Kamala Harris formally accepts Democrats' nomination for president

**CHICAGO:** Vice President Kamala Harris set out to redefine her image for America and sharply contrast herself with Republican Donald Trump on Thursday as she officially accepted the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential nomination.

"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," Harris declared to the cheers of Democrats at their national convention.

Harris emerged as the Democratic candidate just over a month ago when President Joe Biden, 81, was pressured by his allies to exit the race. If successful, she will make history as the first woman ever elected U.S. president.

The four-day Democratic National Convention attracted some of the biggest names in politics and music.

On the final and most eagerly anticipated night of the convention, Chicago’s United Center was filled with energy and people. With all 23,500 seats occupied, arena staff briefly halted additional attendees from entering, citing a fire marshal’s declaration that the building had reached capacity.

Biden called Harris to wish her well before her speech, according to a White House spokesperson.

Referencing the divisive rhetoric Trump has often used, Harris pledged to "be a president for all Americans."

**Nearly Four Years as VP**

A former California attorney general, Harris' presidential aspirations have been evident for years, though her ambitions were previously undermined by a shaky 2020 campaign and challenges during her nearly four years as vice president.

"With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a New Way Forward. Not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans," Harris stated.

Country band The Chicks performed the national anthem, and Pink took the stage at the United Center, an arena that seats more than 20,000 people.

The Central Park Five, Black men exonerated after being wrongfully convicted of rape as teenagers and incarcerated for years, received a standing ovation. The group criticized Trump, who, as a New York City real estate developer, condemned the teenagers at the time and refused to retract his erroneous claims.

The Democratic crowd erupted for Senator Elizabeth Warren, who became emotional and wiped away tears. Warren, who pursued her own presidential bid in 2020, gave a passionate endorsement of Harris, while dismissing Trump as "the felon."

Victims of gun violence, including former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, also made appearances.

Former U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger, one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach then-President Trump, was among several Republicans who spoke out against Trump at the convention.

"Democracy knows no party," Kinzinger said, urging his fellow Republicans to recognize that "Democrats are as patriotic as us. They love this country as much as we do."

Over the past three days, Democrats have positioned themselves as the voice of American values, from small towns to international concerns.

Harris' powerful campaign speeches have sparked a surge in voter enthusiasm ahead of the Nov. 5 election. She has raised a record-breaking $500 million in a month and has either closed the gap or taken the lead over Trump in many battleground state polls that will determine the election.

**Unresolved Gaza Issues**

Outside the convention center, thousands of Palestinian supporters gathered to protest U.S. support for Israel amid its ongoing war in Gaza. The issue remains one of the most divisive among Democrats and received little attention at the convention, which could impact their performance at the polls.

Delegates from the Uncommitted National Movement, which mobilized nearly 750,000 voters to withhold support for Biden during the primaries, entered the venue linking arms and took their seats. These members spent Wednesday night on the sidewalk outside the convention to protest the DNC's refusal to allow a Palestinian speaker.

Harris has yet to fully articulate her vision for the country, and Republicans argue that Democrats have focused more on attacking Trump than on outlining their governance plans.

Aides say Harris will discuss her proposals to cut taxes for most Americans, increase the housing supply, and ban what she describes as "price gouging" by grocers. Her campaign has also proposed raising the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%.

Her speech will include elements of foreign policy and stories of women affected by abortion bans and other restrictions on reproductive rights, according to aides and advisers.

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