‘I Love the Job, But I Love My Country More’: Biden Passes Torch To Harris, Says Reports He’s ‘Angry’ Are ‘Not True’

President Joe Biden got emotional as he verbally passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention Monday evening, insisting that any reports he was “angry” about stepping aside were “not true,” and he was acting out of love of country.

The DNC program was running about an hour behind schedule when First Daughter Ashley Biden introduced her father. Biden walked onto the stage at around 10:30 pm CT, embraced his daughter, and wiped away tears with a handkerchief before beginning his speech.

Harris made a brief surprise speech earlier in the evening, getting an enthusiastic response from the crowd at the United Center in Chicago. Former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton also got a raucous response from the arena, with the audience breaking out into chants of “ lock him up! ” when she brought up former President Donald Trump’s 34 felony convictions.

Close to the end of his speech, Biden shifted from discussing the legacy of the Biden-Harris administration and addressed his motivations for dropping out of the race.

“Folks, I’ve got five months left in my presidency,” said Biden. “I’ve got a lot to do. I intend to get it done. It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president.”

“I love the job, but I love my country more,” he said. “I love my country more.”

“And all this talk about how I’m angry at all those people who said I should step down — it’s not true,” he insisted, as chants of “We love Joe!” filled the arena.

“I love my country more and we need to preserve our democracy,” Biden continued. “In 2024, we need you to vote. We need you to keep the Senate, to win back the House of Representatives and above all, we need you to beat Donald Trump! And elect Kamala and Tim, President and Vice President of the United States of America!”

Watch the clip above via CNN .