Vice President Kamala Harris concluded an extraordinary month in modern political history with a powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night, rallying Democrats around themes of patriotism and positioning Donald Trump as a threat to American principles. Harris articulated her stance in the ongoing struggle between democracy and tyranny, emphasizing her commitment to democratic values: “In the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand. And I know where the United States belongs.”
Harris delivered her address with the conviction of a courtroom prosecutor, fulfilling the promise many Democrats saw in her during her initial presidential campaign and subsequent selection as Joe Biden’s running mate in 2020. She directly confronted her Republican opponent, detailing Trump’s legal troubles and criticizing his role in implementing strict state-level abortion laws. She underscored the “chaos and calamity” of his time in office, stating, “In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man. But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious.”
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She also offered a clear rebuttal to Trump’s portrayal of her as too liberal, emphasizing that she would be a president who is “realistic, practical and has common sense,” particularly on foreign policy. The contrast between Harris’ speech in Chicago and Trump’s speech at the Republican convention in Milwaukee set the stage for the final sprint to the November 5 election, with debates yet to come.
Here are eight takeaways from the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention:
1. Harris Offers a Return to Pre-Trump Normalcy: Harris’s speech presented a message of moving beyond the uncertainty and upheaval of the Trump era. She frequently repeated the phrase “We are not going back,” positioning her campaign as a rebuke of Trump’s policies and a promise of progressive change, but also as an assurance for immediate stability. She reframed issues such as reproductive rights as matters of government overreach and emphasized freedoms essential to American life, such as safety from gun violence, environmental protection, and the right to vote.
Donald 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. pic.twitter.com/l2uxAI75of
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 23, 2024
2. Harris Gets Personal: In a departure from her usual reserved demeanor, Harris shared personal stories about her upbringing and family, including her mother’s journey as an immigrant and biomedical scientist and her father’s encouragement for her to take risks. She recalled experiences from her youth, such as supporting a friend who faced sexual abuse, which shaped her career path in law. These personal narratives highlighted her empathy and resilience, contrasting with Trump’s privileged upbringing.
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3. Allies Back Up Harris’ Resume: Throughout the convention, Harris’ career as a prosecutor was framed as a strength. Former colleagues and associates, including former Deputy District Attorney Amy Resner and former Attorney General Lisa Madigan, spoke about Harris’s dedication to justice and protecting the vulnerable. A human trafficking survivor, Courtney Baldwin, provided one of the night’s most impactful testimonies, detailing Harris’s efforts to combat trafficking and support victims.
4. ‘Central Park Five’ Member: Trump ‘Wanted Us Dead’: Four members of the Central Park Five, who were wrongfully convicted in 1989 and later exonerated, spoke at the convention, highlighting Trump’s history of stoking racial tensions for political gain. Yusef Salaam, now a New York City councilman, condemned Trump’s past and ongoing use of hate as a political tool and urged Americans to vote against him.
5. Gaza War Opponents Denied Speaking Spot by DNC: Despite pressure from progressive activists and delegates, the DNC did not allow a Palestinian American to speak at the convention, sparking a protest by the Uncommitted National Movement. Harris acknowledged the suffering in Gaza and reaffirmed her commitment to Israel while also expressing a desire for a lasting peace in the region.
6. Celebrities Make Their Mark: The convention saw a host of celebrity appearances, with performers like Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Pink adding star power to the event. Although there was speculation that Beyoncé might perform her song “Freedom,” an anthem for Harris’s campaign, her team confirmed she was never scheduled to appear.
7. Harris Emphasizes Freedom: Harris repeatedly highlighted the theme of freedom throughout her speech, linking it to issues like gun control, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental protections. She portrayed the upcoming election as a choice between preserving these freedoms and reverting to the divisive policies of the Trump era.
Democratic Convention erupts into cheers as Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage pic.twitter.com/yxQg68YnH3
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 23, 2024
8. A Call to Action: Harris’s speech was both a call to action and a promise of a different future. She urged voters to reject Trump’s divisive politics and to support a vision of America that values democracy, equity, and compassion. Her speech, and the convention as a whole, sought to energize the Democratic base and appeal to undecided voters ahead of the November election.
