That's a wrap

President Joe Biden speaks during the Democratic National Convention.

That's a wrap on day one

Lauren Egan

From the coconut-themed pins spotted throughout the city, to the visible relief about the trajectory of the race displayed on Democrats’ faces as they sipped beers and munched on hot dogs at the United Center, the first day of the Democratic convention was dripping with enthusiasm for Vice President Kamala Harris.

But the night was really all about President Joe Biden, the man who a month ago was expected to be the one arriving in Chicago to accept the party’s presidential nomination. In the DNC’s press memo about the Monday night programming, they didn’t shy away from that fact, writing that the country would hear from “those who know President Biden’s dedication to America best.”

The night could simply be described as a Biden love fest.

During his speech, United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain thanked Biden for walking the picket line with them last year. Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock ticked through Biden’s accomplishments. Delaware Sen. Chris Coons led the crowd in a “We love Joe!” chant. One delegate was spotted walking around the United Center with a homemade “Thank you Joe Biden” sign pinned to his blazer.

As Biden took the stage, TV cameras took close-up shots of delegates crying while waving “We Love Joe” signs. Biden paused, taking in what is perhaps his last major political speech, before diving into his warnings about threats to democracy.

Making sure that the convention appropriately honored Biden was important to DNC organizers. And putting the president on the first night allowed the party to indulge in a sappy, heartfelt Biden send-off while also ensuring that the remaining three days could be squarely focused on the vice president and her vision for the country.

Dedicating this much time to someone who is not the candidate is unusual for a nomination convention, a dynamic Biden appeared to recognize. As the crowd showered him with cheers, he at times tried to bring the focus back to Harris.

“When I say ‘we,’ I mean Kamala and me,” Biden said, as he touted his legislative achievements. On more than one occasion, he responded to “Thank you Joe” chants by telling the crowd, “Thank you Kamala, too.”

Official business at the United Center has concluded for the evening. But the Biden celebration is far from over. Hundreds of current and former staffers are heading to The Old Post Office for a team Biden party, a moment to blow off some steam after a whirlwind summer and celebrate the president’s legacy. Some Biden staffers told us they were flying into Chicago just to attend the Monday festivities.

As for us? It’s past our bedtime. We’ll catch y’all back here in the morning.