US Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamal Harris has thanked US President Joe Biden for his "lifetime of service" to the nation. Addressing the opening of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the Indian-origin leader said the country was "forever grateful" to the 81-year-old for his leadership.
"I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden. Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation. We are forever grateful to you," she said in a surprise speech on the first day of the party's convention.
Usually, the presidential nominees deliver their remarks on the final day of the convention. But Harris broke tradition and was greeted by loud cheers from the crowd.
The 59-year-old leader is expected to officially accept her nomination for the November US elections at the convention.
"People from every corner of our country and every walk of life are here and this November we will come together and declare with one voice that we are moving forward. Let us always remember -- when we fight, we win," she said.
At the end of the four-day convention, which concludes on August 22, Harris and her running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will be nominated as the Democratic candidates for US' president and vice president.
Biden is expected to deliver a 'swan song' address and endorse his deputy against Donald Trump, the former US President.
Former US presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are also expected to speak. The Democrats will also honour Hilary Clinton, their official candidate who lost to Donald Trump in the 2016 US Presidential Elections.