Now Joe opens for Kamala: Biden introduces Harris at glitzy Congressional Black Caucus gala where Democratic nominee sports a sequined gown

President Joe Biden was Vice President Kamala Harris’ opening act when the two appeared at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual gala in Washington.

The outgoing president was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the group’s Phoenix Awards dinner, after which he had to yield the stage to the Democratic nominee.

The 81-year-old made a small mistake during his introduction.

“I served as vice president to the first Black president and former CBC member. I’m president alongside the first Black president, a former CBC member,” Biden said, dropping the “vice.” “And God willing, she’ll be the first woman of the United States — president of the United States of America.”

Harris then took the stage in a long, black sequined dress, a departure from her usual blazers, pantsuits and Chuck Taylors.

The Democratic candidate wore a long, black sequined dress as he addressed thousands at the Washington Convention Center

Vice President Kamala Harris ditched her Chuck Taylors and blazers for a flashy, sequined dress as she addressed the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards Dinner

She was immediately interrupted by a skee wee chant, a flute-like cry used by members of her sorority.

The vice president gave a shout-out to members of all the “divine nine” sororities and her HBCU brothers and sisters, then discussed her time with Biden.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve as his vice president. And I will tell you that I have worked very closely with him, whether we are in the Oval Office or the Situation Room, Joe Biden always fights for the American people,” she said.

“And I know that history will show what we all know here: He has been one of the most transformative presidents in American history,” Harris said, thanking him for “all that he is and all that he has yet to do.”

It was also a big love story when Biden talked about Harris.

“Kamala Harris exemplifies the highest standards of character. I have served with her, I know her, I trust her, and I will be proud to stand on the steps of the United States Capitol and take the oath of office as President of the United States of America.”

During the dinner, Biden focused his speech primarily on criticizing Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

President Joe Biden spoke first at Saturday night’s Congressional Black Caucus Foundation gala, criticizing GOP vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance for claiming Haitian immigrants ate pets

President Joe Biden (left) received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Rep. Terri Sewell (center) and Rep. Steven Horsford at Saturday’s Congressional Black Caucus Foundation gala in D.C.

Actress and comedian Sherri Shepherd (left) and Roy Wood Jr. (right), known for his work on The Daily Show, were tapped as hosts for the evening

He attacked Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance, for claiming that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were eating people’s pets.

“It’s wrong, it has to stop,” the president said.

Biden warned of Trump’s broader MAGA movement: “Let us be clear: There are old minds in new robes who want to take your power, and extremists who want to take your freedom.”

“Making it harder to vote and make sure your vote is counted, closing the door to opportunity, attacking Affirmative Action and the values ​​of diversity, equality and inclusion,” he continued. “Banning books, erasing history.”

He slammed his “predecessor” for praising those involved in January 6 and trying to deploy the military to quell protests following the death of George Floyd in May 2020.

“He says immigrants — black and brown immigrants — are poisoning the blood of our country,” Biden said of Trump.

“Every president should reject hate in America and incite hate, not stoke it,” the president added.

Harris took a more lighthearted approach to Trump, ridiculing him — as she has since Tuesday’s debate — for his response when asked whether he had health insurance.

“We actually have a plan for health care, not just ‘concepts of a plan,’” she told the crowd, which cheered. “Concepts,” she said again.

The CBC event drew thousands of black Americans from across the country.

Harris thanked them in advance for getting the votes.

“I truly believe that America is ready to end the politics of division and hate. And to do that, our country is counting on the leadership here in this room,” she said.