This Kamala Harris ought to induce Trump to kneel in submission.
At the Democratic Convention, there's a potential future leader on display who seems to embody all the right traits: tough on foreign policy, compassionate towards people's concerns, and overflowing with energy for America's values. Kamala Harris appeared ready to take on Donald Trump.
You can't truly understand someone unless you know what they're not. Harris isn't a showman like Barack Obama, nor has she spent decades bargaining in Congress like Joe Biden. She's not a chameleon politician or a wealthy white man manufactured by the elite. Some thought she wasn't a great speaker - until Thursday night in Chicago, where the venue burst at the seams as Harris claimed the Democratic presidential nomination. And with a powerful speech, she effectively erased doubts about her ideologies, skills, and potential presidency.
The atmosphere was electric again as she stepped onto the stage, taking a couple of minutes to thank everyone. "Now, let's get down to business," she repeated, before the noise level subsided enough for her to share her story. She talked about her family, the values she grew up with, where she was raised. She shared why she chose to become a prosecutor: "A close friend of mine confided in me that she was sexually abused by her stepfather." Harris immediately took her friend in. "I became a prosecutor to protect people like her, because I believe everyone has a right to safety, dignity, and justice." The crowd roared in approval.
The introduction was a powerful prelude to the historical moment of the evening. Her personal motivations, followed by her relentless commitment to serving the people in the courtroom. And then, "In the name of every American, regardless of party, ethnicity, gender, or the language of their grandmother, I accept your nomination." The cheer was deafening. Harris presented herself as the hopeful, positive candidate of unity. Her opponent, Republican Donald Trump, was painted as the divisive force.
Harris became the first Black and second female candidate to be publicly nominated within her party that night - a historic moment. Many women have aspired to be U.S. presidents, but only one reached the nomination of the two major parties. But Hillary Clinton was stopped by Trump in 2016. Harris' speech that night might be her only chance to shape her image among undecided and independent voters - without being immediately distorted, as it was on September 10, when she faces her opponent, Donald Trump, in a televised debate.
She aced the beginning of her speech. Now, Harris needed to demonstrate she had what it takes to be president. She did this by repeatedly criticizing her Republican opponent and positioning herself as his antithesis. She portrayed herself as a champion for the people and him as someone who acts only in his own interests. "Trump is not a serious man, but the consequences of having him in the White House would be very serious," she warned at one point.
Promises to the Middle Class
Harris promised to tackle the everyday problems of Americans, making healthcare and medication costs affordable, and providing small-business loans. She aimed to strengthen the middle class and end the housing crisis, unlike Trump who only offered tax cuts for his wealthy cronies. She intended to sway public opinion on this issue by focusing on everyday concerns.
The abortion issue revved up Democratic voters, so Harris delved into it. Republicans and Trump planned to limit access to birth control and ban abortions nationwide, with or without congressional approval, she said. "He plans to appoint a national anti-abortion coordinator and require states to report miscarriages and abortions by women." These allegations stemmed from the conservative "Project 2025," a government program many in Trump's circle contributed to, but which the former president publicly distanced himself from. "They're completely insane," Harris concluded.
Many Americans believed Trump was better equipped to handle immigration at the southern border with Mexico. Republicans tried to paint Harris as a failure, but the Democrat skillfully explained how Trump sabotaged agreements with conservatives in Congress, thinking it would help Biden's campaign. "I refuse to use our security as a political tool," she said. "As president, I will reinstate that agreement and sign it." It included provisions for more border patrol agents and a significant reduction in asylum processing times. Harris also promised comprehensive immigration reform.
No Backing Down to Tyrants
Harris demonstrated her resolve and promised that if elected, the U.S. would maintain the strongest, most formidable military forces in the world. The United States needed to lead the world, not threaten to abandon NATO like Trump did, or encourage Russia's President Vladimir Putin. "Five days before Russia invaded Ukraine, I met with President Zelensky," she said, demonstrating her leadership skills and promising, "As president, I will stand with Ukraine and NATO!"
The candidate successfully appealed to both Israel and the Palestinians. When she said she was working to help Palestinians "exercise their right to self-determination," the crowd erupted in applause; it was a contentious issue among Democrats that alienated progressives and young voters from Biden, especially in the crucial state of Michigan, where many Arab-American voters lived. Harris now showed her toughness: "I will not bend to the will of tyrants and dictators like Kim Jong Un who support Trump; they know he's easily swayed by flattery and favors. They know Trump won't hold them accountable, because he wants to be a dictator himself."
Harris showcases her commanding leadership, effortlessly moving into a more candid manner. Using a gentler tone, she once more advocates for the unity of every American and cherished patriotic values, positioning herself as a unifying figure. Lo and behold, balloons falling from the ceiling, and Beyoncé's "Freedom" echoes. The message is unmistakable though, an evident fact emerges: Trump ought to prepare for a challenging battle against a Kamala Harris with this kind of presence.
After her powerful speech, Harris reassured her audience, saying, "I'm not here to divide us, I'm here to bring us together." Despite her opponent's attempts, she declared, "I'm not going to allow Donald Trump to define me or my candidacy with his falsehoods and smears."
