Kamala Harris Accepts Democratic Nomination for President

Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic presidential nomination Wednesday, pledging to be a president for all Americans. Her speech concluded the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which started on Monday. While protests against the war in Gaza continued outside, the United Center hosted prominent figures such as the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey, and Lil Jon.

Harris' speech contrasted sharply with her opponent Donald Trump's acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention a month prior. She criticized Trump as an "unserious man" and warned of the "extremely serious" consequences of another Trump administration. She also referenced the conservative agenda Project 2025, which Trump has repeatedly tried to distance himself from.

Recalling her working-class upbringing and early career as a prosecutor, Harris urged Americans to let her fight for them as she did for the people of California.

"These fights were not easy, and neither were the elections that put me in those offices," Harris said. "We were underestimated at practically every turn, but we never gave up, because the future is always worth fighting for."

DNC Day 4: Live Coverage

Watch Kamala Harris' acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention

Key Points from Kamala Harris' Speech

• Former Attorney General and U.S. Senator from California.
• Current Vice President under President Joe Biden.
• Quotes: "I believe everyone has a right to safety, to dignity and to justice," she said. "I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations, a president who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical, and has common sense and always fights for the American people, from the courthouse to the White House, that has been my life's work," she said. "Building that middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency, and I'll tell you, this is personal for me, the middle class is where I come from."

DNC Details

• Dates: August 19-22, 2024
• Location: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
• History: Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996.

How to Watch the 2024 DNC

The convention will air live on its website and on USA TODAY’s YouTube channel each night.

Convention Themes

• Monday: "For the People"
• Tuesday: "A Bold Vision for America's Future"
• Wednesday: "A Fight for our Freedoms"
• Thursday: "For our Future"