Vice President Kamala Harris has officially clinched the Democratic Party's nomination for the 2024 presidential election, declaring her candidacy at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). In a historic moment, she becomes the first woman of Indian and African descent to vie for the presidency on a major party's ticket, poised to confront Republican contender Donald Trump in the November ballot.
Expressing gratitude, Harris addressed the crowd with a resonant message: “On behalf of the people, 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, people who work hard, chase their dreams and look out for one another, on behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on earth, I accept your nomination.” Her acceptance was met with fervent applause. Additionally, she extended her thanks to President Joe Biden, her spouse Doug Emhoff, and her running mate Tim Walz.
Harris took to the stage on the concluding day of the DNC amidst a sea of enthusiastic attendees. She emerged as the Democratic nominee shortly after President Biden, aged 81, withdrew from the race under pressure from his own team. Should she prevail in the upcoming election, Harris is poised to become the first female President of the United States.
In a gesture of support, President Biden contacted Harris to wish her success prior to her acceptance speech, according to a White House representative. “I accept your nomination to be President of the United States of America. And with this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past, a chance to chart a new way forward…I promise to be a president for all Americans,” Harris proclaimed.
Harris Reflects on Heritage, Criticizes Trump
At 59, Harris is no stranger to the narrative of unlikely journeys. She reflected on her mother, Shyamala Gopalan from Chennai, and her Jamaican father, Donald Jasper, acknowledging their roles in her ascent. “America, the path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected. But I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys. My mother Shyamala Harris had one of her own. I miss her every day–especially now. And I know she’s looking down tonight, and smiling,” she shared poignantly.
Harris vowed to align with Ukraine and NATO allies should she assume the presidency, promising to implement a middle-class tax cut. Critiquing Trump, she asserted his disregard for middle-class Americans, pledging, “Instead of the Trump tax hike we will pass a middle class tax cut that will benefit more than 100 million Americans.”
Furthermore, Harris branded Trump as an unserious candidate, warning of grave repercussions should he regain the White House. She appealed directly to Republicans disillusioned with Trump, urging them to transcend party loyalties and support her candidacy over Trump, who continues to contest his 2020 election defeat—a stance that incited the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
“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,” Harris declared, alluding to Trump's controversial actions and legal issues.
Regarding abortion, Harris criticized Trump’s policies: “As a part of his agenda, he and his allies would limit access to birth control, ban medication abortion, and enact a nationwide abortion ban with or without Congress. And get this: he plans to create a national anti-abortion coordinator and force states to report on women's miscarriages and abortions. Simply put, they are out of their minds. One must ask: why exactly is it that they don't trust women? Well, we trust women. We trust women.”
Harris Addresses the Israel-Hamas Conflict
Shifting focus to international affairs, Vice President Harris discussed the protracted conflict in Gaza, labeling the past ten months as devastating while affirming Israel's right to self-defense. She emphasized the urgency for a ceasefire and a hostage release agreement, noting the profound anguish caused by the conflict. “President Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination,” she stated.
The Israel-Hamas conflict remains a contentious issue within the Democratic Party. During the DNC, the discourse surrounding U.S. support for Israel's military actions received limited attention, causing discontent among pro-Palestinian delegates. Muslim delegates and their supporters had sought a prominent speaking slot to address the violence initiated by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties.
Israel's military response in Gaza, supported by the U.S., has reportedly led to the deaths of 40,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million. The devastation has precipitated a severe humanitarian crisis, including widespread hunger and infrastructural destruction. Pro-Palestinian activists vowed to persist in urging Harris to reconsider arms sales to Israel.
Party insiders express concern that the Gaza conflict may erode Harris's support in pivotal battleground states like Michigan, home to substantial Muslim and Arab American communities and numerous college campuses that have witnessed Gaza-related protests. The DNC has been the site of daily pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Chicago, including thousands of protesters on Thursday night preceding Harris's speech, culminating in dozens of arrests throughout the week.
