Kamala Harris Delivers Forceful DNC Address as She Shatters a New Ceiling: 'Let's Write the Next Great Chapter'

Mar. 15, 2025

Vice PresidentKamala Harris' historic finale speech at the2024 Democratic National Conventionmarked the first time a woman of color has accepted a major party’s nomination for president. Tasked with proving to the nation that she’s ready to lead, Harris delivered an assertive and patriotic address that sought to unify Americans across the political spectrum.

“I know there are people of various political views watching tonight. And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans," she said. “You can always trust me to put country above party and self, to hold sacred America’s fundamental principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections to the peaceful transfer of power.”

She continued: “I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations, a president who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical, and has common sense, and always fights for the American people. From the courthouse to the White House, that has beenmy life’s work.”

Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage to close out the 2024 Democratic National Convention.ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty

ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty

Harris' speech began with an acknowledgement that the 2024 election is playing out differently than voters imagined. “The path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected,” she said. “But I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys.”

The vice president — who only recently replaced PresidentJoe Bidenat the top of the White House ticket — used the podium to formally introduce herself to the nation, telling the story of her childhood and sharing lessons from her late immigrant mother,Shyamala Gopalan, about resilience and determination.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty

Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty

Touting her career as a prosecutor, the former California attorney general said the only client she’s had in her career has been the American people.

“I love our country with all my heart,” she said. “Everywhere I go and everyone I meet, I see a nation that is ready to move forward. Ready for the next step in the incredible journey that is America. I see an America where we hold fast to the fearless belief that built our nation and inspired the world. That here, in this country, anything is possible. That nothing is out of reach.”

Kamala Harris stands at the podium during her DNC acceptance speech on Aug. 22, 2024.David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty

While most of the DNC’s keynote speakersmade jokesabout the Republican presidential ticket, Harris maintained a solemn tone while discussing GOP presidential nomineeDonald Trumpand his running mate,J.D. Vance, characterizing their vision for America as a dark one.

“Fellow Americans, this election is not only the most important of our lives, it is one of the most important in the life of our nation,” she said. “In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man. But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious. Consider not only the chaos and calamity when he was in office, but also the gravity of what has happened since he lost the last election.”

“Our opponents in this race are out there every day denigrating America, talking about how terrible everything is,” she continued. “Well, my mother had another lesson she used to teach: ‘Never let anyone tell you who you are, you show them who you are.’ America, let us show each other and the world who we are and what we stand for.”

Vice President Kamala Harris' family members join her on stage after her Aug. 22 DNC address.Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty

Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty

After forcefully hitting on the major election year issues — including reproductive freedom,border security, gun violence, foreign relations and building the middle class — Harris leaned into her patriotism.

“We are the heirs to the greatest democracy in the history of the world. And on behalf of our children and our grandchildren and all those who sacrificed so dearly for our freedom and liberty, we must be worthy of this moment,” she said.

Balloons fall at the close of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago’s United Center.Kevin Dietsch/Getty

Kevin Dietsch/Getty

Harris, who accepted the vice presidential nomination at the DNC four years ago, was on track to earn the VP nomination once again this year, until Bidenexited the raceon July 21.

Within one day, Harris hadreplaced him as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, changing the state of the race only a few weeks ahead of the nominating convention.

Andrew Harnik/Getty

Since becoming the face of her party’s White House ticket and selecting Minnesota Gov.Tim Walzas her running mate, Harris has seemingly reenergized the Democratic Party, surpassing several of Biden’s highest polling numbers in a matter of days and forcing Trump to find a new campaign strategy.

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Harris is the first woman, Black person and Asian American to serve as vice president of the United States. If elected in November, she would become the nation’s first female president and first person of Asian descent to lead the nation.

source: people.com