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, 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.

    Aug 22, 2024, 11:11 PM EDT

    Scenes from inside the United Center

    As Harris speaks, onlookers old and young are hanging on to every word of her historic acceptance speech.

    PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris' grandnieces Amara (R) and Leila (L) listen as Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on stage on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention Aug. 22, 2024 in Chicago.
    Vice President Kamala Harris' grandnieces Amara (R) and Leila (L) listen as Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on stage on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 22, 2024 in Chicago.
    Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

    Attendees listen as Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks onstage on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 22, 2024 in Chicago.
    Brandon Bell/Getty Images

    An attendee holds a sign as Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago.
    Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    Tia Yang Image
    Aug 22, 2024, 11:11 PM EDT

    Project 2025 is unpopular

    Harris earlier mentioned Project 2025, which risks getting too wonky for the average viewer. But Democrats have been talking about it a lot this week, trying to tie it to Trump. The plan, a conservative roadmap for governance, is pretty unpopular with voters and is getting more so over time. In July, it was 32 points underwater on favorability. A majority of respondents also don't like the specific policies laid out, like "firing thousands of federal employees and replacing them with appointees loyal to the president," "reducing federal civil rights protections for lesbian, gay, and transgender people," and withdrawing federal approval for the abortion pill mifepristone.

    — 538's Monica Potts

    Aug 22, 2024, 11:09 PM EDT

    Harris calls for cease-fire deal, says Israel must be able to defend itself

    Harris, like Biden before her, is trying to balance support for Israel's security with condemnation of the violence in Gaza.

    She said she and Biden are working around the clock for a hostage and cease-fire deal.

    "I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself because the people of Israel must never again face the horror that a terrorist organization called Hamas calls on Oct. 7," she said. "At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating so many innocent lives lost."

    The vice president said she and Biden are "working around the clock" for a hostage and cease-fire deal.
    1:51

    Harris calls for cease-fire deal, says Israel must be able to defend itself

    The vice president said she and Biden are "working around the clock" for a hostage and cease-fire deal.
    ABCNews.com

    Aug 22, 2024, 11:07 PM EDT

    Harris on her vision as commander-in-chief

    Harris laid out her experience on the global stage as vice president, saying she has "confronted threats to our security, negotiated with foreign leaders, strengthened our alliances and engaged with our brave troops overseas."

    "As commander-in-chief, I will ensure America always has the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world. And I will fulfill our sacred obligation to care for our troops and their families, and I will always honor and never disparage their service and their sacrifice," she said, as the crowd broke out into a chant of "U.S.A.!"

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