The presidential candidate says that the consequences of choosing Trump, who “only” has him “as a client”, “are extremely serious”
The vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, has officially accepted this Thursday the nomination of the Democratic Party as a candidate for the White House, thus becoming the first African-American woman and the first person of Asian descent to aspire to the American Presidency, and has promised “to be the president of all Americans.”
“On behalf of the people, on behalf of all Americans, regardless of race, gender, or what language their grandmother spoke, and on behalf of all who have ever embarked on their own uncertain journey, on behalf of Americans like the people I grew up with, who work hard, pursue their dreams, and look out for each other, on behalf of all those whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nomination for President of the United States,” she said.
In this sense, the presidential candidate has maintained that throughout her “entire” career she has had “only one customer: the people.” “With these elections, our country has a precious and fleeting opportunity to leave behind the cynicism and divisive battles of the past, an opportunity to chart a new path forward. Not as members of a party, but as Americans,” she said.
“Always trust me to put country before party and self, to hold sacred America’s founding principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections to the peaceful exercise of power. I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations,” she said.
Thus, she assured that she will be a leader “who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical and has common sense, and who always fights for the American people.” “From the courts to the White House, that has been my life’s work,” she said, adding that as a prosecutor she faced “the big banks” and the cartels that traffic and “put security at risk,” and “defended” veterans, students and workers.
“These battles were not easy, nor were the elections that put me in those positions. We were underestimated at almost every turn. But we never gave up, because the future is always worth fighting for. That is the fight we are immersed in now (…) These elections are not only the most important of our lives, but one of the most important in the life of our country,” he said.
HE COMPARES HIS CANDIDATURE WITH THAT OF THE REPUBLICANS
After defending his suitability for the position, he referred to his rival, the former president and presidential candidate of the Republican Party Donald Trump, whom he considered an “unserious man,” but warned that “the consequences of putting him back in the White House are extremely serious.” “Consider not only the chaos during his administration, but also the gravity of what happened in the last election,” he said in reference to the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
“Trump tried to throw away your votes. When he failed, he sent an armed mob to the Capitol, where they assaulted law enforcement officers. When politicians from his own party begged him to call off the mob and send help, he did the opposite. He fanned the flames of a number of different crimes,” he recalled before listing the crimes for which the tycoon is on trial.
Thus, he asked to take into account “what he intends to do” if the polls give him “power again”, taking into account his “explicit attempts to free violent extremists who assaulted officers, to imprison journalists and opponents.” “Just imagine Trump without guardrails, and how he would use the immense powers of the Presidency not to improve your life, not to strengthen our national security, but to serve the only client he’s ever had, himself,” he said.
On foreign policy, he assured his support for Ukraine and Israel, asserting that “it’s time” to reach a ceasefire agreement that includes the release of the hostages, while reiterating his support for “Israel’s right to defend itself” because Israelis “should not face the horror that the terrorist organization Hamas caused on October 7.” “But what has happened in Gaza in the last ten months is devastating. Too many lives have been lost,” he said. “The level of suffering is heartbreaking,” he added.
She also said that she would “never” hesitate to “take whatever action is necessary to defend” the United States from Iran and “Iranian-backed terrorists,” referring to pro-Iranian militias, who “are encouraging Trump” because “they know he is easy to manipulate with flattery and favors.” “They know that Trump will not hold autocrats accountable because he wants to be an autocrat himself,” she concluded.
Harris, who gave a presentation of her life, highlighting her parents’ origins and her background as part of the middle class, expressed her gratitude to President Joe Biden, who, after pressure due to his advanced age, left the presidential race. “When I think about the path we have traveled together, Joe, I am filled with gratitude. Your career is extraordinary, as history will show. Your character is inspiring,” she said.
Harris’ speech closed the Democratic National Convention, which has been attended by the last three Democratic presidents of the country: Joe Biden, Barack Obama (2009-2017) and Bill Clinton (1993-2001). It also featured speeches by former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former first lady Michelle Obama, as well as presenter Oprah Winfrey.
