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.
Latest headlines:
- 'America let us show each other and the world who we are'
- Harris calls for cease-fire deal, says Israel must be able to defend itself
- Harris vows to sign border bill that Trump derailed
- Harris talking about one of her strongest issues: reproductive rights
- Harris pivots to attack on Trump: 'Unserious man' with 'serious' consequences
Fact-checking Mark Kelly: ‘Trump skipped his intelligence briefings’
Trump was not known to look through the Presidential Daily Brief regularly or read it to completion. He relied instead on oral briefings that he received from intelligence officials every few days.
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton wrote in his memoir that "Trump generally had only two intelligence briefings per week, and in most of those, he spoke at greater length than the briefers, often on matters completely unrelated to the subjects at hand."
—PolitiFact's Aaron Sharockman
Mark Kelly touts Harris' strength on foreign security
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly joked that it was tough to follow-up his wife Gabrielle Giffords and P!nk, but zeroed in on the topic of foreign security.
Kelly, who was in consideration for the vice president spot on the Democratic ticket, warned of Trump's support of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his lack of support for America's allies.
"Vice President Harris has always championed America's support for NATO, for Ukraine and for the Ukrainian people," he contended.
Kelly, a retired astronaut and Navy pilot, also chastised Trump for his treatment of service members.
"Trump thinks that Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice are suckers and losers. If we fall for that again and make him the commander in chief, the only suckers would be us," he said.
Most Americans approve stricter gun laws
The emotional segment featuring gun violence survivors and family members could resonate with voters. A majority, 56 percent according to the latest Gallup polling from last year, favor stricter gun control laws. The legislation Biden signed in 2022 — which expanded background checks and red flag laws — was also popular, with 64 percent saying they approved of it. But 78 percent thought it would do little or nothing to stem gun violence, which mean many voters may think there's more room for legislation.
— 538's Monica Potts
Security is next theme of the night
In line with various speakers's emphasis on Harris as a would-be strong commander-in-chief, now the conversation is shifting toward security.
A video just aired of a previous Harris speech on the need for a "strong America" to ensure global stability and democracy.
Speaking now is retired Air Force general and NASA astronaut Mark Kelly. Up soon is former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.