DNC 2024 Day 4 live updates: Harris makes her case for the presidency -- 'fight for America's future'
Harris set her agenda in a rousing speech at the DNC.
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.
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Harris makes unity pitch
"I know there are people of various political views watching tonight, and I want you to know, I promise to be a president for all Americans," she said. "You can always trust me to put country above party and self, to hold sacred America's fundamental principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power. "
"I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations, a president who lead us and listens, who is realistic, practical and has common sense and always fights for the American people from the courthouse to the White House," she continued. "That has been my life's work."
Reframing economics as an issue for Democrats
I wrote about this earlier today in our 538 politics chat, but the Harris campaign has been working to reframe their party's position on the economy, an issue that's always at the top of voters' minds. It's an issue that Democrats have been lagging behind Trump on throughout this election cycle, though Harris has been gaining a bit of ground since she entered the race.
Other DNC speakers have touted Harris's history of working at McDonald's and her middle-class roots, while her speech emphasized that again tonight with her stories of growing up in Oakland. I expect more of this on the campaign, as Walz, a former teacher, and Harris try to connect with working-class voters.
—538's Monica Potts
Harris accepts presidential nomination
Harris accepted the party's nomination behalf of the American people.
"With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past, a chance to chart a new way forward," she said.
Harris brings back Michelle Obama's 'do something' mantra
"My mother was a brilliant, five foot tall, brown woman with an accent," Harris said. "And as the eldest child, I saw how the world would sometimes treat her. But my mother never lost her cool. She was tough, courageous, a trailblazer in the fight for women's health, and she taught Maya and me a lesson that Michelle mentioned the other night: She taught us to never complain about injustice, but do something about it."
"That was my mother -- and she also taught us, and 'never do anything half-a--ed.' And that is a direct quote."