Final night of DNC presents old opponents as allies

Joe Biden's opponents on the campaign trail become his supporters on the fourth day of the DNC.

By Gabriel Arizon, Editor-in-Chief

In the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention, among the usual crowd of celebrities and political figures, are those who ran against former Vice President Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination speaking in support of their onetime opponent.

The theme of the night is “America’s Promise,” with the aim to present Biden as an experienced politician who can deliver that promise. Beginning with introductions by actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”), the convention will include speakers such as Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former Surgeon General of the U.S., and Biden’s children and grandchildren. It will also include a tribute to civil rights leader John Lewis. Performances will be given by artists John Legend and Common.

“Throughout his career, [Biden] has been tested by historic recessions, global conflicts, pandemics, divisive politics and the never-ending quest for justice and fairness in America,” read a statement by the DNC. “Every step of the way, he has risen to the moment with steady and effective leadership. When he gets knocked down, he gets back up.”

Towards the end of the night, in a segment called “United We Stand,” Biden’s opponents for the Democratic nomination, including Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Andrew Yang and Amy Klobuchar, each will voice their support for the former vice president.

“I think a lot of Americans are tired of politics, they were tired of the divisions, they were tired of the kind of rancor and I think [Biden] can really rise in America and be a healer and remind our country that the lines that divide are not as strong as the ties that bind us,” said Booker in an interview with ABC News.

“I have gotten to know both Joe and Kamala [Harris] on the trail over the past year … They understand the problems we face,” reads an excerpt of Yang’s speech from a DNC press release. “They are parents and patriots who want the best for our country. And if we give them the chance, they will fight for us and our families every single day.”

The convention begins at 6 p.m. and can be viewed at the DNC website or through major television outlets.

“Every American must now decide,” an excerpt from former Mayor Pete Buttigieg reads. “Can America be a place where faith is about healing and not exclusion? Can we become a country that lives up to the truth that Black lives matter? Will we handle questions of science and medicine by turning to scientists and doctors? What will we do to make America into a land where no one who works full time can live in poverty?"