In Chicago, First Lady Jill Biden made a vibrant entrance on stage in a shimmering steel blue Ralph Lauren dress, accompanied by the sound of “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim—though the crowd in the United Center was too excited to hear it. Attendees stood in enthusiasm, waving green “JILL” signs as she prepared to speak, marking what may not be her last campaign speech but certainly a significant moment as she addressed the Democratic National Convention for the final time in her role as first lady.
Her speech, lasting less than two minutes, reflected on her nearly 50-year marriage to President Joe Biden, sharing anecdotes about his determination and empathy, both publicly and privately. She recounted instances where he took the time to comfort supporters and read bedtime stories to their children, highlighting his achievements as driven by a purpose greater than himself.
Jill also expressed appreciation for Vice President Kamala Harris, acknowledging her courage and leadership, and recalled a moment when her late son Beau identified Harris as someone special to watch.
Arriving in Chicago with a positive spirit, Jill reflected on the city’s meaningful memories, such as the 2008 celebration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s election victory. Jill shared the stage with her husband and Michelle Obama that night, marking a significant moment for their family.
Throughout her marriage, public service has been a significant part of Jill Biden’s life. She often discusses her initial reluctance towards public life, having turned down Joe’s marriage proposal several times due to the scrutiny that would accompany being a senator’s spouse. Nevertheless, she has maintained her own career as an educator for over 40 years.
Jill’s recent weeks have been a whirlwind of campaigning and family challenges. In June, she tirelessly balanced official duties in Paris and Wilmington while supporting her son Hunter during a federal trial. She returned to campaigning vigorously afterward, defending her husband against calls to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
The First Lady emphasized that age should not be the focus of the upcoming election and confidently asserted that Joe remains the Democratic nominee, prepared to take on Donald Trump again.
Jill Biden sees her role as First Lady as one of service, with initiatives like the Biden Cancer Moonshot honoring her late son Beau, and her advocacy for military families and educational opportunities reflecting her life experiences.
With the approaching election and her husband stepping back from the campaign trail, Jill plans to focus more on her projects, including a recent trip to New Orleans to promote cancer research and preparing for her classes at Northern Virginia Community College. While she will continue to support Democratic candidates, it will be with a different intensity than when her husband was on the ticket.
During her remarks, Biden expressed heartfelt admiration for her wife, adding a personal touch to the evening. This week in Chicago was meant to be just the start of their time there, but plans shifted, and after the President’s speech, they would return to their vacation in California.