Kamala Harris makes surprise appearance on DNC stage to 'kick off' convention by celebrating Joe Biden

Kamala Harris said, 'Joe thank you for your historic leadership and your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do'
Kamala Harris hails Joe Biden as she takes the DNC stage by surprise on the evening of August 19, 2024 (Getty Images)
Kamala Harris hails Joe Biden as she takes the DNC stage by surprise on the evening of August 19, 2024 (Getty Images)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris took the attendees of the Democratic National Convention by surprise as she appeared on stage on the first night of the event on Monday, August 19.

Greeted by thunderous applause from the crowd, Harris shared that she wanted to kick off the 4-day convention by celebrating the "historic leadership" of incumbent President Joe Biden, who was present in the audience.



 

Biden is scheduled to speak at the convention later in the same evening, while Harris is to take the stage on the final night of August 22, when she would be officially made the Democratic 2024 nominee.

Kamala Harris' speech on first night of DNC

"This is going to be a great week," announced Harris from the DNC stage, "And I want to kick off by celebrating our incredible President Joe Biden who will be speaking later tonight. Joe thank you for your historic leadership and your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you.”



 

The crowd continued cheering as she shared, "Looking out at everyone tonight, I see the beauty of our great nation. People from every corner of our country, and every walk of life are here, united by our shared vision for the future of our country. And this November, we will come together and declare with one voice, as one people- we are moving forward."

"With optimism, hope, and faith so guided by our love of country, knowing that we have so much more in common than what separates us, let us fight for the ideals we hold dear and let us always remember, when we fight, we win," she concluded, using one of her signature lines.



 

Applauding Harris along with the jubilant crowd in the arena was her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, as well as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the vice presidential candidate.

Internet cheers for Kamala Harris

Netizens called Harris an 'icon' and a 'legend' while reacting to her surprise appearance at the DNC on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The following tweets demonstrate the prevalent mood.

"Wow. That crowd was beyond loud," wrote a person.



 

"I was like whaaaatttt? The energy is incredible," echoed another.



 

"Looks like she’s having a blast," shared a third.



 

"Kamala is an icon, a legend, and she is the moment," stated a fourth.



 

"Kamala Harris just lit up the DNC with a surprise entrance! 🌟 The excitement is through the roof—this is the kind of bold leadership we need. 2024 is already on fire!" expressed a fifth.



 

"The energy!!!!! We aren't going back, folks!" exclaimed yet another.



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Tensions in Michigan's Democratic Senate race escalated as Abdul El-Sayed's campaign reportedly barred rival Haley Stevens from his events
2026-10-31T16:06:30.000Z
Elon Musk also claimed that Democrats would 'open the borders and legalize everyone living in America illegally to cement a permanent majority'
2026-10-31T08:26:58.000Z
During his speech, Trump addressed supporters wearing 'Blacks for Trump' shirts and encouraged them to vote for Mike Rogers in the midterm elections
2026-10-31T08:15:16.000Z
Angie Nixon said her campaign was making progress despite having significantly fewer financial resources than her opponents
2026-10-31T07:59:36.000Z
Abdul El-Sayed accused Haley Stevens of 'relitigating' their primary battle and urged Democrats to focus on defeating GOP nominee Mike Rogers
2026-10-31T06:35:36.000Z
Bill Clinton also took aim at what he described as corruption and personal vanity within Trump's administration
2026-10-31T06:14:18.000Z
Michael Heyman said investigators were examining claims involving Mary Peltola's campaign and Daniel J Sullivan ahead of the November election
2026-10-31T05:31:37.000Z
Earlier this month, TIME reported that at a meeting in December 2025, Trump spent several hours firing questions at Grok about his time in office and what his legacy might look like
2026-10-31T05:14:49.000Z
Trina Thompson's ruling followed federal letters sent to 57 California counties seeking voter records in investigations into alleged illegal voting
2026-10-31T04:15:17.000Z
Vice President JD Vance used the town hall to promote Jon Husted's candidacy and called his opponent Sherrod Brown, a 'lunatic'
2026-10-30T21:04:05.000Z