As he left to give a speech on Monday night on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, the departing US president was observed blotting away his tears.
Ashley, his daughter, had brought him to the stage at the United Center for what was supposed to be his farewell performance.
The audience responded with a four-minute standing ovation and “thank you Joe” chants.
Biden addresses the Democratic National Convention as it actually happened
Before this year’s US election, Mr. Biden dubbed Republican presidential contender Donald Trump a “loser” and pushed the audience to support Democratic challenger Kamala Harris in a nearly hour-long speech.
Less than a month had passed since he withdrew from the presidential election, raising concerns about his age and eligibility to serve a further four years.
Democrats’ worries grew following a dismal debate performance against Mr. Trump in June and many high-profile blunders.
