CHICAGO -- President Joe Biden may not have given the acceptance speech he wanted to make at the Democratic National Convention Monday night, but his address could have served as a bookend of sorts on his own decades-long political career.

Facing mounting pressure from within his own party after a disastrous June debate, Biden was forced to withdraw from the 2024 race. He is now months away from leaving office and entering political obscurity. He'll depart with a legacy of public service as a senator, vice president, and finally, the long-sought position of president. However, he'll also be remembered for the events that curtailed his reelection ambitions, ultimately attaching the label of a one-term presidency to his name, a mark that has marred the legacies of only a select few former occupants of the White House.

For at least this week in Chicago , however, Biden was celebrated as nothing short of a champion.

Speaker after speaker expressed their thanks to him repeatedly throughout their remarks. Conversations with attendees highlighted a deep respect for a man who, in their view, sacrificed his own personal aspirations to better position the party to defeat a threat to democracy itself in the form of former President Donald Trump . And first lady Jill Biden praised him as a man filled with compassion, for his children and grieving strangers alike, and a love for country that led him to end his presidential campaign.

Moments later, after an introduction from his daughter, Biden himself, with tears in his eyes, took the stage to an enthusiastic crowd holding signs professing their love for the president and chanting their gratitude.

"I love you," he expressed at the commencement of his speech. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"I believe history will acknowledge that Joe Biden saved America twice. The first time was by removing the malignancy that was the Trump presidency and healing the nation after Jan. 6. And then I believe he is attempting to save America again by putting his own ego aside, stepping back and prioritizing what's best for the country by allowing Vice President Harris to take on Donald Trump," stated seasoned Democratic strategist Peter Giangreco.

The concept of legacy was clearly on the 46th president's mind as he addressed the party's loyal supporters on Monday night, even as he delivered a speech that just a few weeks ago would've been intended to boost his own reelection hopes rather than those of his No. 2.

Biden possesses a substantial track record -- elected to the Senate at the young age of 29, then joining a landmark presidential ticket as vice president in 2008, utilizing his eight terms in office to guide the passage of agreements with a Congress he'd served in for decades.

As president, he spearheaded monumental investments in infrastructure, steered the nation's recovery from COVID-19, fostered scientific advancement, strengthened international alliances in the face of Russia and China's aggression, and achieved numerous other milestones – achievements he highlighted on Monday.

"We've accomplished more in the last four years than any administration in recent history," he asserted.

He showered praise upon Vice President Kamala Harris, his chosen successor, whose victory in November would not only ensure four more years of Democratic leadership but also bolster Biden's narrative of a healthy party with a promising future.

"Are you prepared to vote for freedom? Are you prepared to vote for democracy and freedom? Are you prepared to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?" he asked the crowd, each question met with enthusiastic cheers.

Biden also emphasized the dangers posed by his predecessor, urging the party to prevent his return to power.

"You can't claim to love your country only when things go your way," he declared, echoing a common critique aimed at Trump and the January 6, 2021, insurrection.

During his speech, Biden was intermittently interrupted by the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd.

Gone were the concerns about his age and electability that had plagued the party just over a month ago. Instead, on the United Center's convention floor, a boisterous crowd, eager to express their appreciation for Biden, chanted, "we love Joe" and "union Joe."

"The level of enthusiasm, respect, and affection for him will, I believe, be monumental, something we haven't witnessed within the Democratic Party in decades, since before Obama, simply due to his selflessness," said one senior Democratic strategist. "His legacy will be about restoring stability during a time of extraordinary turmoil and preventing us from falling into authoritarianism, as we teetered on the brink of a second uncontrolled Trump term."

Yet, despite the praise in Chicago, Biden's legacy is still being formed.

Party strategists believe that the outcome of this year's presidential election will significantly shape Biden's historical legacy. A Harris victory could validate his promise to be a transitional party leader and prevent Trump's political comeback. Conversely, a Harris defeat could highlight Biden's unpopularity, prompting questions about whether the president hindered Harris' chances of victory before she even started her campaign.

"Presidents who serve just one term aren't necessarily viewed as great presidents, especially when followed by someone like Donald Trump. So, I believe his legacy hinges on what happens in the next few months. And if Harris wins, I think it'll be a decidedly positive legacy for him," said Jim Kessler, a co-founder of the center-left think tank Third Way.

On top of that, there's no avoiding the ruinous June debate.

Following that head-to-head with Trump, historians and political strategists in both parties described Biden's performance as historically poor. The sheer power of the debate - potent enough to end the reelection campaign of a sitting president with a strong legislative record - will undoubtedly be mentioned in future textbooks when discussing Biden.

"It's always better to leave on a high note than to prolong it until the only things people remember are the mistakes you made," said longtime Democratic National Committee member James Zogby.

Biden's supporters believe the debate will be a minor detail in the president's overall legacy.

After the event, when Biden remained resolute in his intention to stay in the race, he and his allies repeated the argument that a decades-long career couldn't be defined by a single night. While this claim failed to silence the calls for Biden to end his campaign, it provides his supporters with a compelling argument that Biden's years of public service will eclipse the impact of the debate in the years to come.

"I don't believe the debate will be a decisive factor. It will be mentioned in his biography, but his legacy will be defined by his accomplishments, particularly his decision to step down from the most powerful position in the world, which is a challenging feat for anyone, and to hand over the reins to a new generation," said former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, D.

And for one evening in Chicago, the debate seemed a distant concern for the Democrats.

"America, America, I've given my best to you," Biden stated near the end of his speech.

After Biden finished his remarks, Jill Biden, Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff joined him on stage, offering him warm embraces.

The baton had been passed. The crowd erupted.