Vice President Kamala Harris declared a “new way forward” for all Americans as she officially accepted the Democratic nomination for president during a historic speech on Thursday night, which marked the end of the party’s convention in Chicago. Harris emphasized unity and encouraged voters to move beyond the “bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past,” while calling for support against Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Her speech, the culmination of a four-day convention, highlighted her personal journey and aimed to clarify a policy agenda that has been somewhat unclear. She made history as the first black and Asian-American woman to lead a major party’s presidential ticket.
At 59, Harris became the Democratic nominee after a series of rapid developments, including President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside in the presidential race. Recent polls indicate a competitive matchup against Trump, who has publicly criticized Harris’s presence and performance. In her nearly 45-minute address, Harris reintroduced herself to the nation by sharing stories from her upbringing in a working-class neighborhood as the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants. She stressed that her experience as a former prosecutor and her record as vice president equip her to effectively challenge Trump and serve in the White House. Harris also paid tribute to her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, reflecting on her mother’s lessons against injustice. Her sister Maya also spoke, emphasizing their mother’s legacy of high expectations.
In her address, Harris reached out to families across America by promising to create an “opportunity economy” where everyone has a fighting chance to succeed. She emphasized her intentions to tackle America’s housing shortage and support entrepreneurs but refrained from outlining specific policy changes from the current administration. Trump reacted to her speech on his social media platform, questioning her record during her vice presidency and criticizing her remarks.
The convention began with expectations centered around President Biden, but a significant shift occurred when he endorsed Harris as his successor following a lackluster debate performance. Since then, party leaders and delegates have rallied behind her candidacy. Harris’s speech received enthusiastic applause from delegates, signaling a resurgence of energy among Democrats ahead of the election.
Throughout the event, prominent Democratic figures such as Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Oprah Winfrey energized attendees. Biden, who is 81, delivered the keynote address on the first night, symbolically passing the torch to Harris and wishing her luck before her speech. The final night of the convention also highlighted important issues, like gun violence, with speakers sharing personal stories related to the topic.
As the convention concluded, a vibrant atmosphere filled the arena, with supporters waving American flags and celebrating Harris’s nomination. However, there were noticeable protests regarding Palestinian representation, which were not addressed directly by Harris in her speech, although she did advocate for both Israel’s security and the rights of Palestinians. The night included various celebrity appearances and performances, but speculation about a surprise performance by Beyoncé was unmet, leaving some attendees disappointed.