Vice President Kamala Harris is now officially the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
At the Democratic National Convention’s last night, she gave a 40-minute speech at Chicago’s United Center, sharing her vision for America’s future and taking some clear shots at Donald Trump.
“As a prosecutor, when I had a case, I charged it — not in the name of the victim, but in the name of the people for a simple reason: In our system of justice, a harm against any one of us is a harm against all of us,” she said. “And I would often explain this to console survivors of crime, to remind them, no one should be made to fight alone. We are all in this together. And every day in the courtroom, I stood proudly before a judge, and I said five words: Kamala Harris for the people.”
She emphasized that her entire career has been about serving “the people.” Harris added, “On behalf of every American, regardless of party, race, gender or the language your grandmother speaks… on behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey… on behalf of Americans like the people I grew up with… on behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nomination to be President of the United States.”
She believes this election gives us a rare chance to move beyond past bitterness and divisiveness. Harris promised to be a president for all Americans, saying she would always put country above party and self. She vowed to uphold America’s core principles — from the rule of law to free and fair elections — and to unite us around our highest aspirations.
Harris called this time “a fight for America’s future,” stating this election is one of the most important ever. She criticized Trump as an “unserious man,” pointing out his chaotic tenure and his actions post-election loss.
“Consider not only the chaos and calamity when he was in office,” she said. “Donald Trump tried to throw away your votes when he failed; he sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol… consider what he intends to do if we give him power again… imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.”
Fans can only hope for unity and progress in these turbulent times.
Harris then outlined her plans as president: strengthening the middle class, creating jobs by bringing together various sectors, lowering costs for everyday needs like healthcare and housing, and protecting Social Security and Medicare.
She also committed to restoring reproductive rights through new legislation and passing key bills like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Regarding Gaza, she mentioned that both she and President Biden are working tirelessly for a hostage deal and ceasefire agreement.
Her closing words were powerful: “America, let us show each other and the world who we are… we must be worthy of this moment… guided by optimism and faith… let’s get out there. Let’s fight for it. Let’s vote for it — and together, let us write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told.”
An ABC News debate between Harris and Trump is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 9/8c with David Muir and Linsey Davis moderating from Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center.
Her running mate Tim Walz spoke on Wednesday night in a 15-minute address you can watch here. He’ll debate Vance on CBS News on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
This year’s Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Watch Harris’ speech below:
