By Skyler Winston, HU News Service
Vice President Harris officially accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, delivering a speech that brought the house down.
Harris began her speech thanking her husband, Douglas Emhoff as it was their 10 year anniversary. She then extended her thanks to President Joe Biden and Tim Walz, the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate and Governor of Minnesota.
She shared her middle-class roots, recounting her mother’s journey as an immigrant from India and her upbringing in Oakland, California.
Harris highlighted how her parents met during a civil rights protest, emphasizing the impact of those experiences on her life.
“I come from the middle class,” Harris said. “My mother kept a strict budget. We lived within our means, yet we wanted for little. She expected us to make the most of the opportunities available to us.”
Harris spoke fondly of her mother’s teachings, sharing that she taught them to “never complain about injustice but do something about it.” She added, “And she always said, ‘Never do anything half-assed.’ That’s a direct quote.”
Drawing on her background deeply rooted in civil rights, Harris emphasized that throughout her career as a prosecutor, she had served only one client: The People.
“I know people of various political views are watching tonight, and I want you to know: I promise to be a President for all Americans. You can trust me to always put country above party and self.”
Harris took swipes at Donald Trump, calling him an “unserious man” but a “serious threat” due to plans like Project 2025.
“As part of his agenda, he and his allies would limit access to birth control, ban medication abortion, and push for a nationwide abortion ban, with or without Congress,” she warned.
“He plans to create a National Anti-Abortion Coordinator and force states to report on women’s miscarriages and abortions.”
She emphasized that with this election, Americans will finally have the opportunity to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, a bill that would modernize legislation that was created in 1965 to block racial discrimination in voting, and the Freedom to Vote Act, a bill that would improve access to the ballot.
Harris vowed to reintroduce the bipartisan border security bill that had been blocked by Republican congressmen. She assured the audience that caring for veterans and their families would be a top priority. Harris also committed to positioning America as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence, reinforcing the nation’s leadership on the world stage.
Lastly, she discussed the Israel-Gaza conflict, emphasizing the urgency of securing a hostage deal and achieving a cease-fire, stating, “Now is the time.”
She told the audience that she “will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself because the people of Israel must never again face the horror that the terrorist organization Hamas caused on Oct. 7.”
Reflecting on the situation in Gaza, Harris described the past 10 months as “devastating,” highlighting the immense loss of innocent lives.
“The suffering in Gaza must end,” she declared,” so that the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity.”
Harris concluded her speech with a call for unity among Americans. She urged the nation to come together, emphasizing that the strength of the country lies in its ability to unite across differences.
“Guided by optimism and faith, to fight for this country we love, to fight for the ideals we cherish and to uphold the awesome responsibility that comes with the greatest privilege on Earth,” she said.
“And together, let us write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told.”
