First Lady Jill Biden took the stage alone at the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, dressed in a striking steel blue Ralph Lauren gown. The crowd in the United Center erupted in applause, enthusiastically waving green “JILL” signs above their heads, even though the music playing was unheard. This appearance may not be her last as campaign speeches continue, but it marked a significant moment as she delivered her final address to the convention in her capacity as first lady. Her remarks were reflective of her nearly four-year role, centering on her husband, President Joe Biden, and his aspirations for the future.
In her brief two-minute speech, Jill recounted fond memories of her nearly 50-year marriage to Joe, highlighting his determination and empathy both publicly and privately. She shared anecdotes about his interactions with supporters, including his comforting presence during a rope line encounter, and his dedication to family, recalling how he would read bedtime stories just because the children requested it. She also referenced a poignant moment when Joe decided not to seek reelection, demonstrating his introspection.
The First Lady commended Vice President Kamala Harris, praising her strength and leadership. She reminisced about her late son Beau’s admiration for Harris during their time as state attorneys general, recalling his remark that she was “someone to keep your eye on.”
Jill’s arrival in Chicago was filled with nostalgia, as the city holds significant memories for the family, notably the celebration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s 2008 election victory at Grant Park. Jill, dressed in a vintage lemon tweed skirt suit then, rejoiced on stage alongside her husband and Michelle Obama. They shared similar memories during Obama’s farewell address in January 2017.
Throughout her marriage, Jill experienced the challenges of being in the public eye, having repeatedly hesitated to accept Joe’s marriage proposal, concerned about a life subject to scrutiny as the wife of a U.S. senator. Nevertheless, she built her own career as an educator for over 40 years, even serving as a teacher during her tenure as second lady and first lady.
Recent months have been particularly demanding for Jill as she navigated official duties while supporting her family, especially her son Hunter, who faced legal challenges. She was present during his trial, seeking solace with her daughter Ashley amid emotional testimonies recounting Hunter’s struggles with addiction. Following the verdict, she transitioned back to campaigning, fiercely defending her husband against expectations for him to withdraw from the race due to his age.
Jill emphasized that the forthcoming election isn’t about age, asserting the abilities and resilience of Joe Biden. She reiterated his commitment to the Democratic nomination despite any current rhetoric questioning his candidacy.
Heading into the next chapter, Jill intends to focus on her advocacy initiatives, which have been shaped by personal experiences, including the Biden Cancer Moonshot, in honor of her late son Beau, and her support for military families and educational opportunities. Recently, she traveled with the President to promote cancer research and is preparing to return to teaching at Northern Virginia Community College. While she’ll continue to support Democratic campaigns, the intensity may shift with Joe no longer on the ticket.
President Biden opened his remarks with admiration for his wife, expressing his enduring affection and respect for her presence. The gathering in Chicago could have signified the start of a more extended campaign trail for the Bidens, but instead, it marked a brief stop before they headed back to Air Force One and onto a vacation in California.