Joe Biden delivered an emotional and dramatic farewell address at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, following his unexpected withdrawal from the presidential race. The speech, which took place at the United Center, was notably delayed and pushed out of prime time due to extended remarks by previous speakers, including Hillary Clinton and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Biden, 81, appeared on stage at 10:27 p.m. local time, far later than the initially scheduled 9:50 p.m. slot, which limited the audience to the later time zone viewers. Despite the timing setback, the outgoing president received a warm and supportive reception from the crowd, who chanted “Thank you, Joe!” and applauded him for several minutes before he began his address.

In his speech, Biden expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters and underscored his dedication to his remaining time in office. “America, I love you!” he declared, visibly moved. He thanked Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he had endorsed as his successor. “I’ve got five months left of my presidency and I have a lot to do. I intend to get it done,” he said, as he prepared to take a vacation in Santa Ynez, California.

Biden’s speech was laced with emotional and reflective moments. He admitted to feeling “so damn old” and made a slight gaffe by referring to a peace treaty he had not actually authored. The president acknowledged the criticisms he faced over his age and cognitive abilities, stating, “I began my political career appearing too young and I’m ending it seeming too old to stay as president.” He also addressed the criticism he faced from anti-Israel protesters, noting, “Those protesters out in the street have a point, a lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides.”

Throughout the speech, Biden emphasized his achievements, including the bipartisan infrastructure law, environmental legislation, and significant appointments to the Supreme Court, such as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. He also highlighted his efforts in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery, boasting about America having “the strongest economy in the entire world” with inflation rates dropping from their peak.

Despite these accomplishments, Biden’s presidency has been overshadowed by concerns about his mental acuity and the Democratic Party’s decision to transition to Harris as the nominee. The party had faced internal pressures and mounting criticisms regarding Biden’s performance and cognitive state, which culminated in his withdrawal from the race. The decision was influenced by prominent Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama, who expressed concerns about Biden’s viability in the upcoming election.

In a somewhat symbolic gesture, Biden shared the stage with his family, including first daughter Ashley Biden and the scandal-plagued Hunter Biden, who joined him for the speech’s conclusion. His remarks also included a stinging critique of former President Donald Trump, labeling him a “loser” and “convicted felon” while revisiting the events of January 6, 2021, to reinforce his commitment to defending democracy.

Vice President Harris, who will officially accept the nomination later in the week, spoke earlier in the day in praise of Biden, calling his leadership “historic” and expressing gratitude for his service. The convention saw a show of unity, with Harris and other Democrats rallying around Biden’s legacy even as the party shifts its focus to the upcoming election.

The Democratic platform, finalized on Monday, still reflected Biden’s second-term vision, although it did not incorporate Harris’s recent policy proposals, highlighting the rushed nature of the transition. The platform was drafted before Biden’s withdrawal, and updating it through the party’s bureaucratic channels was deemed too challenging at the time.

The Democratic National Convention, overshadowed by the abrupt changes and Biden’s diminished role, set the stage for Harris to make her case as the party’s new standard-bearer. The event marked a poignant moment of transition, acknowledging Biden’s contributions while pivoting toward the future under Harris’s leadership. As Biden prepared to step away from the national stage, his farewell was both a tribute to his presidency and a prelude to a new chapter for the Democratic Party.