It was Vice President Kamala Harris big night at the conclusion of the 2024 Democratic National Convention which held in Chicago from August 19 – 22.
She made history by formally accepting her party’s presidential nomination. In a 38-minute speech, one of the shortest in modern history, Harris reflected on her childhood, shared her vision for the future, and outlined her presidential aspirations.
Ms. Harris also emphasized her foreign policy principles and drew clear distinctions between herself and her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, as the race for the White House enters its final 11 weeks.
On the final night of the four-day Democratic National Convention, Harris, 59, promised to be a “realistic,” “practical” president for all Americans as she battles Trump, 78, in a razor-close campaign.
“In the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand, and I know where the United States belongs,” she said on Thursday, accusing Trump of bowing down to dictators.
She promised to back NATO and Ukraine and “stand up to Putin’s aggression,” a reference to Russia’s president.
Harris emerged as the Democratic candidate a little more than a month ago when allies of President Joe Biden, 81, forced him to quit the race.
It was a forceful speech for a candidate who, during her brief campaign, had yet to articulate much of her vision for the country. Harris has faced a stream of personal attacks from Trump, who called her weak on the foreign stage.
After days of protests from Palestinian supporters who were disappointed at not getting a speaking spot at the convention, Harris delivered a pledge to secure Israel, bring the hostages home from Gaza, and end the war in the Palestinian enclave.
“Now is the time to get a hostage deal and a ceasefire deal done,” she said to cheers. “And let me be clear, I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself, and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself.“
She said she wanted to end the war in a way that provides for Israel’s security and allows the Palestinian people to realize their right to self-determination.
Harris said she would take whatever action was necessary to defend U.S. interests against Iran and said tyrants and dictators, including North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, “are rooting for Trump.”
Likely First Female U.S. President?
If victorious, Harris stands to make history as the first woman elected U.S. president on Nov. 5.
Harris drew a series of contrasts with Trump, accusing him of not fighting for the middle class, planning to enact a tax hike through his tariff proposals, and having set in motion the end of a constitutional right to abortion with his picks for the U.S. Supreme Court.
Harris noted the Supreme Court’s recent ruling about presidential immunity and the risks that would pose if Trump gained power again.
“Just imagine Donald Trump with no guard rails,” she said.
Trump, who had promised to respond to Harris’ speech in real-time, posted a series of messages on Truth Social as she spoke about him, including, “She stands for Incompetence and Weakness – Our Country is being laughed at all over the World!” and “She will never be respected by the Tyrants of the World!”
In addition, Harris stated that she would enact a middle-class tax cut to assist over 100 million Americans, in contrast to Trump’s promise to lower the corporate tax rate.
She talked about her plans to campaign for laws protecting voting rights and abortion rights, increase the supply of housing, and outlaw what she has dubbed “price gouging” by grocery stores. A further proposal from her campaign is to improve the corporation tax rate from 21% to 28%.
The United Center in Chicago of 23,500 seats capacity – venue of the event was bustling with people and activity. Arena employees momentarily barred more people from entering citing the municipal fire marshal’s declaration that the structure was full.
“We did it,” Harris told supporters at a post-convention reception. “Forward, forward, forward.“
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