Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential nomination during an event in Chicago
US Vice President Kamala Harris today formally accepted the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential nomination to fight against her Republican rival Donald Trump. Ms Harris, who is of Indian origin, emerged as the Democratic candidate after President Joe Biden, 81, was forced to quit the race for the White House last month. If successful, she will become the first woman elected US president.
"On behalf of every American, regardless of party, race, gender, or the language your grandmother speaks, on behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on earth, I accept your nomination for President of the United States of America," she said as the gathering at Chicago's United Center erupted into cheers on the last day of the four-day Democratic National Convention.
During her acceptance speech, the 59-year-old vowed to be the "president who unites" Americans and pledged to "fight for America's future".
"With this election, our nation has a precious and fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a New Way Forward, not as members of any one party or faction but as Americans," she said.
Kamala Harris Jabs Donald Trump
Kamala Harris slammed her rival Donald Trump and accused him of planning to "pull our country back".
"This election is one of the most important in the life of our nation. Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails. How he would use the immense powers of the presidency of the United States, not to improve your life, but to serve the only client he has ever had… himself," she said.
“In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious,” she warned.
She also spoke about the “chaos and calamity” of Mr Trump's years in the Oval Office and also pointed to him questioning election results in 2020 when he lost his reelection bid.
“Donald Trump tried to throw away your votes. When he failed, he sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol where they assaulted law enforcement officers. When politicians in his own party begged him to call off the mob and send help, he did the opposite. He fanned the flames,” Ms Harris said.
Kamala Harris Praises Joe Biden
Kamala Harris also thanked her boss, Joe Biden, and said that his character is "inspiring".
"Joe, I am filled with gratitude. Your record is extraordinary as history will show. Your character is inspiring," she said.it," she said.
Mr Biden, who gave an emotional farewell speech to the convention on Monday, said he and First Lady Jill Biden had called Ms Harris to wish her luck.
"I am proud to watch my partner Kamala Harris accept our nomination for president. She will be an outstanding president because she is fighting for our future," he said on X.
He also said that Ms Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, will "inspire a generation and lead us into the future".
Kamala Harris On Her Family
Kamala Harris also remembered her "tough and courageous" mother, Shyamala Gopalan, saying she misses her every day, especially when she is on the verge of breaking the highest glass ceiling in the United States.
She said her mother was 19 when she crossed the world alone, travelling from India to California with an unshakeable dream to be the scientist who would cure breast cancer.
"... It was mostly my mother who raised us. Before she could finally afford to buy a home, she rented a small apartment in the East Bay. In the Bay, you either live in the hills or the flatlands. We lived in the flats -- a beautiful working-class neighbourhood of firefighters, nurses, and construction workers, all of whom tended their lawns with pride," Ms Harris said.
She also spoke about her Jamaican father, Donald Jasper Harris, and said he always taught her to be “fearless”.
