Joe Biden is asked if his Chicago convention speech is ‘bittersweet’ and responds to Trump’s claim he was forced out by a Democrat ‘coup’
President Joe Biden is preparing to pass the Democratic Party baton to Kamala Harris in a farewell speech to the convention in Chicago on Monday night.
The 81-year-old left the White House with First Lady Jill for the trip to the Midwest where he will speak to supporters as the former nominee, before jetting off on a vacation to California.
As he took the stage for a mic check, reporters asked if the moment was ‘bittersweet’ and responded when asked what he thought of Donald Trump saying he was the victim of a Democratic Party ‘coup’.
Kamala Harris meanwhile was getting ready for her coronation, and added to her policy platform by releasing a plan to increase the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent.
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The Bidens take the DNC stage – for a walk-through of the venue
First lady Jill Biden, followed by President Joe Biden, took the Democratic National Convention stage for a walk-through of Chicago’s United Center ahead of their Monday night speeches.
The first lady wore a light purple blazer and white slacks and sauntered to the podium, surrounded by a flurry of aides and grandchildren Natalie and Hunter, the children of the late Beau Biden.
‘Testing 1, 2, 3,’ Dr. Biden said into the mic.
Moments later, the president headed to the same spot.
The mic wasn’t on for Biden but he mouthed ‘I am’ when reporters yelled up at him from the convention floor, asking if he was ready to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.
‘You’ll hear tonight,’ the president added.
Asked if it was a bittersweet moment: “It’s a memorable moment.”
Asked about Donald Trump’s claim that he was ousted from the Democratic ticket in what amounts to a coup, Biden said: “His stability is still in question.”
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would spend the hours ahead of the president’s scheduled 10 p.m. CDT speech preparing for the moment.
‘He’s going to spend time continuing to prep for a big night,’ she told reporters on board Air Force One.
Biden uses new Marine One as part of $5billion fleet
President Joe Biden used a new Marine One model for the first time for a flight in Chicago on Monday afternoon.
The 81-year-old commander-in-chief boarded the Sikorsky VH-92 Patriot that’s part of a $5 billion fleet manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
The new presidential helicopters were forced to land on paved runways because its engine exhaust and spinning rotors scorched the South Lawn.
The issues now appear to have been resolved, and Biden used the chopper for the first time on the opening leg of his trip to Chicago.
The White House said:
The President rode in the new Marine One helicopter, the VH-92A Patriot. After a transition period, the VH-92A Patriot will eventually replace the VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk helicopter.
The iconic ‘white top’ paint scheme of previous Marine One aircraft is represented in the new VH-92A, paying homage to the distinguished legacy of Marine One helicopters dating back to the famed colors pioneered in the late 1950’s.
The President’s current Marine One helicopter, the VH-3D, entered service in 1978. The VH-60 began service as a Presidential helicopter in 1987
Ashley Biden to introduce dad at DNC
First daughter Ashley Biden will introduce her father, President Joe Biden, at the Democratic National Convention Monday night.
Biden is the final speaker of the night – where he’ll hand the baton over to Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris – and then jet off the California for vacation.
First lady Jill Biden is slated to speak directly ahead of her daughter, who will then introduce the 81-year-old president.
Ashley Biden was spotted doing a walk-through of the United Center Sunday ahead of the convention.
On Monday, during tech rehearsals it appeared the first daughter would walk out to Coldplay’s A Sky Full of Stars, which was a favorite song of the late Beau Biden.
Other Biden family members are expected in Chicago as well.
But White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was tight-lipped when asked by DailyMail.com on board Air Force One to ID members of the Biden clan.
‘I will not say what family members are traveling,’ Jean-Pierre said.
The president was spotted only with Peter Neal, his granddaughter Naomi’s husband, as he departed the White House for Chicago alongside Dr. Biden.
