNC 2024

On Monday evening, Democrats honored Biden’s lengthy career, which has spanned five decades from the Nixon administration to now as the oldest serving president.

“Joe, thank you for your exceptional leadership and lifelong dedication to our nation, and for everything you will continue to do. We are eternally grateful,” Harris remarked during a surprise appearance on stage.

The audience chanted “thank you, Joe” each time the president’s name was mentioned throughout the night.

Biden recounted that his decision to run for president developed largely from Trump’s controversial response to the violent events in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, when white nationalists clashed with counter-demonstrators. He also spoke on achievements like reducing prescription drug prices, passing a significant $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan, and tackling the COVID-19 crisis.

“A president’s role is to serve all Americans,” Biden stated. “Thanks to your support, we have experienced one of the most remarkable four years of advancement ever. When I say ‘we’, I refer to Kamala and myself.”

Biden departs DNC, marking an end

However, following his address, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden made an early exit from Chicago, heading to Santa Ynez, California, for a getaway in wine country, meaning they would not be present for the remainder of the DNC convention.

This absence signifies that they wouldn’t witness Harris accepting the party’s nomination on Thursday evening.

Harris faces a delicate balance to honor the president who selected her as vice president while also distancing herself from Biden’s less favorable stance on inflation and economic issues.

Television cameras focusing on Biden during Harris’ speech might not align with the optics her campaign desires, but her supporters remain optimistic that his early departure will not overshadow her important occasion.

Nonetheless, it’s significant that Biden, having laid the groundwork for the Democratic agenda, has now stepped back as his term nears its conclusion.

Harris will be taking the convention stage without the support of a fellow candidate who recently withdrew from the race for her nomination.

‘Abandon Harris’: Protests for Gaza fill Chicago’s streets during DNC

Inside the venue, the atmosphere contrasted sharply with the outside, where hundreds of leftist activists were engaged in protests against the Gaza war, resulting in confrontations with Chicago police.

One notable protest kicked off on Monday at Union Park, located about half a mile from the convention site, where participants chanted “free, free Palestine.” The number of protesters grew to around 1,000 as they moved towards the United Center.

This series of protests is scheduled to continue throughout the week and may overshadow Harris’ event if tensions escalate or if protests manage to breach the convention space.

A contingent of approximately 30 undecided DNC delegates—representing less than 1% of the total delegates—demands an opportunity to voice their opinions. They have cautioned that the Vice President’s prospects in the upcoming election could be adversely affected unless she advocates for an arms embargo on Israel and supports an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

AOC, Beshear and other emerging Democratic leaders shine

On Monday evening, Democrats showcased their new generation of leaders.

Among those addressing the convention were Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, and Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett.

Beshear, a Democrat from a traditionally Republican state, and the progressive Ocasio-Cortez, representing the Bronx, exemplify different factions within the party yet both are regarded as fresh faces.

Governor Beshear, aged 46, has won two elections in a solidly red state and was recently considered as a potential running mate for Harris. He is also seen as a likely candidate for the presidential run in 2028 or 2032.

“In Kentucky, we placed reproductive freedom on the ballot last November, and I won decisively against Donald Trump’s and Mitch McConnell’s chosen candidate by over 5 percentage points,” Beshear remarked.

Ocasio-Cortez enjoys significant popularity among the liberal faction of the party and may position herself as a contender for the U.S. Senate in New York once Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announces his retirement. During her speech, she expressed gratitude towards Biden and Harris, highlighting the VP’s role in advocating for a temporary cease-fire in Gaza while also countering criticism from Republicans.

“Since my election, Republicans have been attacking me, claiming I should go back to bartending,” Ocasio-Cortez shared. “But let me assure you, I’m proud to work for a living, any day of the week.”

Crockett’s visibility has surged since her election in 2022.

“She has realized the American dream while he has been a nightmare for America,” Crockett stated regarding Harris and Trump. “Kamala Harris has an impressive resume, while Donald Trump has a criminal record.”

She also referenced her previous viral speech against Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, with a new creative wordplay.

“The question we face is whether a spiteful and vile individual will derail voters’ hopes for a brighter America,” Crockett mentioned. “I think alliterations are making a comeback.”

Speakers draw parallels to Fannie Lou Hamer’s legacy in relation to Harris

The historic campaign of Harris, aiming to become the first woman of color to lead the nation, resonated with Democrats who drew connections to significant moments in history.