US Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, made a surprise unannounced appearance on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday.
US President Joe Biden is scheduled to be the night’s big speaker, and his vice president popped onstage to pay tribute to him.
“I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible President Joe Biden,” Harris said, ahead of the president’s remarks later this evening.
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“Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you’ll continue to do.
“We are forever grateful to you.”
Harris is the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major party ticket.
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The vice president was already officially certified as the Democratic nominee through a virtual vote earlier this month.
The party rallied around her after Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her.
Biden’s departure from the race was prompted by his muddled debate performance against Republican candidate Donald Trump.
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Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz is also at the convention centre in Chicago ahead of Biden’s remarks.
Walz, who is expected to take the stage Wednesday, could be seen greeting people at the arena and shaking their hands.
With CNN, Associated Press.
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