Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for the 2024 presidential election last night (Thursday). Harris delivered a 45-minute speech at the conclusion of the Democratic Convention in Chicago, addressing both domestic and foreign policy while offering continuous criticism of Donald Trump. “I will be a president who unites us around our highest ideals. A president who leads and listens, is a realistic and practical president. From the Supreme Court to the White House, my life’s mission is to fight for the American people,” she promised.
Regarding Trump, Harris noted: “This election is one of the most important in U.S. history. Trump is not a serious person, but the consequences of his return to the White House would be very severe. Think about the chaos during his tenure and his refusal to acknowledge the election results.”
The Vice President recalled the January 6th Capitol riots by Trump supporters, as well as Trump’s court convictions, including his conviction for sexual assault: “Think about what he would do if he is given the chance to be in the White House again,” she said. “Imagine the power he would have after the Supreme Court granted him immunity. Imagine Donald Trump with no restraints. Think about what he will do to serve the only client he has ever had: himself.”
Harris also mentioned the ongoing efforts by President Biden and herself, stating: “President Biden and I are working tirelessly,” she said. “Now is the time to close a deal for the release of hostages and a ceasefire. I want to be clear: I will always support Israel’s right to defend itself, and I will always ensure that Israel has the ability to defend itself, because the people of Israel must never again face the kind of war that a terrorist organization like Hamas unleashed on October 7th, including horrific sexual violence and the massacre of young people at a music festival.”
Harris also addressed the situation from the perspective of the Palestinians, saying, “At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past ten months is devastating. So many innocent lives have been lost, desperate and hungry people are repeatedly fleeing to safety, and the scale of suffering is heartbreaking.”
“President Biden and I are working to end this war in a way that ensures Israel’s security, secures the release of hostages, ends the suffering in Gaza, and allows the Palestinian people to realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.”
Regarding U.S. domestic policy, Harris emphasized her stance on abortion rights. “All across America, there are now women who cannot receive medical care. I have met women who had to have abortions in parking lots because doctors are afraid to perform them. We are here because Donald Trump specifically chose Supreme Court justices who would take away women’s freedom of choice. Now he is proud of that. They have lost their minds. Why don’t they trust women? We trust women. When Congress passes a law that restores the freedom to choose, I will sign it proudly.”
The presidential candidate also outlined her views on private gun ownership, environmental quality, and voting rights. “We will fight for the freedom to be safe from shootings, the freedom to breathe clean air, and the freedom to vote,” Harris said.
On immigration, Harris stated that Trump was responsible for derailing a bipartisan law that could have resolved the issue of illegal immigration from Mexico. “He told his people in Congress to ‘kill the law’ before the elections,” Harris accused. “I will bring back that law and sign it, because we can remain a nation of immigrants while also securing the border.”
