“In the ongoing battle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand, and I know where the United States belongs,” Harris declared, as she accused Trump of appeasing dictators and undermining democratic values. Her speech, delivered on the final and most eagerly anticipated night of the four-day convention in Chicago, was a pivotal moment as the campaign enters its final 11 weeks.
Harris, 59, emerged as the Democratic nominee just over a month ago, following a dramatic turn of events in which President Joe Biden, 81, withdrew from the race under pressure from his allies. Biden’s exit cleared the path for Harris, who now faces the formidable task of uniting the Democratic base while appealing to undecided voters.
Throughout her speech, Harris laid out a broad vision for America, promising to lead the nation on a “New Way Forward.” This pledge comes at a critical time, as the race between Harris and Trump, 78, remains exceedingly close. However, Harris’s address was notable not only for its policy outlines but also for its defiant tone in response to Trump’s relentless personal attacks. During her brief campaign, Harris had often been criticized by Trump, who mocked her heritage and questioned her strength on the global stage.
In a speech that was both forceful and optimistic, Harris addressed a wide range of issues, though some specifics remained to be articulated. She spoke passionately about foreign and domestic policy, drawing cheers from the audience when she pledged to secure Israel’s safety, bring home hostages from Gaza, and end the conflict in the region.
“Now is the time to secure a hostage deal and a ceasefire in Gaza,” Harris said, emphasizing her commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense. “Let me be clear: I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure it has the means to do so.”
Harris also expressed deep concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, acknowledging the tragic loss of life and the suffering of innocent civilians. “What has unfolded in Gaza over the past ten months is devastating,” she said. “So many innocent lives lost, desperate people fleeing for safety. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking.”
She assured the American public that she and President Biden are working tirelessly to bring an end to the conflict, ensuring Israel’s security while advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people.
“We are committed to ending this war in a way that ensures Israel’s security, frees the hostages, ends the suffering in Gaza, and allows the Palestinian people to realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.”
On foreign policy, Harris delivered some of her strongest statements to date, vowing to defend U.S. interests against adversaries like Iran and refusing to “cozy up to tyrants and dictators.” She explicitly named North Korea’s Kim Jong Un as one of the leaders who are “rooting for Trump,” reinforcing her position as a strong leader on the global stage.
She also pledged unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and vowed to stand firmly with NATO allies. Harris’s rhetoric on foreign policy marked a clear departure from Trump’s approach, signaling a return to traditional alliances and a more confrontational stance against authoritarian regimes.
If elected, Harris would make history as the first woman to hold the office of U.S. president. She framed the upcoming election as a critical moment for the nation, describing it as a “precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past” and to embrace a “New Way Forward.”
In her speech, Harris repeatedly contrasted her vision with Trump’s, accusing him of failing to fight for the middle class, planning to raise taxes through tariff proposals, and setting the stage for the erosion of constitutional rights, including the right to abortion, through his Supreme Court appointments.
Harris also highlighted the dangers of Trump’s potential return to power, particularly in light of recent Supreme Court rulings that expanded presidential immunity. “Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails,” she warned.
Trump, who had promised to counter Harris’s speech in real-time, took to Truth Social to criticize her, posting messages that reflected his combative style: “She stands for Incompetence and Weakness – Our Country is being laughed at all over the World!” and “She will never be respected by the Tyrants of the World!”
As the campaign heats up, Harris’s speech marks a defining moment in her bid for the presidency, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
