Vice President Kamala Harris, in a historic and impassioned speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, made her case as the first woman of colour to accept a major party’s nomination for the U.S. presidency.
Harris, who recently stepped into the role after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, delivered a stirring address that aimed to unite a divided nation, offering a vision of hope, resilience, and collective aspiration.
“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 declared, addressing a deeply polarised electorate.
“You can always trust me to put country above party and self, to hold sacred America’s fundamental principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections to the peaceful transfer of power.”
Her words carried the weight of history as she stood at the podium, not just as the first woman of colour to be nominated but as a symbol of America’s evolving political landscape.
Harris spoke with a clear purpose, aiming to bridge the divides that have plagued American politics in recent years.
“I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations, a president who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical, and has common sense, and always fights for the American people. From the courthouse to the White House, that has been my life’s work,” she asserted.
Harris acknowledged the unexpected path that led her to this moment, candidly noting, “The path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected. But I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys.”
This reference to her sudden elevation to the top of the ticket served as a reminder of her ability to navigate and thrive in challenging circumstances.
In an effort to introduce herself more personally to the American people, Harris shared stories from her upbringing and the lessons imparted by her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, an immigrant who instilled in her daughter the values of determination and resilience.
Harris also highlighted her career as a prosecutor and attorney general in California, stating that her sole client throughout her career has been the American people.
“I love our country with all my heart,” she said passionately. “Everywhere I go and everyone I meet, I see a nation that is ready to move forward. Ready for the next step in the incredible journey that is America. I see an America where we hold fast to the fearless belief that built our nation and inspired the world. That here, in this country, anything is possible. That nothing is out of reach.”
While much of the convention’s rhetoric centred around critiques of the Republican ticket, Harris chose to address the gravity of the upcoming election with a measured tone. She characterised the GOP’s vision as one that casts a shadow over the nation’s future, particularly with Donald Trump at the helm once again.
“Fellow Americans, this election is not only the most important of our lives, it is one of the most important in the life of our nation,” Harris said, directly addressing the stakes of the 2024 race.
“In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man. But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious. Consider not only the chaos and calamity when he was in office, but also the gravity of what has happened since he lost the last election.”
Her critique of Trump was pointed, yet her appeal to voters was one of unity and strength. Harris invoked a lesson from her mother: “Never let anyone tell you who you are, you show them who you are.” She then urged the nation, “America, let us show each other and the world who we are and what we stand for.”
Harris didn’t shy away from addressing the major issues dominating the political landscape, from reproductive rights and gun violence to foreign policy and economic equity. Her speech was a call to action, steeped in patriotism and a deep belief in the nation’s democratic ideals.
“We are the heirs to the greatest democracy in the history of the world. And on behalf of our children and our grandchildren and all those who sacrificed so dearly for our freedom and liberty, we must be worthy of this moment,” she said, her voice steady and resolute.
“It is now our turn to do what generations before us have done, guided by optimism and faith to fight for this country we love, to fight for the ideals we cherish, and to uphold the awesome responsibility that comes with the greatest privilege on Earth: the privilege and pride of being an American.”
Harris, who was expected to secure the vice-presidential nomination for a second term, found herself at the forefront of the Democratic ticket after Biden’s sudden withdrawal in July.
Her swift rise to the top has reinvigorated the Democratic base, with her polling numbers already surpassing Biden’s best. With Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, Harris has injected fresh energy into the campaign, forcing the Trump camp to reassess its strategy.
Should she win in November, Harris would make history once again, not only as the first female president but also as the first president of Asian descent. As her speech drew to a close, Harris left the audience with a final, powerful call: “Together, let us write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told.”
