CHICAGO – US President Joe Biden called for preserving democracy, saying there was no room for political violence, as he addressed the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

“There is no place in America for political violence, none. You cannot say you love your country only when you win,” he told the gathering.

“Democracy has prevailed. Democracy has delivered. And now democracy must be preserved,” Biden stressed.

His speech concluded the first day of the four-day event which will end with the formal nomination of Kamala Harris as a Democratic candidate for the upcoming US presidential election. Her running mate is Tim Walz, currently serving as Minnesota governor.

VOTE FOR FREEDOM

In a clear reference to the far-right which is supporting Republican nominee Donald Trump again, Biden “Let me ask you. Are you ready to vote for freedom?”

Read more: Harris And Trump Are Now Tied In Seven US Swing States

He urged the people to go out to vote on November 5, as democracy would be on the ballot.

“We saved democracy in 2020 and now we must save it again in 2024,” he said.

TRUMP AND PUTIN

Biden blasted Trump and his foreign policy, which the former president presents as “America First”.

Trump bows down to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, the US president remarked.

Unlike the Trump administration, Biden said, the United States had re-engaged with its global allies, including NATO, since he took the office.

“We united Europe like it hadn’t been united for years, adding Finland and Sweden to NATO,” Biden said.

“Putin thought he’d take Kyiv in three days. Three years later, Ukraine is still free.”

PROTECTING CIVIL RIGHTS

In his speech, Biden also promised to protect civil liberties.

“Kamala [Harris] and Tim [Walz] will protect your freedom, protect your right to vote, to protect your civil rights.”

On the other hand, Biden added that Trump will do everything to ban abortion nationwide, as he talked about the one of most divisive topics in the US.

In this respect, he remarked that “Trump is going to find out the power of women in 2024”. He also called for giving the Democrats a clear majority in the US Senate and House of Representatives.

“That’s why you have to elect a Senate and House to restore Roe v Wade.”

PROSECUTOR VS CONVICTED FELON

Biden said selecting Kamala was the best decision he made in his whole career. “Like many of our best presidents, she was also vice president.”

He described Kamala as an “experienced” person with “enormous integrity”.

Biden drew a contrast between Harris as a prosecutor and Trump, a convicted felon. “Kamala and Tim will continue to take on corporate greed and bring down cost of food,” he added.

It’s a developing story. Details to follow   

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