Emphasizing Middle Class and Prosecutor Image... Contrast with Trump
Strong Criticism on Reproductive Rights Issue
"Won't Cater to Kim Jong-un Like Trump"
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her acceptance speech as the Democratic presidential nominee, stating, "I will be a president for all Americans."
On the 22nd (local time), Vice President Harris spoke at the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, saying, "I will create an 'opportunity economy' where everyone has a chance to compete and succeed."
As the final speaker at the Democratic National Convention, Vice President Harris received a standing ovation from the audience, who chanted "USA" and "Kamala." On this day, which marked her 10th wedding anniversary, Harris expressed gratitude to her husband, Douglas Emhoff, saying, "Happy 10th anniversary, Dougie." She also thanked President Joe Biden before beginning her speech.
Harris, the first Black woman presidential candidate and the first Asian American presidential candidate born to immigrant parents, emphasized the value of unity. She said, "I know people with diverse political views are watching (the convention)," and added, "I will be a president for all Americans."
Introducing herself as "middle class," Harris said, "My mother managed the budget strictly, and we lived within our means." She contrasted her background growing up in a middle-class single-mother household with the image of former President Donald Trump as a successful businessman, creating a relatable image. In past campaign speeches, she also revealed that she worked part-time at McDonald's during her school days to earn pocket money.
She continued, "My mother taught my sister and me that opportunities are not given to everyone," and added, "But now, I will create an 'opportunity economy' where everyone has a chance to compete and succeed."
She also claimed, "Trump does not fight for the middle class. Instead, he fights for himself and his billionaire friends," and stated, "Trump raises middle-class taxes, but we will lower middle-class taxes." This was in response to concerns that Trump's pledge to impose a 10% universal tariff could effectively raise prices. She promised, unlike Trump, to end the housing crisis and protect Social Security and Medicare.
Vice President Harris said, "We are planning a new path toward a future with a strong middle class," adding, "Building that middle class will be the core goal of my presidency."
Following the middle class versus the wealthy, she contrasted herself with former President Trump as a prosecutor versus a criminal. Harris warned, "Trump is not serious in many ways, but the consequences of his return to the White House are very serious." She then listed the January 6 Capitol riot and the cases in which he was found guilty.
Harris said, "Imagine how Trump would use the immense power of the U.S. presidency without any safeguards," adding, "It would not be to improve your lives or strengthen national security but only to benefit himself, his sole client."
She also mentioned 'Project 2025,' stating, "Trump's goal is to take America back to the past. But America will not go back." The audience responded with the chant, "We are not going back."
Vice President Harris then addressed abortion rights and reproductive rights, saying, "Too many women in America today cannot make decisions," and criticized Trump for appointing Supreme Court justices to take away reproductive rights. She said, "We must ask exactly why they do not trust women. We trust women," emphasizing, "Simply put, they are out of their minds."
Border security, a key issue in the presidential election, has been a frequent target of attacks by former President Trump against the Biden-Harris administration. Harris said, "We can live up to our proud heritage as a nation of immigrants and reform the immigration system," criticizing, "Trump ordered his allies in Congress to repeal border laws." She promised, "I refuse to politicize security," and pledged to "resubmit and sign bipartisan security legislation."
Regarding the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, she said she has been working with President Biden around the clock, urging the release of hostages and the implementation of a ceasefire agreement. She stated, "We will defend Israel's right to self-defense," while also acknowledging, "At the same time, far too many innocent lives have been lost in Gaza over the past 10 months. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking."
She also criticized former President Trump's boasting of good relations with North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin during his tenure. Harris said, "I will not pander to dictators like Kim Jong-un who support Trump," adding, "They know Trump is easy to manipulate with flattery and favors." She continued, "They know Trump will not hold dictators accountable because he wants to be a dictator himself."
She criticized Trump's remarks related to the Ukraine war and emphasized her role as vice president in contributing to international support for Ukraine. She said, "As president, I will stand firmly with Ukraine and NATO allies."
Furthermore, she emphasized unity, criticizing former President Trump and Senator J.D. Vance for disparaging America during their campaigns. Harris said, "My mother's lesson was to never let anyone tell you who you are, but to show who you are," adding, "We must show each other and the world who we are and what we represent: freedom, opportunity, compassion, dignity, fairness, and endless possibilities." She concluded with a strong call, "Let's write the next chapter of the greatest story ever told."
As Vice President Harris finished her speech, 100,000 red, white, and blue balloons, symbolizing the United States, fell from the ceiling.
Vice President Harris was officially confirmed as the Democratic presidential nominee on this day, 32 days after President Biden's resignation on the 21st of last month.
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