The final night of the Democratic National Convention featured Kamala Harris formally accepting her party’s nomination for the presidency. Arriving on stage at Chicago’s United Center to roars of applause, Harris began her remarks with storytelling — which has been a key aspect of her campaign thus far — reminiscing about her childhood and sharing how her parents, both immigrants, met and raised her and her sister. 

“My mother was 19 when she crossed the world alone, traveling from India to California with an unshakable dream to be the scientist who would cure breast cancer,” she shared. “When she finished school, she was supposed to return home to a traditional arranged marriage. But as fate would have it, she met my father, Donald Harris, a student from Jamaica.” 

While Harris’ father has played a noticeably less visible role in the canon of Harris’ life, she emphasized that, “From my earliest years, he taught me to be fearless.” 

“A president for all Americans” 

As expected, Harris also lambasted her opponent and took pains to distinguish what she promises as president from what former president Donald Trump would bring. In particular, she committed to a peaceful transfer of power — making clear reference to the Jan. 6 insurrection, which has been a continuing theme at the convention. 

“I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations. A president who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical and has common sense,” she said. “I promise to be a president for all Americans. You can always trust me to put country above party and self.”

On Israel and Gaza

Then came policy. Harris promised to pass a middle class tax cut, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, a bipartisan border protection bill, and a bill to protect reproductive freedom — among other things, including ushering in, “An opportunity economy, where everyone has the chance to succeed.” Of course, the Democrats will have to take the house and senate for much of these aspirations to be possible. 

On foreign policy, Harris said she will “stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies.” But all ears were perked to hear her remarks regarding the war on Gaza, which has cast a shadow over the convention proceedings. 

Watch here: URL Media talks to an uncommitted delegate at the DNC

“President Biden and I are working around the clock because now is the time to get a hostage deal and a cease-fire deal done,” she said.  “And let me be clear. I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself, and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself.” 

Protestors who marched on the DNC have called for the U.S. to end aid to Israel, including through an arms embargo. 

Mentioning the Hamas Oct. 7 attacks at a music festival, Harris was full-throated in her defense of Israel, but also made space to give voice to the Palestinian struggle. 

“At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking.

“President Biden and I are working to end this war, such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination.”

This part of her speech earned Harris some of the loudest applause of the night, showing that the fate of Palestinians is becoming a central concern of the left — even among rank and file supporters attending the convention. 

Saving Democracy

But top of mind is still saving democracy here at home, which the Democrats have framed this election as being about. 

“In the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and where the United States belongs,” said Harris. “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.”