The first lady did her part to highlight President Joe Biden's 50 years of public service when she addressed the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Jill Biden, who walked onstage to Fatboy Slim’s 1999 smash “Praise You,” opened her remarks by reminiscing about some of her favorite memories alongside the president.

“Those look when I’m reminded of all, he’s accomplished in the name of something bigger than himself, receiving the Medal of Freedom, with humility,” she stated. “Placing his hand on our family bible to take his oath of office, and three weeks ago, when I saw him dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris.”

The first lady noted that the family’s connection to Harris began when their late son, Beau Biden, worked with Harris when he was Delaware’s attorney general. “He told me at the dinner table one night, ‘Mom, she’s special, someone to keep your eye on,” Jill Biden declared. “And he was right. Joe and I know Kamala. We have seen her courage, her determination, and her leadership up close. Kamala and Tim, you will win.”

Jill Biden urged Americans to unite with “faith in each other, hope for a brighter future, and love for our country.” She recalled the hard decision her husband made to bow out of the race, recalling him “dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection — and endorse Kamala Harris.”

Following the first lady’s remarks, Ashley Biden continued with the Biden love. “Joe Biden is the OG girl Dad,” the president’s daughter declared, earning cheers from the crowd. “He wasn’t just a girl dad. I could see that he valued and trusted women.”

“Dad always told me that I was no better than anybody else, and nobody was better than me. He taught me that everyone deserves a fair shot and that we shouldn’t leave anyone behind. That’s what you learn from a fighter who has been underestimated his entire life,” Ashley continued. “When I look at dad, I see grace, strength, and humility. I see one of the most consequential leaders ever in history.”

“In 2020, my dad selected Kamala Harris to beat Donald Trump, and he knows in 2024 she will beat Donald Trump again,” she closed before introducing her father. “I know together we can do this because my dad helped show us the way.”

Ashley Biden and the president embraced onstage and he wiped away tears. “That was my daughter!” a proud Joe Biden said.

Jill Biden’s speech was a poignant reminder of the president’s long and distinguished career, as well as a heartfelt endorsement of his successor. The first lady spoke with warmth and conviction, reminding the audience of Joe Biden’s character and highlighting his commitment to public service. Her message was one of unity and hope, and it resonated with the crowd. The speech was a fitting tribute to Joe Biden, a man who has devoted his life to serving the American people.

The First Lady's Role in Joe Biden's Decision to Step Aside

Jill Biden’s speech was a reminder of her unwavering support for her husband throughout his political career, including during the difficult decision to step aside and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. In the weeks before Biden decided to leave the race, the first lady had declared that she was “all in” on her husband’s reelection plan, even as Democrats began calling on him to drop out following his disastrous performance in a debate against Republican Donald Trump on June 27.

Biden himself had brushed aside those calls, repeatedly insisting that he was staying in the race. His wife, one of his fiercest supporters and defenders, backed him up. “For all the talk out there about this race, Joe has made it clear that he’s all in,” the first lady told a crowd in Wilmington, North Carolina, on July 8. “That’s the decision that he’s made, and just as he has always supported my career, I am all in, too.”

Biden pulled the plug on his campaign on July 21. It remains unclear whether Jill Biden’s support influenced her husband’s decision to step aside. However, it is clear that she was a strong voice in his ear and that she played a significant role in shaping his political journey.

Jill Biden's Legacy as First Lady

Jill Biden’s time as First Lady has been marked by a commitment to public service, education, and supporting military families. She has been a tireless advocate for her causes, and she has used her platform to bring attention to issues that are important to her.

In addition to her work on behalf of military families, Jill Biden has also been a champion of education. She has been a teacher for over 30 years, and she continues to teach English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College. As First Lady, she has used her platform to promote the importance of education and to encourage students to pursue their dreams. She has also been a vocal supporter of the Biden Cancer Moonshot, an initiative to accelerate cancer research and treatment.

Jill Biden’s legacy as First Lady will be one of compassion, dedication, and commitment to making a difference. She has been a role model for women and girls around the world, and she has shown that it is possible to balance a demanding career with a busy family life.

A New Chapter

Jill Biden’s speech at the Democratic National Convention was a powerful reminder of her commitment to her husband and her country. It was a speech that was both personal and political, and it left the audience with a sense of hope and inspiration. As Joe Biden steps aside from the political stage, Jill Biden will continue to use her platform to make a difference in the world. She is a force for good, and her legacy will be one of compassion, dedication, and commitment to public service.

The first lady has already embarked on a new chapter in her life. She is now focused on her work as a teacher and her commitment to her causes. Jill Biden is a strong, independent woman who will continue to make a difference in the world, even without the spotlight of the White House.