Kamala Harris will solemnly accept the Democratic nomination for the presidency on Thursday in Chicago, declaring her commitment to serve all Americans. In a pivotal moment of her political career, she will emphasize the opportunity the upcoming November election presents to “chart a new course” for the nation. Harris plans to address not just her supporters but also those with differing political views, extending an olive branch in her quest to unite the country.
“I want you to know: I promise to be the president for all Americans,” Harris is expected to declare, according to excerpts from her speech released in advance.
As she steps onto the stage before thousands of enthusiastic delegates, the energy in the room will be electric. Since the convention began on Monday, excitement has steadily built to a fever pitch, with Thursday night’s event resembling a joyful, vibrant celebration. Many attendees, representing states across the country, will don white—a color historically associated with women’s political struggles—as a symbol of their hope to see the 59-year-old vice president become the first female president of the United States by defeating Republican candidate Donald Trump on November 5.
Harris is set to deliver a sharp critique of her opponent, stating, “The former president is not a serious man. But the consequences of Donald Trump returning to the White House would be extremely serious.”
The Democratic convention has drawn an audience of over 20 million viewers each night, captivated by powerful speeches from figures like the Obamas and a lineup of musical performances that blend entertainment with political messaging. Harris will use this platform to introduce herself to a nation that may still be unfamiliar with her, despite her nearly four years in the challenging role of vice president.
Speculation is swirling that Beyoncé, one of the world’s biggest stars, will make a surprise appearance at the event, according to TMZ. The singer, who has dabbled in every genre of music, has already lent her voice to the campaign with her anthem “Freedom.”
During her speech, Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, will reflect on her upbringing in a middle-class family and her career as a former California prosecutor. She will contrast her optimistic vision of America’s future with Trump’s focus on the nation’s “decline,” according to her campaign team.
Polls currently show Harris holding a slight lead over Trump in national voting intentions. However, this slim advantage is far from a guarantee of victory, with 74 days remaining until an election likely to be decided in a few critical swing states. The volatile political landscape has already seen dramatic shifts, with current President Joe Biden withdrawing his candidacy and former President Trump surviving an assassination attempt in the past four weeks.
Friday could bring further changes. Reports from U.S. media suggest that independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to drop out and endorse Trump, which could shift the dynamics of the race.
“We’re not the favorites… that’s how we see things,” said Dan Kantienne, a Harris campaign official, during an event hosted by the Bloomer agency on Friday.
In this high-stakes contest, Harris aims to challenge the Republican Party’s claim to championing freedom. “When Republicans talk about freedom, they mean the freedom for the government to invade your doctor’s office,” her running mate, Tim Walz, charged on Wednesday, referencing the rollback of abortion rights in several conservative states.
Meanwhile, Trump, speaking on Fox News Thursday morning, reiterated his claim that Harris wants to steer America towards “communism.” Later, during a visit to Arizona, a state bordering Mexico, he accused her of wanting to “open the borders” to illegal immigration, a frequent theme in his attacks.
