DNC 2024 Day 4 live updates: Harris says she will 'fight for America's future'

Harris set her agenda in a rousing speech at the DNC.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, Meredith Deliso, Tal Axelrod, and Brittany Gaddy
Last Updated: August 22, 2024, 11:30 PM EDT

The moment that millions around the country have been waiting for took place Thursday at the Democratic National Convention as Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the nomination for the presidency.

Harris took the stage to a roaring standing ovation and soon set her agenda in a rousing speech.

Whether it was immigration, reproductive rights or foreign security, the vice president showcased a sharp contrast in policies to former President Donald Trump.

Harris's speech was preceded by a who's who of leaders from both sides of the aisle who all made the case that she is the best person to be the nation's leader.

Photos: 2024 Democratic National Convention

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Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, Aug. 22, 2024.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

    Latest headlines:

    Here's how the news is developing:
    Aug 22, 2024, 4:45 PM EDT

    Harris, Emhoff wish each other happy 10th anniversary

    Vice President Kamala Harris wished her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff a happy anniversary on Thursday ahead of her acceptance speech at the DNC. The couple are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary.

    "To the best partner I could ask for: Happy anniversary, Dougie," Harris posted on social media, with a picture of the two visiting campaign headquarters in Wilmington the day after she announced her candidacy.

    Earlier Thursday, Emhoff did the same, posting a slideshow of photos of himself and Harris.

    "Ten years of marriage, forever to go," Emhoff wrote. "Happy anniversary, @WRQ11HGNB. I love you."

    Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, share a moment after a campaign event at Temple University in Philadelphia, August 6, 2024.
    Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images

    -ABC News' Fritz Farrow

    Aug 22, 2024, 3:39 PM EDT

    Meet the oldest DNC delegate, Angie Gialloreto

    Angie Gialloreto, 95, has attended every Democratic National Convention since 1976, when Jimmy Carter was on the ticket.

    Since the 99-year-old former president could not attend this year’s DNC due to his health issues, Gialloreto is the oldest delegate to travel to Chicago, where she will watch Harris accept her party’s nomination.

    The Pennsylvania native told ABC News the possibility that Harris could become the first woman to serve as president was a long time coming because women "have taken a back seat many years and now we’ll have a leader."

    Angie Gialloreto, 95, who has attended every Democratic National Convention since 1976, speaks with ABC News at the United Center.
    Morgan Gstalter/ABC News

    When asked how she would celebrate if Harris ends up victorious during the November general election against Donald Trump, Gialloreto said she will focus on "getting ready for the next election of local candidates."

    Angie Gialloreto, 95, has attended every Democratic National Convention since 1976, when Jimmy Carter was on the ticket.
    1:17

    Meet the 95-year-old delegate who has been to every DNC since Carter

    Angie Gialloreto, 95, has attended every Democratic National Convention since 1976, when Jimmy Carter was on the ticket.
    ABCNews.com

    -ABC News' Morgan Gstalter

    Aug 22, 2024, 2:41 PM EDT

    Walz meets with former students in Chicago

    The morning after accepting his party's nomination for vice president, Walz gathered in Chicago with former staff, family, friends and former students -- including some of the football players who appeared on-stage Wednesday night at the United Center.

    ABC News spotted Walz at a Chicago hotel on Thursday morning.

    During that meeting, he mingled with several of his former Mankato West High School students over an informal breakfast, according to a source familiar with Walz's movements. Some of those who met with Walz at the hotel were observed by ABC News donning "Harris-Walz Alumni" T-shirts.

    Earlier in the day, Walz posted a video on X showing him hug and greet the students backstage at the convention.

    -ABC News' Lucien Bruggeman, Allison Pecorin and MaryAlice Parks

    Aug 22, 2024, 2:23 PM EDT

    How Harris prepares for big speeches

    Former campaign managers and senior staffers who worked Harris through the years shed light on how she prepares for big speeches.

    They said she’s a trial lawyer at her core, and so preparation was key as well as being ready for audience reactions.

    U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Aug. 20, 2024.
    Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

    In crafting a speech, she would start with themes, outline and then focus in on what she wanted to say well in advance. She would be intimately involved in every speech, making edits and collaborating with those around her.

    They said like most people she gets nervous, but would relax, review the remarks, save her voice, conserve energy and rest up.

    -ABC News' Zohreen Shah

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