Harris accepted the presidential candidate

 

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has officially accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for the presidential candidate.

 

On August 22, 2024 (local time), Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, delivered her acceptance speech on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. She declared that, if elected as President of the United States, she would be a "President of Unity" who brings together all Americans, regardless of political affiliation.

 

Vice President Harris stated in her acceptance speech, "I accept the nomination for President of the United States on behalf of all those who will write their stories in the greatest country on Earth."

 

Starting her speech by expressing gratitude to current President Joe Biden, she said, "This election offers our nation a precious opportunity to create a new path forward from the bitterness of the past, cynicism, and divisive battles."

 

She emphasized that her decision was made not as a member of any particular party or faction but as an American. She added, "People with diverse political views are watching," and declared, "I will be a President for all Americans."

 

Vice President Harris reassured, "You can always trust that I will prioritize our country over any party or personal interests," and pledged to uphold fundamental American values such as the rule of law, free and fair elections, and the peaceful transfer of power.

 

She also stated, "I will be a President who unites us based on our highest aspirations," setting the goal of being a "realistic, practical, common-sense leader who always fights for, listens to, and leads the American people."

 

Addressing President Biden, who has supported her, she said, "Our journey together was with gratitude. Your accomplishments have been remarkable, and history will show that. Your character has been inspiring."

 

She also expressed confidence in her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, saying he would make "an outstanding Vice President." Additionally, she said, "The support of everyone who placed their trust in our campaign humbles me."

 

A large portion of the speech was on criticism to former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate.

 

She remarked, "Donald Trump is not a serious person, and the consequences of returning him to the White House are extremely severe," urging people to "imagine the power he would have, especially after the Supreme Court's decision to grant him immunity from criminal prosecution."

 

She continued, "Donald Trump tried to discard your votes. When he failed, he sent armed mobs to the U.S. Capitol, and they assaulted law enforcement officers," adding, "When politicians from his party begged him to call off the mob and help, he did the opposite. He poured fuel on the fire."

 

As a former prosecutor, Vice President Harris also pointed out Trump's indiction on 34 felony charges, including paying hush money for a sex scandal, and that a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting writer E. Jean Carroll.

 

She criticized Trump's foreign policy, referencing North Korea's Chairman Kim Jong-un. She declared, "I will not pander to dictators like Kim Jong-un, who cheers for Trump."

 

Vice President Harris mockingly added, "They know Trump will not hold dictators accountable because Trump himself wants to be one."

 

While affirming her support for Israel's right to defend itself, she described the bloodshed in Gaza as "horrific" and "heartbreaking."

 

She explained, "I will continue to support Israel's right to defend itself because the Israeli people should never again experience the sexual violence and massacre of young people committed by the terrorist group Hamas at the music festival on October 7."

 

Vice President Harris also stated, "President Biden and I are working to end the war so that Israel remains safe, hostages freed, suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can achieve dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination."

 

Furthermore, she added, "I will not hesitate to take any action necessary to protect our troops and facilities from Iran and Iran-backed terrorists."

 

Meanwhile, former President Trump, who had announced a real-time response to the speech, criticized Vice President Harris, saying, "She talked about a new path forward, but in the past three and a half years, she has done nothing but harm."