Kamala Harris has accepted the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, delivering one of her most important political speeches to date.
She told an ecstatic crowd of supporters that she would chart "a new path forward."
"On behalf of the people, on behalf of every American, regardless of party, race, gender, or the language your grandmother speaks... I accept your nomination," Vice President Harris said, promising "a fleeting opportunity to overcome the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past - a chance to chart a new path forward, not as members of any party or faction, but as Americans."
"I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations," she said. "The future is always worth fighting for. And that's the fight we're in right now. Fighting for the future of America."
She favored reaching a cease-fire agreement in Gaza and said that as president of the United States she would support Ukraine but would never " cozy up" to dictators as her Republican opponent Donald Trump has done.
"Now is the time to reach an agreement on hostages and a ceasefire," the vice president said, referring to the Gaza war. Regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Harris said that "as president, I will stand firmly on the side of Ukraine and our NATO allies."
Harris said she and President Joe Biden "are working to end this war / in Gaza so that Israel can be secure, the hostages can be freed, the suffering in Gaza can end, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination."
U.S. support for its ally Israel in the conflict against Hamas in Gaza has become one of the most divisive issues in the Democratic Party and at times has threatened to overshadow the party's attempt to unite against Trump.
Harris said that Hamas had caused "unspeakable" violence in its surprise attack on Israel on October 7 that sparked the Israeli offensive. At the same time, she said the destruction in Gaza was "heartbreaking."
"I will always defend Israel's right to defend itself and I will always ensure that Israel has the ability to defend itself," she said.
From Barack and Michelle Obama to Bill Clinton, dignitaries have warned all week that Harris would fight a tough battle to defeat Trump.
Trump has increasingly resorted to personal insults, racial attacks and dark rhetoric.
His campaign staff described Harris's performance as "the worst speech in history." And on his social media platform "Truth Social" Trump wrote in his characteristic all-caps style, "She has brought us to the status of a failed nation!" | BGNES
