A refreshed Democratic Party is gathering for a valedictory speech from President Joe Biden, whose decision to end his reelection bid released newfound energy with Vice President Kamala Harris′ rise to the top of the ticket. The Democratic National Convention that began Monday in Chicago holds particularly high stakes for the party. If successful, Democrats will slingshot Harris toward a faceoff with Republican Donald Trump. Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin was among those who spoke on the first night of the convention. Harris made an unannounced appearance onstage Monday evening to praise Biden, saying: “Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you’ll continue to do. We are forever grateful to you.” ===== FULL STORY: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/nation-world/democratic-national-convention-opens-transformed-by-harris-ascendance-but-facing-lingering-questions/507-77a8ffa3-1f57-49c4-bac9-10b04e3a0438 ===== Get the latest St. Louis news, weather and sports: https://www.ksdk.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ksdktv Follow us on X: https://www.x.com/ksdknews Download the 5 On Your Side app: https://www.ksdk.com/app To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku (http://bit.ly/3XxQuEZ), Amazon Fire TV (https://bit.ly/3YZZsw7) or the Apple TV App Store.