Clarksburg, Maryland, U.S.A. – In an extremely moving speech to millions of viewers about dignity, overcoming grief and fighting systemic racism, Joe Biden accepted the Democratic nomination for president.
In inspirational remarks that close the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Biden remained positive, calling himself an ally of the light, not of the darkness. He zeroed in on moving forward from the current president’s blunders in office, focusing on the ineffective handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the extreme loss of life and livelihoods.
Touching on the current administration’s fumbling attempts to improve foreign policy, Biden made sure to let viewers know he wanted to create an America that is honorable and just.
He spoke about his plans to repair the economy through his recently unveiled Build Back Better plan. His $700 billion economic plan invests in American workers in effort to build an economy that supports every citizen.
Biden’s ideas and intentions to rebuild the country the right way are stronger than his attempts to win the presidency, a stark difference to our current president.
The night revolved around Biden’s plans to fight against racism, becoming especially touching when he spoke about his meeting with Gianna Floyd, the young daughter of the late George Floyd, killed this year in police custody.
During his address, Biden pointed out that silence is complicity. Biden also spoke about his motivation to run for president, recalling when he saw Trump call white supremacists “very fine people.”
Thursday night’s event also showcased Biden through the eyes of his family and his competitors, with speeches by his children and grandchildren as well as his presidential primary opponents, including Michael Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg, and Andrew Yang.
Emotional memories of his late son, Beau Biden, also made appearances throughout the night.
In a two-minute speech, 13-year-old Brayden Harrington also spoke about his interactions with Biden, who reached out to the teenager over their shared tendency to stutter.
This showed me Biden’s more vulnerable and personal side and illustrated how Biden could connect well with young people.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms also spoke last night, urging people to vote. She spoke about Trump’s voter suppression efforts, and let viewers know that their votes and their contributions to the fight for equality are important.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth from Illinois who won a Purple Heart for her service in the Iraq War, also made an appearance, calling out the president for using the military to stroke his ego, and rightfully labeling him a “coward in chief.”
Filled with serious and hard-hitting topics, the convention’s final night helped me see the importance of the November election. I can’t vote this year, but I hope my fellow Americans cast their ballots for change, equality and truth – so I can do the same in 2024.
Sreehitha Gandluri is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
See other commentary from the Democratic National Convention:
A president and pop star join women leaders to support Biden
Michelle Obama, other Democrats got convention off to a great start
