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, 11:15 PM EDT

    'America let us show each other and the world who we are'

    Harris wrapped her historic speech by again citing her late mother's words.

    "My mother had another lesson she used to teach. Never let anyone tell you who you are. You show them who you are," she said.

    "America, let us show each other, and the world who we are, and what we stand for: Freedom, opportunity, compassion, dignity, fairness and endless possibilities," she added

    Harris pushed Americans to remember "the privilege and pride of being an American."

    "Let’s get out there and let’s fight for it. Let’s get out there, and let’s vote for it," she said.

    Tia Yang Image
    Aug 22, 2024, 11:12 PM EDT

    Fact-checking Harris’ claim Trump would deploy the military against U.S. citizens

    In a litany of attacks against Trump, Harris cited the former president’s “explicit intent to deploy our active duty military against our own citizens.’

    In 2023, Trump told voters at a campaign rally in Iowa that he wouldn’t wait for governors or mayors to “get crime out of our cities" by calling in the military.

    Calling New York City and Chicago “crime dens,” Trump said, “And one of the other things I’ll do — because you’re supposed to not be involved in that, you just have to be asked by the governor or the mayor to come in — the next time, I’m not waiting. One of the things I did was let them run it, and we’re going to show how bad a job they do ... We don’t have to wait any longer.”

    —PolitiFact’s Aaron Sharockman

    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

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