Vice President Kamala Harris made history Thursday night as she formally accepted the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
“On behalf of the people; on behalf of every American regardless of party, race, gender, or the language your grandmother speaks; on behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey; on behalf of Americans like the people I grew up with, people who work hard, chase their dreams, and look out for one another; on behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nomination for president of the United States of America,” she said as the crowd broke out in cheers at the Democratic National Convention.
Harris is the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major-party ticket. If elected, she would be the first woman and Indian American president.
“I know there are people of various political views watching tonight,” she said in her speech. “And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans. You can always trust me to put country above party and self.”
Harris announced her candidacy last month after President Joe Biden withdrew his reelection bid and endorsed her to succeed him. The party has moved quickly to coalesce behind Harris following Biden’s unprecedented exit.
Harris’ speech closed out the fourth and final day of the convention, which was held at the United Center in Chicago.
Her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, spoke at the convention Wednesday night and said accepting the vice presidential nomination was “the honor of my life.” Former President Barack Obama gave the keynote speech Tuesday night, and Biden spoke the night before. All said they believe in Harris’ ability to lead.
“She’ll be a president we can all be proud of, and she will be a historic president who puts her stamp on America’s future,” Biden told the convention crowd on Monday.