Kamala Harris Calls Donald Trump Dangerous as Historic Campaign Launches

CHICAGO – At the Democratic National Convention, Kamala Harris officially kicked off her campaign against Donald Trump, aiming to make history as the first woman elected President of the United States.

While the atmosphere in the convention hall was electric, Harris delivered a serious and sober warning about the implications of another Trump presidency.

“We know what a second Trump term would look like,” she stated. “In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man. But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious.”

Harris criticized Trump, labeling him a liar and a cheat, and emphasized the threats he poses to democracy. She claimed he would enact a nationwide abortion ban, cut taxes for the wealthy, and align himself with autocrats. “They know Trump won’t hold autocrats accountable,” she asserted, “because he wants to be an autocrat.”

The upcoming election was described as a valuable opportunity to move beyond past bitterness, cynicism, and divisions. “A chance to chart a new way forward, not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans,” she declared.

Harris reflected on her family’s heritage, highlighting her Indian mother and Jamaican father, yet she did not dwell on the historical significance of her candidacy that breaks barriers of race and gender. Nevertheless, her nomination as the first woman of color for president energized the crowd at Chicago’s United Center, where many delegates donned white, a tribute to the suffragists.

The enthusiasm in the hall echoed previous moments in history: when Geraldine Ferraro was nominated for vice president in 1984, when Barack Obama became the first Black presidential nominee in 2008, and when Hillary Clinton was nominated for president in 2016.

While Obama succeeded in the general election, the memory of Clinton’s unexpected loss to Trump cast a shadow over the event and tempered the party’s high expectations with a sense of realism about the upcoming 75 days.

Since becoming the presumptive nominee, Harris has seen a tightening of the polls in key battleground states, with some surveys indicating she has gained a slight edge over Trump nationally.

Just over a month ago, Harris was part of a ticket that appeared to be trailing. However, everything changed rapidly.

In her acceptance speech, Harris expressed her gratitude first to her husband, Doug Emhoff, and then to President Joe Biden for “your lifetime of leadership and your trust in me.” An hour prior, Biden shared a photograph on X, previously known as Twitter, signaling his support for Harris during her historic nomination.

Biden’s reluctant withdrawal from the race paved the way for Harris’s ascent, uniting a once-disheartened Democratic Party. The leadership torch has now been handed from the 81-year-old Biden to the 59-year-old Harris, allowing her greater freedom to connect with the achievements of the current administration while distancing herself from any controversial aspects.

In her address, Harris promised to build an “opportunity economy” and tackle the housing crisis, although specifics were sparse. She also committed to reviving bipartisan efforts on illegal immigration, which had been stalled due to Trump’s resistance.

Instead of outlining a bold liberal agenda, Harris aimed her message at independents and moderate Republicans, positioning herself as a president who “listens, is realistic, practical, and has common sense.”

Despite some progressive issues being overlooked, party leaders displayed a pragmatic approach, focusing on victory. There was even contention regarding the exclusion of a Palestinian-American speaker to address the crisis in Gaza, where many civilians have suffered from ongoing violence.

Harris did address the complexity of the situation in Gaza, affirming her steadfast support for Israel’s right to self-defense, while also acknowledging the heartbreaking suffering experienced by civilians there.

This convention marked a significant opportunity for Harris, potentially reaching one of the largest audiences of her lifetime. The televised debates ahead are expected to further influence the electoral landscape.

Throughout the convention, there was a concerted effort to introduce Harris to the broader electorate, offering personal testimonials from her family, friends, and colleagues. Harris recounted her mother’s struggles and the importance of building a strong middle class, a core aspect she pledged to prioritize.

Celebrity appearances, including performances by famous artists, added to the event’s atmosphere, while moments of humor lightened the mood. Before Harris took the stage, actress Kerry Washington conducted a public lesson on the proper pronunciation of Harris’s name, a nod to Trump’s frequent mispronunciations.

This name will undoubtedly be prominent in American political discourse in the coming months.

Source: USA Today