With the most important speech of her political career, Kamala Harris will accept the nomination as a candidate this Thursday night, closing the Democratic Convention in Chicago. This event is set to be a celebration with thousands of blue, red, and white balloons falling from the ceiling, marking the culmination of four days of party meetings aimed at energizing the Democrats as they prepare to retain the White House on November 5.
In the days leading up to her speech, Harris has been meticulously crafting her message with a small group of close advisers at the Park Hyatt hotel, just a few blocks from Lake Michigan. Her goal is to connect with the millions of Americans watching her on prime-time television, many of whom may not be familiar with her personal history and policy proposals. Despite her role as vice president for over three years, Harris's abrupt leap into the presidential candidacy has left her biography relatively unknown to the broader electorate.
Harris's speech is expected to emphasize her middle-class upbringing in California as the daughter of immigrants, her academic journey at Howard University, and her experience as a prosecutor. Her team aims to contrast her vision for America with that of Donald Trump, portraying him as self-serving while positioning Harris as a compassionate advocate for the middle class. This narrative will be intertwined with her policy proposals, including a plan to control food prices, and a focus on freedom—a central theme of the convention.
The Democratic Convention has also seen surprise appearances, such as Oprah Winfrey, who endorsed Harris and criticized Trump and his running mate, JD Vance. Winfrey's unexpected presence highlighted the importance of unity and common values in America, resonating with the party's message as they gear up for the election. As the convention progresses, the stakes are high for Harris and the Democrats, who hope to maintain their momentum in the polls and solidify their message leading up to the election.
