Emotion and realism in Chicago as Biden takes his bow

 

US President Joe Biden gets emotional

Chicago was awash with affection, gratitude and nostalgia for US President Joe Biden on Monday as he prepared to bring down the curtain on a storied political career at the opening of the Democratic National Convention.

Biden's keynote speech at the United Center will mark the beginning of a long farewell for a politician who has been in the public eye for more than 50 years as a senator, vice president and commander in chief.

The 81-year-old unseated Donald Trump in 2020 but exited the 2024 race last month after a dismal debate performance that convinced Democrats he was too old and would not be able to stop the Republican from reentering the White House.

Biden looked likely to get a hero's welcome in Chicago, however, ahead of what is expected to be an emotional send-off.

"Tonight we honor President Joe Biden and his legacy," Luciano Garza, 61, who had traveled to the convention from south Texas, told AFP.

"He has achieved more and done more for the middle class and American families in one term than most two-term presidents."

By AFP