It was the hero's send-off he had hoped to defer for another four years but when it came, any lingering bitterness seemed forgotten for a cathartic hour as Joe Biden basked in the adulation of his party faithful.

Chicago's United Center crackled with pride, love and not a few tears as the US president stepped out to deliver his farewell speech Monday at the Democratic National Convention.

"The ending was like a fairy tale, because it seemed like a changing of the guard," said Azziem Underwood, 64, from Seattle, Washington.

"He seemed good. I was like, 'Oh, why did he step down? He was excellent today.'"

Flanked by First Lady Jill Biden and heir apparent Kamala Harris, as well as members of both families, the veteran Democrat's final bow marked at long last the passing of the torch for a politician who has been in the public eye for more than half a century.

Before his grand entrance, the vibe was distinctly Spring Break as speakers on the undercard led chants of........

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