Kamala Harris officially accepts presidential nomination

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the U.S. presidential nomination on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention, held at the United Center in Chicago.

Taking the stage at the convention, where many famous figures also appeared, Harris struggled to begin her speech due to the applause. First thanking her husband, Doug Emhoff, and U.S. President Joe Biden, Harris touched upon her life, career, and the process that led her to the presidential nomination, stating that she was inspired by her mother, Shyamala Harris, who came to the U.S. from India at the age of 19.

"The path that brought me here was, in my mother’s words, unexpected. But I’m no stranger to unexpected journeys," said Harris, adding, "My mother, Shyamala Harris, had her own journey. I miss her every day, especially now. And I know she is looking down on me tonight and smiling." Describing her happy childhood, Harris emphasized that she was raised by her mother and father as an individual sensitive to issues such as human rights, equality, and civil society.

"I BECAME A PROSECUTOR TO PROTECT PEOPLE"

Emphasizing that her mother, who raised her and her sister alone after divorcing their father, struggled with hardships, Harris pointed out that the difficulties she experienced played a role in shaping her political perspective. "It was mostly my mother who raised us. Before she could afford to buy a home, she rented a small apartment in the East Bay," said Harris. "In the Bay, you either live in the hills or the flats. We lived in the flats, in a beautiful working-class neighborhood of firefighters, nurses, and construction workers, all of whom took pride in their lawns." Explaining that she decided to study law after learning that her best friend in high school, Wanda, had been sexually abused by her stepfather, Harris said, "That is one of the reasons I became a prosecutor. To protect people like Wanda."

"THERE IS A CHANCE TO CHART A NEW WAY FORWARD"

Delivering messages of unity in her speech, Harris stated, "With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past." "There is a chance to chart a new way forward, not as members of any party or faction, but as Americans," said Harris. "I know there are people watching tonight who have different political views. And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans." Expressing that she would be a president who unites the American people around the highest goals, Harris said, "I will be a president who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical, and has common sense, and who always fights for the American people."

"I ACCEPT YOUR NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES"

During her speech, announcing that she accepted the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, Harris said, "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 embarked on their own unexpected 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 for president of the United States of America."

"THINK ABOUT THE POWER TRUMP WOULD HAVE"

Harshly criticizing her Republican opponent Donald Trump, Harris called him "in many ways, an unserious man." Warning that "the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House would be extremely serious," Harris said, "Think about the power he would have, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that he would be immune from criminal prosecution."

"WE ARE NOT GOING BACK TO THE TRUMP ERA"

Attacking Trump over his actions during his presidency, Harris said, "We are not going back. We are not going back to the days when Donald Trump tried to cut Social Security. We are not going back to when he tried to get rid of the Affordable Care Act, when insurance companies could deny coverage. We will not let him eliminate the Department of Education that funds our public schools."

"ONE OF MY GOALS IS TO BUILD THE MIDDLE CLASS"

Giving clues about the social and economic policies she would follow if elected president, Harris underscored that a strong middle class has always been critical to America's success. "Building that middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency," said Harris. "This is personal for me. The middle class is where I come from."

"IT IS TIME FOR A CEASEFIRE AND HOSTAGE DEAL IN GAZA"

Touching upon her foreign policy goals in her speech, Harris said they are working to stop the war in Gaza. "With respect to the war in Gaza, President Biden and I are working around the clock. Because now is the time to get a hostage deal and a ceasefire deal done," said Harris. "Let me be clear. I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself, and I will ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself." She expressed that the people of Israel should never again face what happened on October 7.

"I WILL NOT BE CHUMMY WITH TYRANTS LIKE KIM JONG UN"

Referring to Trump's previous meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Harris said, "I will not be chummy with tyrants and dictators like Kim Jong Un, who are rooting for Trump." Noting that dictators know Trump can be easily manipulated by flattery and favors, Harris stated that Trump wants to be an "autocrat."

"AMERICA IS READY FOR THE NEXT STEP"

Calling on voters for their support, Harris said, "My fellow Americans, I love our country with all my heart. Everywhere I go, in everyone I meet, I see a nation ready to move forward. Ready for the next step in this incredible journey that is America." "I see an America that is holding fast to the fearless faith that built our nation," said Harris. "It inspired the world. Here, in this country, anything is possible. Nothing is out of reach."

News Source: İHA