Live

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.

Last Updated: August 22, 2024, 9:54 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.

    9:54 PM EDT

    P!nk rocks the house

    Artist P!nk took the stage with her daughter Willow Sage Hart to sing "What about us?"

    The 2017 song was written in response to the unrest going on in the country, the singer has said in previous interviews.

    Willow Sage Hart, Pink and Justin Derrico perform on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 22, 2024 in Chicago.
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
    9:45 PM EDT

    Mark Kelly operates iPad with speech for wife Gabby Giffords

    Gabby Giffords, who survived a near-fatal gun shot to the head, spoke Thursday night on how she survived the assassination attempt and the need for gun reform.

    "I survived!" she exclaimed.

    The former politician and gun control activist spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
    The former politician and gun control activist spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

    Her husband, Sen. Mark Kelly, was advancing her speech on an iPad as her own version of a teleprompter.

    9:38 PM EDT

    'I reach out for the daughter I will never hold again': Impactful stories on gun violence

    Four people impacted by gun violence shared their stories with the crowd in moving statements.

    Abbey Clements of Newtown, Connecticut, a teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary, said she carries that "horrific day" with her, when 20 children and six of her colleagues were shot.

    "They should still be here," she said.

    PHOTO: Lucy McBath (C), Democrat from Georgia, speaks about gun violence alongside others who have been affected by gun violence, L-R,  Abbey Clements, Kim Rubio, Melody McFadden and Edgar Vilchez in Chicago, Aug. 22, 2024.
    US Representative Lucy McBath (C), Democrat from Georgia, speaks about gun violence alongside others who have been affected by gun violence, L-R, Abbey Clements, Kim Rubio, Melody McFadden and Edgar Vilchez in Chicago, Aug. 22, 2024.
    Pedro Ugarte/AFP via Getty Images

    Kim Rubio of Uvalde, Texas, whose daughter was one of 19 children killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting, recounted that day through tears.

    "I reach out for the daughter I will never hold again," she said, as the crowd yelled out her daughter's name.

    Melody McFadden of Charleston, South Carolina, said her niece's murder on a beach remains unsolved.

    Americans impacted by mass shootings shared their heartrending stories at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
    Americans impacted by mass shootings shared their heartrending stories at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

    "I'll keep fighting," she said.

    Edgar Vilchez of Chicago, Illinois, recounted when his high school classmate was shot in school.

    "Instead of worried about taking a test, I started worrying about living to take another test," he said.

    He said he learned a lot that day: "How to run, how to hide and drop."

    Georgia Rep. Lucy McBath said the stories "strengthen their resolve" to fight for the "safer futures that we all deserve."

    9:32 PM EDT

    Gun violence takes focus

    Americans impacted by mass shootings just shared their heartrending stories.

    Speaking next is Gabby Giffords, who was shot during an assassination attempt in when she was in Congress.

    Gun violence is among the top issues in the Democratic Party's platform, which calls for an assault weapons ban and ending the gun industry's immunity from liability. In contrast, the GOP convention platform made no mention of firearm violence or gun control.

    Related Topics