Democratic National Convention News Highlights: Harris walks a tightrope, ‘Will stand for Israel’s right to defend… scale of suffering in Gaza heartbreaking’

In her speech, Kamala Harris mentioned "Donald Trump and his allies would limit access to birth control, ban medication abortion, and enact a nationwide abortion ban."

Kamala Harris concluded her speech at the Democratic convention by reiterating the valuable lessons she learned from her mother.

“My mother always taught me, ‘Don’t let anyone define who you are; show them who you are.’ While our opponents focus on criticizing America and emphasizing its flaws, we must remember this lesson,” Harris said.

“America, let us demonstrate to ourselves and the world our true values: freedom, opportunity, compassion, dignity, fairness, and boundless possibilities. We inherit the legacy of the greatest democracy in history. In honor of our children, our grandchildren, and all those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and liberty, we must rise to the occasion. It is our turn, inspired by optimism and faith, to defend this country we cherish, uphold our cherished ideals, and embrace the profound responsibility that comes with the incredible privilege of being an American.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, the newly nominated Democratic candidate for the 2024 presidential election says “We trust women, and when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom. As president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law,” she said.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the newly nominated Democratic candidate for the 2024 presidential election, while addressing energized the crowd with her campaign slogan "We're not going back" while criticizing Project 2025's proposals to eliminate the Department of Education and the Head Start program.

She emphasized her commitment to building a strong and growing middle class as a central goal of her presidency, framing it as crucial to America's success.

Kamala Harris emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming election and sought to connect with moderate and independent voters who could influence key swing states.

“This election presents our nation with a rare and valuable opportunity to move beyond past divisions, bitterness, and cynicism. It’s a chance to forge a new path forward, uniting not as members of any particular party or group, but as Americans,” she stated.

“I understand that people hold a range of political views, and I want to assure you that I will be a president for everyone. You can count on me to prioritize the country over any political party or personal interest, and to uphold America’s core principles, including the rule of law, fair elections, and the peaceful transfer of power.”

Vice President Kamala Harris accepts the Democratic presidential nomination saying "So, 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."

Vice President Kamala Harris is now onstage to accept the Democratic presidential nomination, a pivotal moment in her campaign for the presidency. She is only the second woman in history to be nominated for the presidency by a major political party.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, often called "Big Gretch" in Detroit, took the stage and addressed a remark made by Donald Trump, who once referred to her dismissively as "that woman from Michigan." She turned his intended insult into a point of pride, emphasizing that being a woman from Michigan is a badge of honour. 

She also said " Kamala Harris knows who she’s fighting for, too. She took care of her mom, who also battled cancer. As president, she’ll fight to lower the cost of health care and elder care for every family. She’s lived a life like ours. She knows us,” the governor said. Then coming to Donald Trump, she said "Donald Trump doesn’t know you at all. You think he understands that when your car breaks down, you can’t get to work. No, No. His first word was probably chauffeur. You think he’s ever had to take items out of the cart before checking out? Hell, you think he’s ever been to a grocery store? That’s what the chauffeur is for. But Kamala Harris. She gets us. She sees us. She is us."

On the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris will accept the party’s nomination for president. Her speech will outline her vision and policy agenda, with the evening themed “For Our Future.”

Some Hindus in the US have come together to create “Hindus For Kamala Harris”, a support group for the Democratic presidential nominee, saying she would be good for India, America and the world.

The group has been created “to support Kamala Devi Harris to become the 47th President of the United States of America”, its founding members said.

On Thursday, Harris, 59, formally accepted the nomination of the Democratic Party to be its presidential nominee.

“We must help her win. This is the best outcome for America, India and the World! The alternative Trump is a disaster!' one of the members of the group said.

“There is a simple path to victory. Without rejecting the other side, promote Harris candidacy because of what it stands for and the solution it will provide," another member said, adding that the candidacy has a unique momentum to win.

The group is urging Hindus to vote in the elections, display signs of support near their house, and make donations in support of the Harris campaign.

(PTI)

Singer Beyonce will perform on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Thursday, entertainment website TMZ reported, citing multiple sources.

Vice President Kamala Harris will accept the Democratic Party nomination on Thursday.

She has adopted Beyonce's "Freedom" as her campaign rally song, and took the stage in Chicago on Monday to the tune, increasing speculation that Beyonce would perform. Beyonce has reportedly given Harris permission to use the song.

(with Reuters input)

Oprah Winfrey speaks during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago where she extended her support to Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for the upcoming elections in November.(AP Photo)

The Democratic National Convention is all set to conclude on a high note with the acceptance speech of Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential nomination.

Here is a list of speakers who will address the DNC on final day:

• Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee
• Invocation by Everett Kelly, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, and Imam Muhammad Abdul-Aleem of Masjidullah Mosque of West Oak Lane, Pennsylvania
• Presentation of Colors by the Illinois State Police Honor Guard
• Pledge of Allegiance by Luna Maring, a 6th grader from Oakland, California
• Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas
• Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association
• Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers
• Sen. Alex Padilla of California
• Marcia Fudge, former secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Rep. Ted W Wormhole Lieu of California
• Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin
• Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, House Democratic Whip
• Rep. Joe Neguse of Colorado
• Mayor Leonardo Williams of Durham, North Carolina
• Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois
• Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania
• Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts
• Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado
• Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan
• Rep. Pat Ryan of New York
• Rev. Al Sharpton
• Members of the "Central Park Five": Dr. Yusef Salaam, member of the New York City Council, and activists Korey Wise, Raymond Santana and Kevin Richardson
• Amy Resner, former prosecutor and friend of Harris
• Karrie Delaney, director of Federal Affairs at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
• Lisa Madigan, former attorney general of Illinois
• Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League
• Nathan Hornes, former student at Corinthian Colleges
• Tristan Snell, former New York State assistant attorney general
• Gov. Maura Healey of Massachusetts
• Courtney Baldwin, youth organizer and human trafficking survivor
• Deb Haaland, secretary of the interior
• John Russell, content creator
• Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida
• Rep. Colin Allred of Texas
• Joint remarks on "A New American Chapter": Anya Cook, Craig Sicknick, Gail DeVore, Juanny Romero and Eric, Christian, and Carter Fitts
• National anthem by The Chicks
• Kerry Washington
• Joint remarks by Meena Harris, Ella Emhoff and Helena Hudlin
• D.L. Hughley
• Sheriff Chris Swanson of Genesee County, Michigan
• Rep. Lucy McBath of Georgia, joined by Abbey Clements of Newton, Connecticut; Kim Rubio of Uvalde, Texas; Melody McFadden of Charleston, South Carolina; and Edgar Vilchez of Chicago.
• Gabrielle Giffords, former member of the House
• Performance by P!NK
• Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona
• Leon Panetta, former secretary of defense
• Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan
• Eva Longoria, actress and film producer
• Adam Kinzinger, former member of the House
• Maya Harris
• Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina
• Vice President Kamala Harris

Tim Walz chooses to keep the speech brief and direct at what the party aims to achieve with Kamala as the presidential candidate and his support as the Vice Presidential candidate.

'Kamala Harris is ready'

Walz, gets the crowd cheering as he speaks of Harris' vision for the country and has the them chanting 'We are not going back'. 

Tim Walz starts off his speech talking about his time in Nebraska and how living in a small city helped him care about his neighbours further adding his experience to the overarching theme of inclusion of the convention. 

And finally, the man of the hour, Tim Walz takes to the stage to address the third day of the national convention

An extended video showcases the presumed Vice President nominee Tim Walz's journey 

A former student of Governor Tim Walz and presumed nominee of the Democratic Party, Ben Ingman takes to the stage as Walz's former players march in.

John Legend takes the stage to pay a tribute to Prince, a native son of Minnesota, on the third day of the four-day national convention

Wes Moore Governor of Maryland opened his speech by recalling the incident where a cargo ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore claiming six lives. He praised Harris stating that she was one of the few people who called him personally to discuss the aftermath of the situation.

Oprah ended her first convention speech singing 'let us choose Kamala Harris' in her long list of things that are the best of American

Oprah in her debut convention speech showcases her power as a public speaker as the crowd roars at her announcement of Kamala Harris being the 47th President of the United States. 
She remarked, 'This is not an election about them and us, it is about you and me'. 
'I have always voted for my values', she added.

“These are complicated times, people, and they require adult conversation.”, Oprah remarked in her speech.

Oprah noted the places she has called home — Mississippi, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Maryland, Indiana, Florida, Hawaii, Colorado, California, and Illinois. She exclaimed that we were not different from our neighbours and should respect the differences. Without the support and values of co-existence in the children, there is no 'American Dream'

In her first convention address, surprise guest Oprah Winfrey, a television star, takes the stage to endorse Kamala Harris' campaign. 

People from different walks of life speak of their 'American Dream' in a video display at the Democratic National Convention. 

The National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman takes the stage reciting 'The Sacred Scene.'

Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania, describes the meaning of real freedom in the country and endorses Harris' caliber for the role of the President remarking “We are the party of real freedom,”.
He ended his speech by roaring at the crowd with a rhetorical spirit, 'Are you ready to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?'

Speakers were asked to cut down on their speeches after Clinton's address and the event is currently running with a delay of 30 minutes as reported by the New York Times.

A display of Democrat nominee Kamala Harris' journey narrated by her sister and lawyer Maya Harris from reigning in during the economic crisis to California victory. The American attorney in the collage showcasing Harris' trajectory stated that 'if we want to go forward and not backward' there's only one choice.

Believe in 'fair elections', former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi takes the stage to make a case for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Pelosi, in her rushed speech, spoke off preserving the democracy and remembered Jan 6 jabbing Trump. 

Former President Bill Clinton takes aim at the Republican nominee Donald Trump and exercises his support for Vice President Kamala Harris in his 12th consecutive Democratic National Convention speech. 

Jon Polin, left, and Rachel Goldberg, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, breakdown on stage during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo)

The country's progress would continue if Vice President Kamala Harris is elected president, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval said on Wednesday.

“Under Kamala Harris, the progress will only continue,” Pureval, who is of Tibetan and Indian origin, told thousands of members of the Democratic Party at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Pureval is the first Asian-American mayor in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“As a Tibetan refugee, my mom believed deeply in the promise of America. And when I was up, she and my dad, who is from India, taught me that when you make a promise, you keep it,” he said.

“For years, politicians came through my city and promised to fix the Brent Spence Bridge, which connects Ohio to Kentucky. Donald Trump was one of them. He did what they all do, press conference here, photo op there, but nothing changed, until Kamala Harris and Joe Biden,' Pureval said. “Joe Biden told Cincinnatians, we're going to fix that damn bridge," he added.

And four months later, Biden signed the bipartisan infrastructure law, which gave our city the biggest infrastructure investment in history. "It will stitch our communities back together. And it will fix that damn bridge once and for all,” he said.

"That's what leadership looks like. Not hollow promises, but solid progress. Not lip service, but true, honest-to-God public service," Pureval said.

(PTI)

Oprah Winfrey is all set to take the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid to become the next President of the United States.

According to CNN, Oprah is scheduled to participate in the convention in the lead up to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s acceptance of the Democratic vice presidential nomination which is the headline of today’s night, alongside former President Bill Clinton’s speech.

Oprah Winfrey has supported former President Barack Obama in 2008 and also lent her support to 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

The DNC on Tuesday witnessed former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama take the stage and create a viewership record with 20.6 million viewers.

The second day of the Democratic National Convention witnessed a total viewership of 20.6 million which surpassed the first day’s record of 20 million viewership, according to the data provided by Nielsen.

As per a CNN report, the second day viewership data at DNC has also surpassed the second night of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month, which had a total viewership of 14.8 million.

The second day of the DNC in Chicago was headlined by the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The coverage of the couple speaking at the DNC was carried by 12 television networks.

The second night of RNC 2024 in Milwaukee featured Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. The RNC was headlined by former President Donald Trump surviving an assassination attempt during a rally in mid-July.

The Republican Vice President nominee JD Vance has reacted to the Democratic National Convention underway in  Chicago and has said that it is a “coronation” of Vice President Kamala Harris since ascended to be the presidential nominee of Democrats.

At a joint rally with former President Donald Trump in North Carolina, Vance said, “Sorry for the confusion, but, you know, conventions normally are about nominating people who actually win elections, and Kamala hasn’t won a single vote,” as reported by CNN.

Vance has been critical of Kamala Harris’ running mate Tim Walz as he accused him of lying about a service. Taking a potshot at Governor Walz, Vance said, “You know what I think would appeal to rural voters and veterans? Not having a running mate who lies about a service.”

Though Harris’ running mate Walz has defended himself in the controversy surrounding his military service, stating that he is “damn proud” of his service in Army National Guard.

Former President Barack Obama, left, hugs former first lady Michelle Obama before speaking during Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (AP Photo)

A man wanted on murder and armed robbery charges was taken into custody Wednesday after a 15-hour standoff with police at a Chicago restaurant just blocks from the Democratic National Convention, authorities said.

Joshua Zimmerman had been sought by the U.S. Marshals Service since his escape from a Mississippi courthouse in June. He was located Tuesday at the restaurant, according to Justin Smith, chief deputy with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office in Mississippi.

After marshals learned that Zimmerman was in Chicago, an agency task force concluded that he was at a seafood restaurant, where investigators believed he was working.

The restaurant is about a half-mile from the United Center, where the Democratic convention (DNC) is being organised. A security nightmare situation also arose yesterday when at least 14 hotels in Chicago, near by to DNC center, received bomb threat. Although the Secret Service and Chicago Police cleared all the locations after an investigation and termed the threat "not credible".

(with inputs from AP)

At least 55 protesters have been arrested following violent protests and clashes with the police in Chicago during the Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention and the police chief called the situation as “dangerous for the city”.

The arrested people “showed up with the intention of committing acts of violence, vandalism,” said Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling on Wednesday, according to AP. The protesters who were arrested from outside of the Israeli Consulate in Chicago were just 2 miles away from United Center, where DNC is underway.

Two of protesters were taken to the hospital for injuries while two police officers were also injured but they refused medical treatment, informed police chief Snelling.

The pro-Palestine protests are happening in Chicago against the US administration’s policies to support Israel militarily. The protesters are opposing the Israel-Gaza war, as the Israeli Consulate has become the hub of protests since the war began in October last year.

Republican candidate Donald Trump has reacted to the ongoing Democratic National Convention in Chicago and taken a potshot by calling the DNC as “little party” and that he was mentioned in it.

Trump said, “I was mentioned at the Democrats’ little party that they have going on in Chicago, and it’s pretty sad,” on “The Hugh Hewitt Show” as quoted by CNN.

Trump pointed out that he was mentioned in the DNC “almost 200 times”, but the mention of the economy was “about five times” and the mention of the border was “almost none”. Donald Trump also criticized the Democratic Party for its handling of Israel-Gaza war.

According to a CNN report, Trump said, “Actually, actually, it’s pretty simple. I’m going to say they’re the ones that started it. They did this against their political opponent. I’m their political opponent, and they started all of this, and it’s never been done in this country before. And I’m a totally innocent person. And the people know that.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the support and 482 vote for Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States. Governor Newsom said, 'From the great state of Nancy Pelosi, California we proudly cast our 482 votes for Kamala Harris as the next president.

Kamala Harris tweeted the video on X and wrote, 'I am honored to be the nominee for President of the United States.'

The third day of the Democratic National Convention is poised to be headlined by the presence of former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Vice Presidential nominee Governor Tim Walz who is expected to accept the nomination.

According to an aide of former President Clinton, he is expected to have a little bit of fun during his speech at the DNC on the third day, as per a CNN report. “It’s almost like the fever has broken a little bit, and there has been some joy injected back into our politics,” the aide said.

The Day 2 of the DNC was headlined by former President Barack Obama who announced that the US is ready for a new President and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the top post. “America can be a force for good, discouraging conflict, fighting disease, promoting human rights, protecting the planet from climate change, defending freedom – that’s what Kamala Harris believes and so does Americans,” Obama added.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama also endorsed Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz for the upcoming US presidential elections in November. Michelle said, “We must do everything in our power to elect Kamala Harris, Tim Waltz.”

"America can be a force for good, discouraging conflict, fighting disease, promoting human rights, protecting planet from climate change, defending freedom - that's what Kamala Harris believes and so does Americans," says Obama

"Our politics has become so polarised these days. They are all of us across the political spectrum, seems so quick, unless they agree with us on every single issue. We start to think the only way to win is to scold, shame and outyell the other side. After a while, regular folks just dont bother to vote," Barack says.

"It wont work for us to make progress for the matter we care about. The things that really affect people's lives," Obama said.

"An American where we the people includes everyone, because that's the only way this American experiment works. Despite what our politics suggest, I think most Americans understand that. Democracy isn't just a bunch of abstract principles and dusty laws and books somewhere," says Barack.

"Its the value we live by, its the way we treat each other including those who don't look like us or pray like us or see the world exactly like we do. The sense of mutual respect has to be part of our lives," says Barack Obama.

Obama says history will remember Biden for having 'defended democracy at a moment of great danger'

Former US president and Democrat leader Barack Obama begins his speech. "Chicago. Its good to be home!" says Obama to a rousing crowd.

Endorsing Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama said, ” We must do everything in our power to elect Kamala Harris, Tim Waltz.”

The opening day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago featured impactful speeches from some of the party’s leading women, with Vice President Kamala Harris taking centre stage as the presidential nominee.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a robust endorsement of Harris while delivering a pointed critique of former President Donald Trump.

Former Democratic presidential nominee, Clinton delivered a sharp critique of Trump at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday, asserting that Democrats now have “him on the run” while praising Kamala Harris’s leadership.

Clinton took center stage, lauding Harris’s commitment: “Kamala cares, cares about kids and families, cares about America. Donald only cares about himself.”

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