DNC Day 4 Highlights: Kamala Harris Accepts Democratic Nomination, Vows to Lead America Forward

Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for president on the final night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Harris took the stage at 10:30 p.m. on the final night of the Democratic National Convention, following an introduction from her sister.

She presented herself as the candidate determined to end Donald Trump’s political career once and for all in the upcoming November election.

“Our nation has a rare and fleeting chance with this election to move beyond the bitterness, cynicism, and divisiveness that have plagued us,” Harris declared as she formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination.

“This is a moment to forge a new path forward, not as members of a single party, but as Americans.”

In her 45-minute address, Harris shared personal stories with the 25,000 attendees at Chicago’s United Center and millions more watching at home. She spoke of her upbringing, largely shaped by her mother in San Francisco’s East Bay, and explained how these experiences fueled her determination to pursue a career in law.

She recalled how a childhood friend, Wanda, found refuge with Harris’ family after revealing that she was being abused by her stepfather, a pivotal moment that inspired Harris to become a prosecutor.

“On behalf of my mother and everyone who has embarked on their own improbable journey, on behalf of the hardworking Americans I grew up with, and on behalf of those whose stories are only possible in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nomination,” Harris proclaimed to an enthusiastic crowd.

Throughout her speech, Harris refrained from highlighting the historic nature of her nomination and instead focused on key issues such as the economy, abortion rights, border security, and foreign policy—issues closely aligned with the Democratic Party’s platform. She touched on the tragic violence in Gaza, which elicited a strong reaction from the crowd, but not before reaffirming her unwavering support for Israel.

Harris also didn’t hold back in criticizing her opponent, Donald Trump, blaming him for the demise of the bipartisan congressional border bill and vowing to sign it into law as president.

Echoing themes that dominated the four nights of the convention, Harris reiterated that the Democrats are the party of progress, urging voters to choose a future-oriented vision. “Let us write the next great chapter in the greatest story ever told,” Harris concluded, as the crowd erupted into chants of “U.S.A! U.S.A!”

The final night of the convention was a star-studded affair, featuring speeches from prominent Democrats like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Colin Allred.

Hollywood was also well-represented, with actress Kerry Washington serving as a host and delivering a passionate speech about the importance of every American’s voice in the democratic process.

In an emotionally charged moment, gun control took center stage as Georgia Representative Lucy McBath, whose son was a victim of gun violence, was joined by families of children slain in various mass shootings across the nation. Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a survivor of gun violence, also appeared alongside her husband, Senator Mark Kelly, who spoke on foreign policy and the various global threats facing the U.S.

The night included a musical performance by singer Pink, who performed her protest anthem “What About Us” with her daughter by her side, adding a poignant touch to the evening’s events.

As the night drew to a close, Harris’ nomination was celebrated by a united and energized party, ready to take on the challenges ahead. The evening ended with a sense of optimism and determination, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.