"All Americans' President, Harris, acting as a peacemaker, addresses the party gathering"
Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris accused her opponent, Donald Trump, of focusing solely on self-interest and attempting to lead the country backwards. Instead, she promised to serve as a "president who unites us around our greatest ideals." She vowed to put an end to "bitterness, skepticism, and the divisive wars of the past."
The crowd cheered the slogan "Not Going Back!" as Harris spoke, particularly targeting independent and undecided voters, who will be vital in the November 5th election.
Harris portrayed herself as a pragmatic, bipartisan politician, addressing Trump's attempts to portray her as a radical leftist. If elected, she promised to always consider the country's well-being above party or personal interests, making decisions with "realism, common sense, and practicality."
Born to immigrants from India and Jamaica, Harris would be the first woman, the first African American, the first Asian American, and the first with Asian roots to become president. She expressed her deep love for the United States, calling it "the best country on Earth."
Harris, previously overshadowed by Biden until his candidacy announcement in July, used the occasion to share her personal story. She spoke at length about her middle-class upbringing and her mother's resilience and courage as a cancer researcher from India.
Her key proposals included tax breaks for the middle class, addressing the housing crisis, and reinstating the nationwide right to abortion, which was abolished by the conservative-leaning Supreme Court two years ago. She also pledged to reform the "broken immigration system," accusing Trump of sabotaging bipartisan immigration reform for political gain.
In foreign policy, Harris highlighted her work with Biden on a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza conflict and the release of hostages held by the extremist Islamic group Hamas. She expressed support for Israel's right to self-defense while also acknowledging the suffering of the Palestinian people.
She proposed a resolution of the conflict that would ensure Israel's security while allowing the Palestinian people to exercise their rights to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination. This was a message to the thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters who had gathered in Chicago during the convention.
Harris also pledged to stand "firmly with Ukraine and our NATO allies" in the face of Russian aggression. Unlike Trump, she said, she would not "court favor with tyrants and dictators," mentioning Trump's friendly relationships with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Dictators, Harris claimed, were backing Trump in the presidential race. They understood that Trump, being easily flattered and bribed, would not hold autocrats accountable because he aspired to be one himself.
Harris warned of "extremely grave" consequences if Trump were to return to the White House, citing the recent Supreme Court ruling on the criminal immunity of U.S. presidents. "Picture a Trump without checks and balances and the immense power of the presidency at his disposal," she said.
Trump responded to Harris' speech on his social media platform Truth Social during her speech. "She complains about everything but does nothing!" the 78-year-old wrote, among other things.1
Harris' speech concluded the four-day Democratic party convention, which saw an overwhelming wave of excitement among Democrats reach new heights. The atmosphere was predominantly celebratory, fueled by performances from musicians like Stevie Wonder, Lil Jon, Pink, and The Chicks.2
However, polls still suggest a close race between Trump and Harris. "I believe the momentum is on our side, but we need to capitalize on it now and successfully engage voters between now and the fall election," said Harris' campaign manager Dan Kanninen.3
The conciliator Harris mentioned the importance of bipartisan politics, promising to put the country's well-being above party or personal interests. As a conciliator, she vowed to consider decisions with "realism, common sense, and practicality."
