At the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, Joe Biden delivered a speech far beyond his scheduled prime-time appearance, which concluded the event near midnight Eastern time.

The delay has sparked discussions about the strategy intentions delayed as the DNC was very focused on transitioning its support to Kamala Harris for the upcoming election.

The first night of the convention was dedicated to celebrating Biden's tenure in the White House, highlighting his major decisions, such as selecting Kamala Harris as his running mate and his recent announcement to forgo a campaign for 2024 re-election.

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Throughout his nearly hour-long speech, an emotional Biden expressed his gratitude and commitment to the country, interrupted repeatedly by chants of “thank you, Joe” from the audience.

Biden's speech touched on issues of democracy and the need for continued democratic control over both the Senate and the House of Representatives. “It has been the honor of my life to be your president. I love the job, but I love my country more,” Biden declared, dispelling rumors of resentment toward those who suggested he should not seek the reelection “All this talk about how I'm mad at all the people who said I should resign, it's not true. We need to preserve our democracy in 2024. We need you to vote. We need you to keep the Senate and the House of Representatives. And most of all , we need you to beat Donald Trump,” he urged.

Speculation about the delay in his speech was rampant, with concerns that it was intended to minimize his exposure as the party begins to rally around Harris.

You trashed it, pushed it and installed Kamala and now you make it talk at midnight. Cruel is too nice a word for you all. No loyalty He should have arrested Obama and Kamala for the coup.

— Stacey celebrates (@SunlightShine55) August 20, 2024

They stripped him of the nomination and now they stripped him of prime time.

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 20, 2024

Nate Silver, a renowned pollster, commented on the timing, suggesting it was no coincidence: “Even though the media is very focused on the East Coast, you have to be pretty naive to think that the extended DNC on this night is for no other reason than Biden's declining visibility.” he tweeted.

The media is very focused on the East Coast, but you'd have to be pretty naive to think tonight's extended DNC is for any reason other than Biden's declining visibility. https://t.co/LSd5DJzrON

— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) August 20, 2024

Rumors have circulated that Biden was pressured by party elders, including Nancy Pelosi, to withdraw after a lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump. on June 27, raising concerns about his ability to endure another term.

Nancy Pelosi awkwardly sings 'WE LOVE JOE' weeks after coup to backstab him

pic.twitter.com/d64rnuBtxW

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 20, 2024

After the debate, there was notable concern within the party about Biden's public gaffes and his physical stamina, leading to his decision to endorse Harris.

As Biden concluded his speech, he gathered delegates for the upcoming election battle and asked, “Let me ask you. Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz? This marked a symbolic passing of the torch to Harris, setting the stage for his next campaign.

The night, while intended to honor Biden's legacy, also clearly marked the direction of new leadership under Harris, amid a backdrop of strategic decisions by the Democratic Party aimed at maintaining its competitiveness in the 2024 elections.