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.

After US Presidential candidate Donald Trump said that he might consider offering Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk an advisory role within his administration, the latter responded with a social media post that read, “I am willing to serve.”

The post features Mr Musk standing in front of a podium emblazoned with the words “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).” The acronym is a playful nod to Dogecoin, the popular cryptocurrency that originated as a meme.

I am willing to serve pic.twitter.com/BJhGbcA2e0

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 20, 2024

Mr Musk’s post came in the wake of an offer from Mr Trump, the Republican frontrunner in the upcoming US presidential race. On Monday, Mr Trump mentioned that, if elected, he would consider appointing Musk to a cabinet position or an advisory role within his administration. Mr Trump’s comments followed his critique of the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicle (EV) purchases, a measure he suggested he might abolish if he returns to the White House.

“Tax credits and tax incentives are not generally a very good thing,” Mr Trump said after a campaign event in Pennsylvania. When asked specifically about the possibility of naming Mr Musk to a particular role in his administration, Mr Trump was unequivocal: “He’s a very smart guy. I certainly would, if he would do it, I certainly would. He’s a brilliant guy.”

Mr Musk, who last month publicly endorsed Trump for the presidency, has not yet commented directly on whether he would accept such an offer. However, his post on X has sparked speculation about his potential involvement in a future Trump administration.