The American Democratic Party concluded its National Convention in Chicago on Thursday night, marked by Vice President Kamala Harris’s formal acceptance of her nomination as the candidate for the presidential election on November 5. In her speech, she articulated her vision and priorities, asserting that she was best positioned to unite a polarized nation against her Republican opponent, Donald Trump.
Addressing a full audience during prime time, Harris, 59, emphasized joy, optimism, and patriotism as vital components of her campaign to garner the support of the largest number of American voters, as she aims to be the first woman and person of color to occupy the White House.
“On behalf of the people, on behalf of all Americans, regardless of race, background, or the language your grandparents spoke, I accept your nomination to become the president of the United States of America,” Harris told an enthusiastic crowd of supporters.
Her speech serves as an epilogue to the month since the former California prosecutor entered the race following President Joe Biden’s exit, which came after a dismal performance in a presidential debate that led to pressure from Democratic Party leaders.
The Democratic candidate, who has yet to grant interviews or hold a press conference, utilized her acceptance speech—an event of significant importance in American political life—to directly address all Americans.
After sharing her personal narrative as the daughter of middle-class immigrants who achieved the American dream, Harris reflected on her tenure as attorney general of California, where she “defended children, women, and the vulnerable.” She promised that, if elected president, she would protect everyone’s right “to a life of dignity and prosperity,” one that is free “from fear and cynicism, allowing everyone a chance to succeed.”
The candidate did not hold back in her forceful criticism of her Republican rival, warning that “the consequences of Donald Trump’s return to the White House would be dire,” stating that his agenda “seeks to drag America backwards.”
Kamala Harris also addressed the foreign policy she intends to implement during her presidency. She specifically committed to “strongly defend Ukraine and our NATO allies,” while emphasizing, regarding the “devastating” situation in Gaza, that it is “high time to reach an agreement that ensures the release of hostages, and a ceasefire now.”
As on previous evenings, the excited audience heard from notable speakers, including Senator and former presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren, civil rights leader Al Sharpton, and basketball star Stephen Curry, along with prosecutors who had worked with Kamala Harris, showcasing various aspects of her life, career, and achievements in social justice, security, and foreign policy.
The Democratic convention, characterized as a transition between Biden and Harris, was promoted by the party as a moment signifying unity and renewed momentum for the Democratic campaign.
Throughout the four days of this gathering, leading figures from the party and numerous celebrities took turns at the podium of the vast “United Center” in Chicago, presenting a united front in support of Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, while directly challenging the Republican ticket led by Trump and Senator JD Vance.
President Biden, receiving a prolonged ovation in a speech that acted as a farewell message, labeled Donald Trump a threat to democracy, while former president and party icon Barack Obama characterized Trump, in a passionate address, as a billionaire primarily concerned with himself, fostering division and hatred to further his own interests.
Outside the convention center, however, the perceived unity appeared less palpable, and the divisions became clearer as demonstrators voiced their opposition to the war in Gaza.
Kamala Harris initially ran for president in 2019 but quickly withdrew her campaign before being selected by Biden as his vice president.
Just three years prior, Hillary Clinton had lost to Donald Trump after a campaign marked, according to her and her defenders, by misogyny and sexism.
In Chicago, elected officials and Democratic activists now project confidence, viewing Ms. Harris’s identity as a woman of color as a significant asset. With less than three months remaining, the race is tight, and the outcome of the vote remains uncertain.
With MAP
The Democratic Party’s National Convention: Kamala Harris Accepts Nomination for President
Kamala Harris Accepts Nomination Amidst Challenges
The American Democratic Party concluded its National Convention in Chicago on Thursday evening as Vice President Kamala Harris solemnly accepted her nomination as the candidate for the November 5 presidential election. In a powerful speech, Harris outlined her vision, priorities, and her commitment to uniting a polarized nation against her Republican opponent, Donald Trump.
A Message of Unity and Patriotism
Addressing a packed house during prime time, 59-year-old Harris emphasized joy, optimism, and patriotism as the cornerstones of her campaign aimed at garnering the support of a diverse American electorate. “On behalf of the people, on behalf of all Americans, regardless of race, regardless of background, regardless of the language your grandparents spoke, on behalf of all of you, I accept your nomination to become the president of the United States of America,” Harris declared to a roaring audience.
The Context of Her Nomination
Her acceptance speech marks the culmination of a month since the former California prosecutor entered the race following President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal, a move prompted by significant pressures from the Democratic elite after a notably poor debate performance.
A Historic Moment in American Politics
Engaging All Americans
Using this critical platform, a historically significant moment in American politics, Harris directly addressed all Americans, weaving her personal story as the daughter of middle-class immigrants achieving the American dream into her address. She reflected on her tenure as the Attorney General of California, stating, “I defended children, women, and the vulnerable,” and promising a presidency that would protect the right to “a life of dignity and prosperity, free from fear and cynicism.”
Strong Words Against Trump
During her speech, Harris did not hold back in her criticism of Donald Trump, stating that his return to the White House would have dire consequences for the nation, warning that his policies are designed to drag America backward.
Kamala Harris’ Foreign Policy Vision
Support for Allies and Calls for Peace
In outlining her foreign policy stance, Kamala Harris emphasized her commitment to supporting Ukraine and defending NATO allies. Furthermore, she addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
A Star-Studded Convention
Throughout the four-day convention, notable speakers, including Senator and former presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren and civil rights leader Al Sharpton, shared their perspectives on Harris’ impact and achievements in social justice, security, and foreign policy. The enthusiastic crowd also saw appearances by figures like basketball star Stephen Curry.
Unity Symbolized
Marketed as a significant moment of unity within the party and a symbolic passing of the torch from Biden to Harris, the convention featured Democratic heavyweights who rallied behind Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Together, they aimed to confront the Republican ticket led by Trump and Senator JD Vance.
Biden and Obama’s Support
President Biden, who received an emotional ovation during his farewell-like address, called Donald Trump a “threat to democracy.” Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama passionately criticized Trump in his speech, portraying him as a self-serving billionaire who promotes division and hatred for personal gain.
Protests and Divisions Outside the Convention
While unity was celebrated inside the convention center, divisions were palpable outside, where demonstrators protested against the war in Gaza, highlighting the ongoing issues and challenges facing the Democratic Party.
Kamala Harris’ Political Journey
Kamala Harris first entered the presidential race in 2019 but suspended her campaign before being chosen by Biden as his vice president. Her identity as a woman of color is viewed by many Democratic officials and activists as a significant advantage in the upcoming election.
The Road Ahead: 2024 Presidential Race
With less than three months remaining until the election, the race is unprecedentedly tight and the potential outcomes remain uncertain. As Kamala Harris rallies her support base while navigating challenges from within and outside the party, political observers will keep a close eye on the developments leading up to November.
Key Takeaways
- Nomination Acceptance: Kamala Harris officially accepted the nomination to run for president.
- Vision for America: She aims to unite a divided nation and promote positivity.
- Critique of Trump: Harris emphasized the risks associated with a potential Trump presidency.
- Foreign Policy Focus: A robust stance on international issues, particularly regarding support for Ukraine.
- Unity at the Convention: The event showcased a range of Democratic leaders backing Harris and Walz.
Table: Key Moments from the Convention
| Date | Key Event | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Opening Ceremony | Kamala Harris |
| Day 2 | Women in Politics Forum | Elizabeth Warren |
| Day 3 | Social Justice Session | Al Sharpton |
| Day 4 | Nomination Acceptance | Kamala Harris |
