Five takeaways from Day One of the Democratic National Convention

A Democratic National Convention like no other got underway here on Monday.

President Biden, who two months ago expected this event to be his ceremonial coronation as his party’s nominee, is instead passing the torch to Vice President Harris.

Democrats, who fell into a deep gloom after Biden’s disastrous June debate with former President Trump, are energized by the Harris candidacy. The vice president has edged ahead of Trump in most national surveys, leading the polling average maintained by The Hill and Decision Desk HQ by three points.

But the sharp transition from one party leader to another creates a delicate balance for Democrats as they try to move on from Biden in a way that does not disrespect him.