US President Joe Biden on Monday blasted Republican presidential pick Donald Trump, calling him a “loser” in an explosive speech at the opening night of the Democratic National Convention.

“Donald Trump calls America a failing nation,” Biden said, and added, “He says, we’re losing. He’s the loser – he’s dead wrong.”

Joe Biden said that America is “winning” and the world is “better off for it”, adding that Trump continues to “lie” about matters such as crime and immigration.

The 81-year-old also praised Vice President Kamala Harris, cementing the party’s backing of the 59-year-old in the November presidential elections.

Addressing the cheering crowd, who gave him an extended standing ovation after he was introduced at the convention by his daughter Ashley Biden, the 81-year-old US President asked, “Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?”

Joe Biden talked about his administration’s accomplishments – boosting the US economy and strengthening US alliances abroad – as he spoke clearly and energetically. He repeated his 2020 election campaign theme that “we’re in a battle for the very soul of America” and highlighted why Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz were best prepared for achieving the same.

“Because of you, we’ve had the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period,” Biden said, and added, “I say ‘we,’ I mean me and Kamala,'” sharing the credit for his most popular successes with the Vice President whom he endorsed for the presidential elections after dropping out of the White House race last month.

Joe Biden also condemned the racism and white supremacy that continue to plague the US, saying there was no place for these in the country.