Harris Accepts Democratic Nomination in Historic First
Promising to unite the nation around its highest aspirations, Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday, making history as the first woman of color to lead a national ticket.
The 59-year-old Californian who has served as vice president, U.S senator and California attorney general seeks to defeat GOP nominee Donald Trump this fall and become America's 47th president next January 20.
In her nearly 40 minute long speech, Harris drew upon the convention theme of moving ahead and putting the contentious Trump years behind.
“With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past,” the candidate said. “A chance to chart a new way forward. Not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans.”
Harris also vowed to champion the interests of middle and working class Americans by pushing policies that will promote "freedom, fairness, opportunity, compassion and dignity."
At the same time, the vice president excoriated Trump for pursuing a self absorbed agenda that will undermine America's democratic institutions at home and weaken the U.S. abroad.
To emphasize her readiness to become the next commander and chief and protector of American interests on the world stage, Harris said she would continue supporting Ukraine, defending NATO, working to find a just peace in the Mideast and leading a strong military that is second to none.
Noting that her rise from the daughter of immigrants to the cusp of the nation's highest office could only happen in the USA, Harris maintained that she will lead an administration that would let other Americans pursue their own dreams.
However, she cautioned that the road to victory will not be easy.
"So, let's get out there and let's fight for it. Let's get out there and let's vote for it. And together, let's write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told."
DNC Takeaways for Communication Professionals
A major theme of the convention was showcasing the private lives of both Vice President Harris and her running mate, Governor Walz. Harris talked in much detail about the influence her late mom had in shaping her values for hard work and public service. We learned about her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff as well as her children. Harris' relatability to ordinary Americans came through in her recount of her working years at McDonald's.
Similarly, Walz's experience as a high school teacher and coach took front and center during his acceptance speech. As a plus, delegates saw now middle-aged members of one of the victorious teams Walz led to a championship appear on stage to salute their coach.
These intimate portraits of both candidates gave voters invaluable insight into where the candidates come from and what shaped their values
It also serves to more fully engage the voters who can more fully identify with one candidate or another.
Lesson learned is while a discussion of policy positions remains vital, communicators who are covering the race or promoting one side would be well advised to continue to showcase the personal, private lives of the candidates.
The end result will be a more informed and engaged electorate, which can only strengthen our democracy.
