US Election 2020: Biden is finally declared as the Democratic nominee formally

Joe Biden, who has served as the vice-president under President Barack Obama, on Tuesday was formally announced Democratic Party's nominee in a vote by delegates from all 50 States. Earlier, he had contested the polls in 1988 and 2008. Biden’s campaign was on the verge of collapse in February, stated a BBC report.

The former president made his key address on the second night of the Democrats convention themed "leadership matters."

"Donald Trump says we're leading the world," said Clinton in his pre-recorded speech from Chappaqua, New York. "Well, we are the only major industrial economy to have its unemployment rate triple.

Underlining the chaotic conditions prevailing at the president’s office, Clinton said, "At a time like this, the Oval Office should be a command centre. Instead, it's a storm centre. There's only chaos."

Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders delivered their speeches on Monday. On Tuesday, speeches tried to convey the message to voters the Democratic Party would solve problems at home and abroad.

The former secretary of Colin Powell said Biden shared "the values I learned growing up in the south Bronx and serving in uniform". Expressing his support to Biden, Powell said, "We need to restore those values to the White House". In June, Powell had served under President George W Bush and showed up at Republican rallies earlier. He said Trump is a liar. He is among many Republicans supporting Biden, among them is former Ohio Governor John Kasich.

Late Republican Senator John McCain’s widow Cindy McCain spoke about the friendship bonds her husband shared with Biden. However, she did not formally endorse Biden. Former Secretary of State John Kerry criticized Trump. He said, "When this president goes overseas, it isn't a goodwill mission, it's a blooper reel. He breaks up with our allies and writes love letters to dictators. America deserves a president who is looked up to, not laughed at."

Biden’s wife Jill gave her headline address, from the empty classroom at the Delaware high school. She used to teach English during the 1990s. Jill Biden said: "The burdens we carry are heavy, and we need someone with strong shoulders. I know that if we entrust this nation to Joe, he will do for your family what he did for ours: bring us together and make us whole."

In the backdrop of the pandemic, the Democratic convention is mostly online. It remains to be seen whether this format would generate similar enthusiasm as the party gatherings. The Republican convention next would largely virtual.

According to rating agency Nielsen, as compared to 2016, the Monday night had 28 pc fewer viewers. However, Democrats said 10m additional watched it online. This would put the number of viewers slightly above than 2016 if confirmed.

Biden has been leading as per many polls, though Trump has narrowed the margin recently.