Biden goes from star to sideshow at Democratic convention

A few short weeks ago, Joe Biden was set to headline the Democratic National Convention — but after a brutal political comedown, he's now the warm-up act for Kamala Harris.

For a proud man like the 81-year-old U.S. president, his speech on the first day of the party's gathering in Chicago on Monday is sure to come with conflicting emotions.

Still harbouring frustration over his exit from the White House race, Biden will be trying to balance his feelings with the need to help his vice president beat Republican Donald Trump in November.

With Harris set to formally accept the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday, Biden's appearance was going to be like "opening for Taylor Swift," said Brookings Institution senior fellow William Galston.

"This will not be an easy speech," Galston told AFP.

But like all U.S. presidents, Biden has an eye on the history books, and he'll know that the surest way to secure his legacy now runs through Harris.

"I'm sure he understands that the chances that his presidency will be regarded as successful go way up if Kamala Harris succeeds him," said Galston.

 'The worst night' 

Trump has wasted no time in mocking the fact that his former opponent no longer has top billing.

"Monday, that's the worst day," Trump told a rally on Wednesday. "They're not even giving him a good spot to speak."

The former president also accused Harris of "trying to throw him (Biden) overboard."

Biden has deliberately taken a back seat to Harris since his stunning 21 July decision to bow out of the race following a catastrophic debate against Trump.

As Harris reenergizes the Democratic Party, Biden has spent long spells at his Delaware holiday home, where he...