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, 10:04 PM EDT

    'Listen to President Reagan': Leon Panetta

    While making the case for Harris as commander-in-chief, Leon Panetta, the Secretary of Defense under former President Barack Obama, said Trump will "abandon our allies and isolate America."

    Former US Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta speaks on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Aug. 22, 2024.
    Andrew Caballero-reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    "Listen to President Reagan," Panetta said. "Isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments."

    In drawing a comparison between the two candidates, he said, "Trump tells tyrants like Putin they can do whatever the hell they want. Kamala Harris tells tyrants the hell you can. Not on my watch."

    He drew the largest applause when he said that the role of the U.S. military is to defend us from foreign enemies and "sure as hell isn't to put immigrants in camps."

    Aug 22, 2024, 10:02 PM EDT

    Ruben Gallego brings out veterans, torches Trump

    Rep. Ruben Gallego, an Iraq war veteran, brought on stage Democratic veterans serving their county and in elected offices at every level.

    "These veterans represent the best of our country," he said. "We stand united as veterans, Democrats and patriots to fight for everyone who serves."

    "But politicians like Donald Trump. They don't stand with us," he said. "They call patriots like Sen. McCain 'losers.' John McCain was an American hero. Show some respect."

    Gallego is running for Senate in Arizona against Trump-ally Kari Lake.

    Aug 22, 2024, 9:59 PM EDT

    Harris' motorcade arrives at United Center

    The vice president’s motorcade arrived at the United Center at 9:48 p.m. ET, according to the press pool.

    Aug 22, 2024, 9:57 PM EDT

    Prime-time spot for Panetta

    Another sign of how Democrats are trying to turn patriotism and national security arguments on their head, is the prime-time speaking spot for Leon Panetta -- telling the story about giving the order that led to the death of Osama bin Laden.

    The former U.S. Secretary of Defense said, “We need Kamala Harris behind the resolute desk.”
    6:27

    Leon Panetta warns of ‘moment of danger’ during full speech at the DNC

    The former U.S. Secretary of Defense said, “We need Kamala Harris behind the resolute desk.”
    ABCNews.com

    -ABC News' Rick Klein

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