Biden's emotional goodbye launches a new era for Democrats

By Jennifer Rubin

Joe Biden, like George H.W. Bush and Harry S. Truman, did not generate rave reviews from the public or media during his presidency. However, like those two predecessors, Biden combined international finesse during a dangerous time with domestic accomplishments. And in Biden’s case, his domestic legislation arguably outshone all presidents but Lyndon B. Johnson and Franklin D. Roosevelt over the past 100 years. In Chicago on Monday, the Democratic Party gave him his due.

Even before Biden entered the hall, the affection for him bubbled to the surface. A surprise, early appearance from Vice President Kamala Harris with an early shout out to Biden got the crowd roaring and chanting. Later, Hillary Clinton — who got her own rapturous welcome — paid him tribute; again chants rippled over the audience. (Clinton’s speech was the most uplifting, defiant and emotional of the night.)

Biden’s speech itself was less important than the response to it and him, the content less memorable than the emotion. He turned to the crowd after embracing his daughter with tears in his eyes. He let the applause wash over him, luxuriating in the gratitude and the chant “Thank you, Joe.” He tried several times to start, only to be interrupted by more applause and chanting.

He saluted his rock, Jill Biden, generating more cheers and starting another round of “We love Joe.”

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