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U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday night, promising to serve as a unifying leader.
“I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations,” Harris said during her address on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
She vowed to be “a president who leads and listens,” emphasizing her commitment to practicality and common sense. Harris highlighted her career, saying, “From the courthouse to the White House, that has always been my life’s work.”
Harris called the upcoming presidential election “one of the most important in the life of our nation.”
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES - AUGUST 22: US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States on August 22, 2024. The DNC marks the ceremonial crowning of US Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the party's presidential nominees. ( Kyle Mazza - Anadolu Agency )" alt="Kamala Harris accepts Democratic nomination, pledges to be ‘president of all Americans’">
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES - AUGUST 22: US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States on August 22, 2024. The DNC marks the ceremonial crowning of US Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the party's presidential nominees. ( Kyle Mazza - Anadolu Agency )
Harris also took aim at her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, labeling him an “unserious man” and warning of the serious consequences if he returns to the White House.
“Donald Trump tried to throw away your votes. When that failed, he sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol,” Harris said, referencing the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.
She also mentioned Trump’s legal troubles, noting, “For an entirely different set of crimes, he was found guilty of fraud by a jury of everyday Americans and separately found liable for committing sexual abuse.”
Harris criticized Trump’s stance on abortion and the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, sharing stories of women affected by the ruling. “Doctors are afraid they may go to jail for caring for their patients,” she said.
Harris reiterated her support for Israel, stating she and President Joe Biden are “working around the clock” to secure a Gaza cease-fire and hostage deal.
“I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself,” Harris said, condemning Hamas for the conflict that began on Oct. 7.
A man reacts as Palestinians search for casualties a day after Israeli strikes on houses in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, Nov. 1, 2023. (Reuters Photo)
Israel asks civilians in southern Gaza to leave what it calls "safe" areas, Gaza Strip, November 16, 2023. (AA Photo)
A plume of smoke rises above buildings in Gaza City on Oct. 7, 2023, after an Israeli airstrike." alt="Kamala Harris accepts Democratic nomination, pledges to be ‘president of all Americans’">
A man reacts as Palestinians search for casualties a day after Israeli strikes on houses in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, Nov. 1, 2023. (Reuters Photo)Israel asks civilians in southern Gaza to leave what it calls "safe" areas, Gaza Strip, November 16, 2023. (AA Photo)A plume of smoke rises above buildings in Gaza City on Oct. 7, 2023, after an Israeli airstrike.
At the same time, she acknowledged the devastation in Gaza, describing the situation as “heartbreaking” and stressing the need to end the suffering while ensuring Israel’s security.
Harris also emphasized the importance of maintaining America’s global strength, pledging to keep the U.S. military as “the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world.” She criticized Trump for “threatening to abandon NATO.”
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