'I love the job, but I love my country more,' Biden tells Democratic National Convention

US President says his administration is 'working around the clock to end the civilian suffering of the people in Gaza'

US President Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday. AP

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US President Joe Biden took the stage on Monday night at the Democratic National Convention in front of a newly energised Democratic Party base, highlighting his legacy and aiming to instil confidence in his leadership for his remaining time in office.

Mr Biden, who dropped out of the presidential election race last month and endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris, spent the weekend at Camp David preparing for the speech with senior aides.

"It's been the honour of my lifetime to serve as your President," Mr Biden said. "I love the job, but I love my country more."

Polls show that Ms Harris, 59, has wide support in the Democratic Party, including among younger and more progressive voters, in addition to voters of colour.

Mr Biden, 81, has spent half a century in public office.

He was introduced by his wife, Jill, and his daughter Ashley, who praised his qualities as a husband and father.

"Weeks ago, I saw him dig deep into his soul and not seek re-election and endorse Kamala Harris, with faith and conviction," the first lady said.

"Joe knows that our nation's strength doesn't come from intimidation or cruelty, it comes from the small acts of kindness that heal deep wounds, from service to the communities that make us who we are, from love of a country that shines with promise and renewal."

Only weeks ago, Mr Biden was travelling across the country campaigning for a second term in office. Had he stayed in the race, he would have been the headliner at the DNC.

Instead, he was giving the keynote speech on Monday before heading to California, where will spend time on holiday.

The acceptance speech will instead be made by Ms Harris, who is set to be inaugurated as the presidential candidate on Thursday night with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Still, the Democratic Party and the convention this week honoured the President for a lifetime of service in US politics - and for willingly stepping aside.

Chris Coons, a US senator from Delaware, Mr Biden's home state, is one of his closest allies.

"On behalf of our nation, Joe, for your courage in fighting for our democracy, we thank you," he said during his speech before leading the chant with the crowd: "Joe we love you."

Hours before Mr Biden took the stage, Ms Harris made an unannounced appearance at the convention and thanked the President.

“Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you’ll continue to do,” she said. “We are forever grateful to you.”

Former president Barack Obama is scheduled to speak on Tuesday night, while former president Bill Clinton will deliver remarks on Wednesday.

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee in 2016, took the stage earlier on Monday evening to hail Mr Biden for stepping aside, saying: “Now we are writing a new chapter in America’s story.”

Mr Biden's exit from the campaign came after his disastrous performance in a debate with Republican nominee Donald Trump in late June, leading to panic in the Democratic Party about his capacity to win the November 5 election.

He has also endured intense criticism over his near unequivocal support for Israel in its 10-month military campaign in Gaza.

During his speech, he said he was sending US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the region prevent a wider war, reunite hostages with their families and get more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

"We're working around the clock to end the civilian suffering of the people in Gaza, and finally, finally, finally deliver a ceasefire and end this war," he said.

Near the site of the convention in Chicago, thousands of anti-war activists protested on Monday, and some broke through a metal barrier erected by police.

"Those protesters out in the street, they have a point," Mr Biden said. "A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides."

More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli bombardments in Gaza since October 7.

The Israeli military began its offensive after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel killing about 1,200 people.

A video circulating online showed protesters unfurling a large sign reading "Stop arming Israel" during the Mr Biden's speech, before a security guard swiftly took it down.

Mr Biden spoke about his domestic accomplishments over the past four years, reflecting on how the country and its economy have rebounded since he took office amid the pandemic, and saying he had healed the country after four years under his predecessor Mr Trump.

"Covid no longer controls our lives. We got from economic crisis to the strongest economy in the entire world," he said.

Mr Biden talked about his attempts to support the nation's middle class and his dedication to fighting for American democracy – which he claimed Mr Trump was trying to undo.

"Wages are up, inflation is down, way down, and continuing to go down," he said. "The smallest racial wealth gap in 20 years and yes, we know we have more to do, but we're moving in the right direction."

He also cheered on Ms Harris and made the argument that she will – in his words last week – make “one hell of a president”.