USA Harris wants to be "president for all Americans"
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris wants to be a president for all people in the US and overcome division in the country.
23.08.2024, 06:00
SDA
"I promise that I will be a president for all Americans," said Harris at the end of the Democratic Party Convention in Chicago. There, the 59-year-old ceremoniously accepted her nomination as her party's presidential candidate.
She swore her party in for the crucial weeks leading up to the election in early November and warned against Republican Donald Trump's return to the White House. "This election is not only the most important of our lifetime, it is one of the most important in the life of our nation," she warned. It is a "battle for America's future".
Appeal to the party and the country
The incumbent US Vice President was greeted with minutes of applause in the party convention hall. Her speech was repeatedly interrupted by cheers and chants. Harris reassured her party that the stakes were high and she called on the country to come together. "This election offers our nation a precious, fleeting opportunity to leave behind the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past."
Her fellow Americans have the chance to forge a new path forward, "not as members of a particular party or faction, but as Americans". She wants to be a president "who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical and has common sense". She will always fight for the American people. Harris said she had often been underestimated in her life. But she has never given up "because the future is always worth fighting for".
Harris warned that former President Trump could return to power. "The consequences of Donald Trump moving back into the White House are extremely serious," she warned. Trump and his followers have an extreme agenda. "They are simply out of their minds."
The Democrat also thanked her boss, US President Joe Biden, and praised his successes. "Your achievements are extraordinary - history will show - and your character is an inspiration," she said, addressing the 81-year-old. Biden had dropped out of the presidential race in July under pressure from his party. Harris took his place.
Big show at the end
The four-day party conference ended with a big show. US superstar Pink performed together with her daughter Willow. The two performed the hit "What About Us" in an acoustic version. The female country band "The Chicks" sang the national anthem. Actresses Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington campaigned for Harris.
The large number of women on stage on the last evening of the party conference was striking, with several high-ranking female politicians expressing their support for Harris. Harris was also supported by various female family members who stood on stage.
This is in stark contrast to the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee in July, where Trump's tribute at the grand finale was mainly paid by men. His laudators on the last evening there were ex-wrestler Hulk Hogan and the head of the combat sports organization UFC, Dana White. The rock musician Kid Rock was the musical star for Trump, who roused the crowd with shouts of "Fight! Fight!" chants.
Harris makes a declaration of love to her husband on their wedding anniversary
Harris, for her part, made a public declaration of love to her husband Doug Emhoff on stage. "I love you so much, Dougie," she said at the very beginning of her speech. "Happy anniversary." Harris' final speech fell on their tenth wedding anniversary, of all days.
Harris and Emhoff had met late in life. A friend arranged a blind date between the two in 2013. They married the following year. Emhoff has two grown-up children from his first marriage - Ella, who performed on stage in Chicago, and Cole. They call Harris "Momala".
Emhoff is the first man in the country's history to take on the role of Second Gentleman. If Harris were to become the first woman to win the presidency, he would be America's first First Gentleman.
