CHICAGO — Kamala Harris urged Americans on Thursday to rise above political division and forge a “new way forward” as she accepted her party’s nomination, blending her personal narrative with stark warnings about the potential consequences of Donald Trump returning to the White House.
Vice President Kamala Harris called on Americans to join her to “chart a new way forward” as she accepted the Democratic nomination for president on Thursday.
As she took the stage to a standing ovation at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Harris positioned herself as uniquely qualified, drawing on her background as a prosecutor to argue that she was best suited to protect American interests against a former president she accused of prioritizing his own.
“Our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity with this election to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past,” Harris declared. “A chance to chart a new way forward—not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans.”
Harris, the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, became the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to accept a major party’s presidential nomination. If elected, she would also become the first female president. However, Harris did not explicitly focus on these historic milestones in her 40-minute speech, instead making only a brief reference to the bipartisan border bill Trump had obstructed earlier this year, promising to sign it into law if elected.
The convention aimed to appeal to a wide range of Americans, not just die-hard partisans. Harris made subtle overtures to voters who might be disillusioned with both major parties, particularly those who had grown tired of Trump. This was underscored by appearances from individuals who had once supported Trump but have since distanced themselves from his policies, instead aligning with the approach taken by President Biden.
During the traditional balloon drop, Harris was joined on stage by her large, blended, and mixed-race family. Earlier in the evening, two of her grandnieces had led the packed United Center in a chant, teaching the crowd how to pronounce her name, which means “lotus” in Sanskrit.
“America, the path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected,” Harris acknowledged. “But I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys.”
Raised primarily by her mother in a small apartment in San Francisco’s East Bay after her parents’ divorce, Harris described a childhood surrounded by friends and caregivers who were “family by love.” She shared a key moment from her youth when her best friend from high school, Wanda, confided that she was being abused by her stepfather and sought refuge with Harris’ family.
“That is one of the reasons I became a prosecutor: to protect people like Wanda,” Harris said.
Recounting her career as a prosecutor, state attorney general, senator, and now vice president, Harris emphasized, “My entire career I’ve only had one client: the people.” In contrast, she argued, Trump has always acted in the interests of “the only client he has ever had: himself.”
Harris’ speech coincided with her 10th wedding anniversary to her husband, Doug Emhoff, whom she affectionately called “Dougie” on stage. Emhoff blew her a kiss from the stands at the start of her remarks.
In a direct appeal to Republicans disillusioned with Trump, Harris urged them to put aside party labels and consider her candidacy. She emphasized her commitment to uphold America’s constitutional principles, from the rule of law and fair elections to the peaceful transfer of power.
“I know there are people of various political views watching tonight, and I want you to know I promise to be a president for all Americans,” Harris said.
Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican and vocal Trump critic, also spoke at the convention. “Whatever policies we disagree on pale in comparison with those fundamental matters of principle. Of decency. Of fidelity to this nation,” he said. “To my fellow Republicans: If you still pledge allegiance to those principles, I suspect you belong here, too.”
Harris drew on her experience as a prosecutor when she spoke about Trump’s “explicit intent” to free those who attacked law enforcement officers during the Capitol insurrection, jail political opponents, and use the military against American citizens.
“Consider what he intends to do if we give him power again,” she cautioned.
Responding to Harris’ speech in a call to Fox News, Trump criticized her for not addressing issues like China, fracking, and crime, dismissing her remarks as “a lot of complaining.”
Harris also outlined her plans on national security, pledging to strengthen U.S. alliances, particularly with NATO, and reaffirming support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. She criticized Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, for questioning U.S. backing for Ukraine.
“I will never waver in defense of America’s security and ideals, because in the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and I know where the United States belongs,” Harris asserted.
On the Middle East, Harris vowed to work towards ending Israel’s conflict with Hamas in a way that could stabilize the region, while also committing to defend U.S. forces from threats posed by Iran and other adversaries. She called for the release of hostages and the implementation of a cease-fire deal, while also acknowledging the suffering of Palestinian civilians, which drew criticism from some pro-Palestinian protesters at the convention.
“What has happened in Gaza in the last 10 months is devastating, with so many innocent lives lost,” Harris said. “The scale of suffering is heartbreaking.”
Harris promised to restore nationwide access to abortion, condemning Trump and Republicans for enabling abortion bans across numerous states.
“They are out of their minds,” Harris declared.
She also offered broad promises in key policy areas, including expanding voting rights, lowering housing costs, passing middle-class tax cuts, and improving border security.
Reflecting on her career, Harris emphasized her law enforcement background, including her time as San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general, before being elected to the U.S. Senate. Despite her campaign’s early struggles in the 2020 presidential race, Biden selected her as his running mate, elevating her to the national stage.
Although Harris initially faced challenges as vice president, her leadership on abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade helped solidify her reputation. Democrats successfully leveraged the backlash against the decision to mitigate their losses in the last midterm elections.
After Biden faltered in a debate with Trump in June, Harris defended him until he decided to drop out of the race. With Biden’s endorsement, Harris quickly unified the Democratic Party behind her candidacy, resetting a presidential race that had seemed to favor Trump.
Speaking to supporters after her address, Harris struck a confident tone but urged them to keep up the momentum.
“Tonight, get your party on,” she said. “But for the next 75 days, we have a lot of work to do. We’re going to win this.”
