Biden Steps Down, Harris Takes the Lead

President Joe Biden, stepping down from his re-election bid, rallies Democrats to support Vice President Kamala Harris against Republican Donald Trump. The Democratic National Convention also saw protests urging a change in military support for Israel. Harris aims to make history as the first female U.S. president.

President Joe Biden, forced to abandon his reelection bid, will urge fellow Democrats at their national convention on Monday to unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris in the fight for the White House against Republican rival Donald Trump.

While Democrats gathered at United Center, home to Chicago's basketball and hockey teams, hundreds of protesters assembled at a nearby park to pressure the party to drop military support for Israel's Gaza offensive. Biden's appearance at the start of the four-day event will serve as a symbolic passing of the torch to his No. 2 after he quit the race under pressure from top Democrats worried that the 81-year-old incumbent was too old to win or serve another four years.

Due to speak at 10:50 p.m. Eastern time (0250 GMT on Tuesday), Biden will portray the Republican former president as a threat to American democracy while touting the achievements of the Biden-Harris administration. Sources said Harris, 59, was likely to join Biden on stage.

(With inputs from agencies.)