Kamala Harris made history on Thursday night as she accepted the Democratic nomination for president, becoming the first black and Asian-American woman to lead a major party’s ticket. In her speech, she pledged a “new way forward” for all Americans, emphasizing unity and urging voters to reject Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Harris’s speech, which capped off a four-day convention in Chicago, highlighted her personal background as the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants and her experience as a prosecutor. She also paid tribute to her late mother, who she said taught her to “never complain about injustice, but to do something about it.”
The vice-president’s speech was well-received by delegates, who praised her enthusiasm and energy. Georgia delegate Edward Bohannan told the BBC, “There wasn’t much excitement about the election before. But now people are getting engaged.”
Throughout the convention, other prominent figures such as Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Oprah Winfrey energized attendees with their speeches. The event also featured speakers addressing issues such as gun violence, an area that Harris has focused on during her career.
Despite rumors of a surprise guest performance by Beyoncé, the convention ended with a balloon drop and no appearance from the superstar. Overall, the event showcased the Democratic party’s unity and enthusiasm heading into the November election.
As the race heats up between Harris and Trump, both candidates are gearing up for a tight competition. Trump criticized Harris’s record during her time as vice-president, questioning why she didn’t address certain issues sooner.
With the election just months away, Harris’s acceptance speech marks a significant moment in American politics, setting the stage for a historic and closely contested race for the presidency.
