Accepting historic nomination, Harris vows ‘America, not China’ will win 21st century
- Vice-president says opponent is easy to manipulate: ‘Trump won’t hold autocrats accountable because he wants to be an autocrat himself’
During her almost 40-minute acceptance speech that capped the four-day Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Harris focused on the economic and social themes she has settled on – including increased opportunity, economic security and reproductive choice for middle-class Americans.
“The path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected, but I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys,” said Harris, 59, who was vaulted into position just a month ago when US President Joe Biden decided to withdraw from the race and endorsed her to top the ticket.
The election had been expected to be a rematch between Biden and former president Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, until Biden had a disastrous debate performance on June 27.
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Kamala Harris, a trailblazer eyeing America’s highest glass ceiling
The vice-president’s speech on Thursday quickly turned into a critique of her opponent. Warning of the dangers of a second Trump term, she called the Republican nominee an “unserious man”, someone who “would use the immense powers of the presidency of the United States … not to strengthen our national security, but to serve the only client he has ever had: himself”.
A staunch advocate for reproductive freedom during her time in the Senate, Harris has reiterated her commitment to the issue, blaming Trump for the repeal of Roe vs Wade and pledging to sign a bill codifying abortion rights into law if it passed Congress.
