In historic convention speech, Harris presents case against Trump
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Vice President Kamala Harris made her case against a second former President Trump term on Thursday, forcefully hitting Republicans over their stance on reproductive rights, as she formally accepted the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.
Why it matters: On the biggest stage of her life, Harris invoked a message of unity, while addressing some of the policy areas head-on that have emerged as possible vulnerabilities, including foreign policy and immigration.
- "President Biden and I are working to end this [Israel-Hamas] war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity," she said.
Harris warned of the consequences of a second Trump term.
- "In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man," Harris said.
- "But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious."
- "Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails," she said.
- On abortion, she slammed Republicans' positioning: "Simply put, they are out of their minds," Harris said.
Zoom in: Harris vowed to be a "president for all Americans" if she is elected.
- "With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past," Harris said.
- "A chance to chart a new way forward. Not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans."
Zoom out: Harris, who was greeted by a minutes-long applause by the crowd, started her remarks by thanking President Biden and touting his legacy and character.
- "Your record is extraordinary, as history will show," Harris said of Biden.
- Harris, the first Black woman and first Asian American person to become the presidential nominee of a major party, highlighted her personal story growing up in a working-class home.
- Harris said that her mother taught her to "never complain about injustice, but do something about it."
The bottom line: When Harris entered the presidential race one month ago, she emphasized a forward-looking vision for the country, a message that featured prominently during her Thursday remarks.
- "Fellow Americans, I love our country with all my heart," she said.
- "Everywhere I go and everyone I meet, I see a nation ready to move forward. Ready for the next step, in the incredible journey that is America."
Go deeper: Harris' cautious, hold-the-details campaign
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
