The Democratic National Convention in Chicago saw President Joe Biden delivering his farewell speech well past most people's bedtimes, igniting varied reactions across the nation.

Amid a flurry of media coverage and public speculation, the unconventional -- and arguably disrespectful -- timing of Biden's convention speech, which was well-removed from prime-time hours, became a central talking point of the event, as Newsweek reports.

Biden, at 81 years old, stepped up to the podium close to 10:30 p.m. local time, a move that not only stretched the night but also tested the patience of East Coast viewers.

Originally, Biden’s speech was meant to mark a significant moment, symbolizing his endorsement of Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election against Donald Trump.

A Shift in Convention Timing Draws Criticism and Defense

The late-night scheduling of Biden’s speech was not initially planned. Setbacks during the evening caused the event to extend beyond its scheduled time, resulting in a start time that pushed Biden's speech out of the prime-time window for many viewers.

This led to diminished viewership and sparked a debate over whether the timing was appropriate.

Responses to the timing were mixed. Some defended the decision, pointing out the need to accommodate various U.S. time zones, while others, particularly on social media, voiced dissatisfaction and confusion.

Notably, Mehdi Hasan and other viewers expressed their confusion regarding the DNC's scheduling choices on platforms like X, highlighting the late hour.

Media Reactions and Public Sentiment on Social Media

The New York Post captured the sentiment of many by featuring Biden with the headline "Past his Bedtime," reflecting a broader media critique of the DNC’s handling of the event.

Social media platforms became arenas for vigorous debate, with some viewers accusing the DNC of intentionally sidelining the former president.

On X, one viewer argued that the timing was not a significant issue for Americans outside the East Coast.

However, another pointed out that the inconvenience might prevent many, like his wife, from watching the speech later, suggesting a significant missed opportunity for engagement.

Official Responses and Viewer Feedback

Convention officials explained the delay by highlighting the enthusiastic responses from the audience throughout the evening, which led to adjustments in the program. They expressed pride in the convention's atmosphere and the support for the Harris-Walz ticket.

Despite these official explanations, feedback from the public and media figures continued to question the DNC's decision. A longtime aide to Biden lamented the treatment of Biden, stressing his commitment to the campaign and his eventual stepping aside for Harris.

Amid the critiques, some convention attendees and viewers praised the overall coherence and quality of the speeches, including Biden's, which they felt aligned well with the party's message despite the scheduling issues.

Biden's Farewell Speech: Emotional and Reflective

In his speech, Biden reflected on his presidency with a touch of nostalgia and pride. He stated, "It's been an honor of my lifetime. I love the job. But I love my country more," capturing his emotional farewell and endorsement of Harris.

Viewer reactions to Biden's words were mixed, with some appreciating the heartfelt sentiment, while others focused more on the timing and its implications. The overall atmosphere at the convention was charged and dynamic, with strong displays of support for the future of the Democratic Party.

The discussion around Biden's late-night speech underscores the complexities of political event planning and the broad spectrum of public and media reactions it can elicit.

As the Democratic party rallies behind Harris, the implications of Biden’s farewell continue to stir discussions on media representation, viewer engagement, and party strategy.