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Chicago, United States of America (USA)
Kamala Harris speaks on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 22, 2024. (Reuters)
Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination in Chicago, pledging a “new way forward”
US Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday came down heavily on Donald Trump at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), describing the Republican presidential nominee as an “unserious man” and accusing him of empowering extremist elements in the country.
“This election is one of the most important in the life of our nation. Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails, and how he would use the immense powers of the presidency of the United States—not to improve your life, but to serve the only client he has ever had… himself,” Harris said.
Capitol riot
During the historic DNC speech in Chicago, Harris stressed the gravity of GOP rival Trump’s actions since his previous election loss, including his alleged role in inciting the January 6th Capitol riot in 2021 and his subsequent legal troubles.
Harris referred several times to Trump’s “explicit intent” to free those who assaulted law enforcement officers at the Capitol, jail political opponents, and use the military against American citizens. “Consider what he intends to do if we give him power again,” she added.
Vice President Harris: This election is one of the most important in the life of our nation. Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails. How he would use the immense powers of the presidency of the United States, not to improve your life, but to serve the only client he has… pic.twitter.com/bOr5AN7pLR— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 23, 2024
‘Project 2025 agenda’
The US vice president also warned Americans about the controversial “Project 2025” agenda — even though former President Trump doesn’t claim the conservative presidential transition document. “As a part of his Project 2025 agenda, Trump and his allies would limit access to birth control, ban medication abortion, and enact a nationwide abortion ban. Simply put, they are out of their minds,” Harris said.
“We know what a second Trump term would look like. It’s all laid out in Project 2025. But America, we are not going back,” she added. As Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday, she pledged a “new way forward” if she defeats Trump in November’s blockbuster election.
Vice President Harris: We know what a second Trump term would look like. It’s all laid out in Project 2025. But America, we are not going back pic.twitter.com/xpxUInEJQm— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 23, 2024
‘I accept your nomination’
“On behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on earth, I accept your nomination to be president of the United States of America,” the 59-year-old said to huge cheers. “I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations,” she said.
Harris pledged to be a “president for all Americans” as she reached out to undecided American voters after one of the most stunning upheavals in US political history. With the November election, Americans have a “fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past — a chance to chart a new way forward,” she promised.
She laid out her personal story as a child of a single working mother, and her career as a prosecutor, saying she has the background and experience to serve the country in contrast to Trump who she said only works for himself and “his billionaire friends.”
The Democrats are riding on a huge wave of energy and enthusiasm after Harris took on the mantle from President Joe Biden amid concerns over his health at 81 years old. The first Black woman nominee for a major party, Harris has wiped out former president Trump’s lead in the polls, drawn enormous crowds and raised record funds.
