Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic Party's presidential nomination on Thursday during the national convention held at the United Center in Chicago. "On behalf of all those whose stories could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nomination to be President of the United States of America," she posted on her profile on X today.
In her acceptance speech, Harris distanced herself from the policies of her Republican rival, Donald Trump, promising a focus on defending democratic values and human rights. Harris accused Trump of wanting to "turn back the clock" on America and warned that the consequences of bringing Trump back to the White House "are extremely serious."
She highlighted the multiple legal cases Trump faces and criticized his proposals to give tax breaks to the wealthy. "We know what a second Trump term would look like," Harris warned before proclaiming, "We will not turn back! We will not turn back!" These words resonated strongly among the thousands of attendees, who began chanting the phrase, making it a central slogan of Harris's presidential campaign.
Immigration Reform and Middle-Class Focus
The current vice president dedicated a portion of her speech to immigration reform, asserting that the United States can regularize the status of over eleven million undocumented migrants while protecting the border with Mexico. "I believe we can honor our heritage as a nation of immigrants and reform our broken immigration system," Harris declared to an applauding crowd.
During her speech, Harris also touched on her roots and the journey that led her to become a lawyer, prosecutor, and now the second most powerful person in the country, a story she used to connect with the middle class and the less advantaged. "The middle class is where I come from, and it will be a fundamental focus of my presidency," she emphasized, underlining the importance of rebuilding this sector as a cornerstone of her administration. Harris also highlighted her commitment to uniting the nation around common aspirations and overcoming the divisions that have marked recent years.
Foreign Policy
Regarding foreign policy, the Democratic candidate reaffirmed her support for Ukraine and her aim to strengthen international alliances. "As president, I will stand firm with Ukraine and our NATO allies," she declared, emphasizing her intention to counter any threats to stability in Europe. "I will not be friendly with tyrants and dictators like Kim Jong-un, who are hoping Trump wins," she stated.
The conflict in Gaza was another key topic in her speech. Harris expressed unwavering support for Israel's right to defend itself while acknowledging the humanitarian situation caused by the war in the region. Harris concluded her speech with a call for unity and progress, promising to be a president who guides the country toward a more inclusive and prosperous future. "I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations. A president who leads and listens," she affirmed.
As the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Kamala Harris has already made history as the first woman and person of African-American and South Asian descent to hold the vice presidency. Now she seeks to break another barrier by becoming the first female president of the United States.
Reactions from Key Democratic Figures
Hours before her nomination acceptance speech, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden spoke with Harris to express their support. "Jill and I just spoke with Kamala Harris. We are looking forward to seeing her accept this historic nomination. Kamala and Tim (Walz) will inspire a generation and guide us into the future," Biden wrote in a message on X, accompanied by a photo of him and his wife holding a phone while watching the convention broadcast on TV.
"Tonight, Kamala Harris showed the world what I know to be true. She is ready from day one to be president and represents the best of America. Let's get to work," wrote Barack Obama on X.
"What an inspiring and historic night, a true representation of what it means to be American! Kamala Harris delivered a passionate and powerful speech tonight that showed the country and the world that she is ready to lead us forward. She did her part with grace, strength, and determination. And now it's up to us, regardless of our political identity, to do the same," wrote an enthusiastic Michelle Obama on the same platform. "Each of us must do what we know in our hearts to be right. We must vote as if our lives depend on it. We must mobilize our neighbors and communities. And we must start now. Let's not wait. We cannot let this momentum die," she added.
"The future is already here. We just have to unlock it," wrote Hillary Clinton succinctly on X, along with an image of the Democratic candidate. Former President Bill Clinton also spoke, reaffirming his support for Harris and highlighting the importance of the upcoming elections. "Leadership matters. Elections matter. And Kamala Harris is the leader who can unite us and take us forward," Clinton asserted.
With just under two and a half months to go until the November 5 elections, Kamala Harris faces the challenge of consolidating voter support and convincing the American nation of her ability to lead a deeply divided country.
Key Points of Kamala Harris's Presidential Campaign
Here are some frequently asked questions about Kamala Harris's campaign and her stance on important issues.
What did Kamala Harris promise regarding immigration reform?
Kamala Harris promised to regularize the status of over eleven million undocumented migrants while protecting the border with Mexico. She emphasized the need to honor America's heritage as a nation of immigrants and to reform the broken immigration system.
How does Kamala Harris plan to address foreign policy issues?
Harris reaffirmed her support for Ukraine and strengthening international alliances. She stated her intention to counter threats to European stability and expressed a firm stance against tyrants and dictators like Kim Jong-un.
What is Kamala Harris's stance on the middle class?
Harris emphasized that the middle class is where she comes from and that it will be a fundamental focus of her presidency. She plans to rebuild the middle class as a cornerstone of her administration.