Kamala Harris Kicks Off DNC with Strong Support

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris was greeted with a rousing ovation from the audience as she made her appearance on the inaugural day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois.

Harris has been a force of dynamism at the convention, having established new fundraising milestones, invigorated vast assemblies of supporters nationwide, and tilted public sentiment in pivotal battleground states in the Democrats' favor.

Earlier in the evening, Harris made a surprise appearance, drawing cheers from the crowd as she vowed to defeat her Republican rival Donald Trump, 78, in the Nov. 5 election.

Harris and Biden, who were accompanied by their spouses, held hands on stage and waved to the crowd. Shortly before speaking, Biden teared up after being introduced by his daughter Ashley.

Biden's address in Chicago kicked off a four-day event fueled by enthusiasm for Harris and relief that Biden abandoned his own reelection bid and endorsed her to replace him. The president's reluctant decision to step aside came after heavy pressure from party leaders who were worried that the 81-year-old incumbent was too old to win or serve another four years.

Joe Biden, under the weight of escalating pressure from long standing allies, influential donors, and fervid party backers, made the decision to withdraw from the reelection contest following a disastrous debate with Trump on June 27.

Trump, who a month prior held a pronounced lead over Biden in the polls, has seen his advantage decline. Harris has successfully narrowed the gap both on a national scale and in critically important swing states like Pennsylvania, which are poised to be key determinants in the impending election.