Biden passes torch to Kamala Harris in emotional farewell speech

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CHICAGO: President Joe Biden cemented the Democratic Party’s elevation of Kamala Harris to lead the fight for the White House against Republican Donald Trump with a convention speech on Monday that praised his vice president as the best hope for preserving American democracy.

Biden took centre stage on opening night of the Democratic National Convention, drawing an extended standing ovation from the party faithful and delivering a farewell speech to the party he has served for half a century – even with five months left in office.

Wiping away tears after being introduced by his daughter Ashley, Biden waved to the crowd that held signs saying, “We (heart) Biden.” Beaming, he responded, “I love YOU.” “Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?” Biden said.

Taking multiple swipes at Trump, Biden promised to be the “best volunteer” Harris and Minnesota Governor Walz, her vice presidential running mate, had ever seen.

Earlier, East Singhbhum district Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal told PTI that the last location of the aircraft, which belonged to Alchemist Aviation company, was detected near Nimdih under Chandil sub-division of Seraikela-Kharswan district, by the Air Traffic Control at Sonari Aerodrome.

The administrations of the East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharswan districts, police and the Forest Department were searching for the aircraft, he said.

Besides the areas near Nimdih, searches were also being conducted in adjoining Purulia district of West Bengal, he added.

The aircraft, reported to be a Cessna 152 owned by flying school Alchemist Aviation, took off from the Sonari aerodrome in Jamshedpur around 11 am on Tuesday with a pilot and trainee on board, they said.