In an emotional moment at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, President Joe Biden said goodbye to his role as the Democratic nominee and passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. The event marked the end of Biden’s bid for re-election, but not the end of his legacy.

As Biden took the stage, his daughter Ashley and wife Jill introduced him to a roaring crowd. Jill shared how deeply Biden had wrestled with his decision to step down after a difficult debate performance in mid-July, which ultimately led him to abandon his re-election campaign. Holding back tears, Biden dabbed his eyes with a tissue before continuing his speech.

“Like many of you, I gave my heart and soul to this nation,” Biden said. He reflected on his time in office and the challenges he had faced throughout his life and career. The crowd responded with loud cheers and chants of “Thank you, Joe,” making it clear how much support the president still had.

Though Biden didn’t specifically mention handing over the reins, it was clear from his words and actions that he was preparing Kamala Harris to take on the role of party leader. He described selecting Harris as his vice-president as the best decision of his career, praising her strength, experience, and integrity.

Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on stage earlier in the evening, receiving thunderous applause as she thanked Biden for his leadership and dedication to the nation. “Joe, thank you for your historic leadership and for your lifetime of service to our nation