'We heart Joe': tearful Democrats hail Biden

CHICAGO, Aug 20 : It was the hero's send-off he had hoped to defer for another four years but when it came, any lingering bitterness seemed forgotten for a cathartic hour as Joe Biden basked in the adulation of his party faithful.

Chicago's United Center crackled with pride, love and not a few tears as the US president stepped out to deliver his farewell speech Monday at the Democratic National Convention.

"The ending was like a fairy tale, because it seemed like a changing of the guard," said Azziem Underwood, 64, from Seattle, Washington.

"He seemed good. I was like, 'Oh, why did he step down? He was excellent today.'"

Flanked by First Lady Jill Biden and heir apparent Kamala Harris, as well as members of both families, the veteran Democrat's final bow marked at long last the passing of the torch for a politician who has been in the public eye for more than half a century.

Before his grand entrance, the vibe was distinctly Spring Break as speakers on the undercard led chants of "USA! USA!" and the audience in the packed venue waved "We heart Joe" banners.

There was a smattering of celebrity with Tony Goldwyn -- who played a Republican president in political drama "Scandal" -- taking on hosting duties while Chicago Bulls legend and current Olympic men's basketball coach Steve Kerr's speech was a slam dunk.

Hillary Clinton and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez -- a Democratic grandee and a rising star -- electrified the crowd as they thanked Biden for his leadership and exhorted voters to back Harris.

- 'Thank you, Joe' -

The vice president herself earned her own deafening cheer as she made a surprise appearance, taking the stage to laud Biden for his "lifetime of service."

Donald Trump was always going to be the villain of the night, and delegates booed dutifully as giant video screens above them beamed out images of the former president's more notorious interviews.

It was the kind of atmosphere that buttoned-up Democrats once scorned in Trump rallies, but the crowd was all-in, even singing along to the middle-of-the-road country music.

Then came the main event, and the crowd raised the roof.

An emotional Biden took the stage, embracing his daughter Ashley, who had introduced him, and wiping his eyes with a tissue as Democrats broke into raucous chants of "We love Joe" and "Thank you Joe" that continued for around four minutes.

Members of the Biden entourage -- not to mention several delegates on the floor -- wept openly.

Biden, 81, had assumed he would be closing out the convention, not kicking things off. But he exited the White House race last month amid growing concern over his age and fears that he would not be able to stop Trump from reentering the White House.

Nevertheless thousands of Democrats clung to every word of an uncharacteristically vigorous Biden, clapping wildly as he forcefully made the case for Harris to carry on his mission.

- 'Tears in my eyes' -

"I thought the speech was amazing. I thought Joe did a great job pumping everybody up, running through his accomplishments, Kamala's accomplishments, just getting everybody energized and out to vote," said Alexis Rossum, 32, from Louisiana.

"I think it was great. The atmosphere was pretty electric. A few times I even had tears in my eyes."

The wild applause in the arena was an act of veneration for a much-loved, ever-present figure in Democratic politics.

But it was also a release -- a collective exhalation from activists who had spent months fretting over the direction the 2024 election was taking.

For all Biden's good grace, there was little doubt among delegates who spoke to AFP ahead of the speech that he is still smarting over the manner of his exit, driven from the top of the ticket by allies from whom he had expected loyalty.

The one he reportedly blames the most -- former House speaker Nancy Pelosi -- apparently hadn't got the message.

"#ThankYouJoe," she said on X, along with a picture of her holding up one of the heart banners. (AFP)