President Joe Biden quoted a song to send a message to the American people about his presidency during his speech before the DNC on Monday night.
“‘The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day. What shall our legacy be? What will our children say? Let me know in my heart, when my days are through, America, America, I gave my best to you,’” Biden said toward the end of his speech at the United Center as he quoted lyrics from the song "American Anthem."
Gene Scheer wrote the song and opera star Denyce Graves debuted it in 1998 at the Smithsonian Institution, before an audience that included the Clintons. Norah Jones then popularized the song when she recorded it for the 2007 World War II miniseries, “The War.” For his part, Biden also quoted the song in his inaugural address in 2021.
Biden during his DNC speech also stressed to the American people that everyone has a part to play with regard to the 2024 presidential election.
“It's in your hands. America's future is in your hands,” the president said. “America is, and always has been, a nation of possibilities. Possibilities. We must never lose that. Never. Kamala [Harris] and Tim [Walz] understand that this nation must continue to be a place of possibilities. Not just for the few of us, but for all of us. So, join me in promising your whole heart to this effort, and what my heart will be. I promise I'll be the best volunteer Harris and Walz have ever seen.”
