Kamala Harris has officially accepted the Democratic Party nomination for the November presidential election, positioning herself as an alternative to Donald Trump. In a powerful and solemn speech, she stated, “I promise to be the president of all Americans,” underscoring her commitment to uniting the country.
“I know where the United States should stand”
Addressing thousands of delegates, Harris delivered what she considers the most important speech of her life. She asserted firmly, “In the ongoing battle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand. And I know where the United States must stand.” This declaration was met with thunderous applause as she positioned herself as a defender of democracy against the potential threats of a second Trump term.
Following her speech, amidst a shower of patriotic balloons, Harris remained on stage to savor the moment, surrounded by her husband Doug Emhoff, her running mate Tim Walz, and their families.
An inheritance of courage from her mother
The story of her Indian immigrant mother was central to her address. Kamala Harris emotionally recalled, “I saw how the world sometimes treated her. But my mother never lost her composure. She was strong, courageous.” She added that she learned from her mother to “never complain about injustice but to act against it.” By honoring her mother, Harris connected her personal heritage with her vision of social justice.
Trump criticisms: “I won’t befriend dictators”
In a direct attack on her Republican opponent, Harris warned, “We know what a second Trump term would look like. It’s all laid out in the Project 2025.” This ultraconservative program, supported by Trump’s allies, aims, according to Harris, to “take our country back years.” She vowed not to “befriend dictators” while reaffirming her support for Ukraine and Israel, and advocating for “self-determination” for Palestinians.
Harris also emphasized her political commitments, highlighting the need to reform a “failing” immigration system, promote an inclusive economy “that allows everyone to succeed,” and restore a nationwide guarantee of abortion rights. For her, the key was not so much to detail a program but to convince Americans of her presidential stature: “I will be a president who brings us together around our highest aspirations. A president who leads and listens.”
Reactions and polls
Her Republican opponent, whom she will face in a debate on September 10, flooded social media with criticism during her speech, calling it the “worst speech ever given” and claiming, “SHE HAS MADE US A DECLINING NATION.”
Former President Barack Obama, whose 2008 campaign was frequently referenced this week in Chicago, responded by writing on X, “Let’s get to work.”
Current polls show Kamala Harris with a slight national lead, but this offers no guarantee of victory. With 74 days until the election, the outcome will likely hinge on a few key states, as in 2016 and 2020.
Recent weeks have been marked by unexpected events, such as Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race and a failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump. By Friday, the situation could further evolve, with rumors suggesting independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. might withdraw and support Trump.
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