Joe stayed up way past his bedtime!
President Joe Biden’s late-night appearance at the Democratic National Convention on Monday drew criticism from his aides for how late it was as well as losing the primetime spot. The President, who is 81 and has faced calls from within his party to end his reelection bid, began his speech around 11:30 p.m. ET and concluded well past midnight.
One senior Biden aide expressed frustration over the timing, noting, “This is disappointing. He set up his campaign and then they relegated him to a late slot—did they really need to sideline him from prime time?” The sentiment highlights concerns that Biden’s pivotal address was overshadowed.
In response, DNC officials explained the delay, attributing it to the enthusiastic reactions from the convention floor that interrupted the schedule. “Due to the enthusiastic applause for previous speakers, we had to adjust our program to ensure President Biden could address the American people directly,” the DNC stated. They emphasized their pride in the convention’s vibrant atmosphere and in showcasing the diverse coalition supporting the Harris-Walz ticket.
The delay led to notable omissions from the convention’s lineup, including Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Grace Meng of New York, as well as singer James Taylor, whose appearances were cut short.
Despite these setbacks, Biden remained upbeat, urging party unity around Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrats’ nominee for President. “I’ve made mistakes in my career, but I’ve always given my best,” Biden remarked, reflecting on his tenure and emphasizing the importance of party solidarity.
In stark contrast to Biden’s late appearance, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, delivered her speech during prime time, ensuring her message reached a broad audience at the height of the evening’s viewership.
