On Aug. 22, 2024, Kamala Harris made her debut as the last speaker of the Democratic National Convention, presenting a 35-minute acceptance speech to her supporters. In this speech, Harris proposed her political agenda, shedding light on her future plans with foreign security and more.
Harris began her speech by thanking her husband and President Joe Biden for their contribution. She then transitioned into reminiscing her childhood by recalling details of her mother and the lessons she was taught growing up. Her mother, an immigrant who traveled to California from India at the age of 19, managed to escape a traditional arranged marriage by marrying Donald Harris. Though the familial harmony was short-lived, the ideas that came from it were not.
“She taught us to never complain about injustice,” Harris said. “But . . . do something about it. She also taught us—Never do anything half-assed.”
Harris began her journey in the legal profession after being inspired by the civil rights leaders she learned about. As a state prosecutor of California, Harris had made numerous vows to protect people from injustice. She promised to be a president who is realistic, practical, and will stand for the rights of women and children—a president who is truly needed by American society.
Harris shifted on sharing her envision of the future and the actions to be taken. She hopes to create an “opportunity economy” with a strong middle class, which is fundamental to the country’s success. Harris then mentioned the rights of LGBTQ+ group, promising that she would make everyone feel safe to have “the freedom to love who [they] love openly with pride.” She also emphasized on reproductive rights, criticizing Donald Trump’s policies on abortion and women. Harris then shifted to convey her will of freeing citizens from living under the fear of mass shooting by saying that everyone would have “the freedom to live safe from gun violence—in our schools, communities, and places of worship.”
“The freedom to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live free from the pollution that fuels the climate crisis,” said Harris, addressing the voters with concerns about climate change. “And the freedom that unlocks all the others. The freedom to vote.”
She strives to build a lethal military in order to defend against aggression from hostile countries, and calls for a ceasefire in Gaza while defending Israel’s right to defend.
Harris deeply believed that America is a country built on the people’s hard work and unity. Her experience of growing up in an immigrant family fundamentally built her persevere character and enabled her to understand the struggles faced by minorities who are often marginalized in society
“America, let us show each other—and the world—who we are.” The democratic presidential candidate said. “And what we stand for. Freedom. Opportunity. Compassion. Dignity. Fairness. And endless possibilities.”
