CHICAGO (BP) – Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination during her Thursday night (Aug. 22) speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
Harris, who secured the necessary number of delegates after an online vote earlier this summer, becomes the first woman of color to lead a major party’s ticket. No other candidate challenged Harris for the nomination, and a ceremonial but not necessary state-by-state roll call vote proceeded Harris’ acceptance speech.
“The path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected, but I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys,” said Harris, who quickly gained a majority of democratic support after President Joe Biden dropped his bid for re-election and instead endorsed her.
Harris spoke of her family’s journey, specifically her mother, who overcome obstacles after coming to America as an immigrant.
“On behalf of the people, on behalf of every American … on behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey,” Harris said. “On behalf of Americans like the people I grew up with. On behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth.
“I accept your nomination to be President of the United States of America.”
The issue of “reproductive rights” featured prominently in Harris’ address as well as at the convention as a whole.
The St. Louis area chapter of Planned Parenthood set up a mobile clinic just steps from the United Center where the DNC was held.
Planned Parenthood offered free vasectomies, medication abortion and emergency contraception (the morning after pill). A New York Times report said the idea was so popular there was a waiting list for vasectomies.
Former talk show host Oprah Winfrey also spoke at the convention saying “there is no American dream” without access to abortion.
Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said the Democratic Party’s passion for “reproductive rights” goes against the very American values which they claim.
“The watchword of this convention was ‘freedom.’ Yet, as many times as Vice President Harris and other leading voices in the Democratic Party repeated it, what they really seemed to be wrapping themselves in was advancing the cause of abortion,” Leatherwood said.
“What they fail to see is that the ability to snuff out innocent life is no freedom at all. The Democratic Party portrays itself as a champion for marginalized people. But when it comes to our preborn neighbors – the most vulnerable community in our culture – they are met with hostility and death. It’s difficult to miss the hypocrisy.
“America should be an abortion-free society. To achieve that, we need to understand that our preborn sons and daughters are made in the image of God, worthy of protection, and deserving of the right to life promised in our founding documents. The Democratic Party is actively working against that, and neither major party seems interested in making the cause of life, which is central for so many Southern Baptists and Americans, a priority.”
In her speech, Harris articulated her desire for “a new way forward” for the country.
“To fight for the ideals we cherish, and to uphold the awesome responsibility that comes with the greatest privilege on earth. The privilege and pride of being an American. So, let’s get out there. Let’s fight for it. Let’s get out there and let’s vote for it. And together, let us write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told.”
The speech capped off the DNC, held Aug. 19-22, which solidified both the Democratic ticket and platform.
The ticket was completed when Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz accepted the party’s vice presidential nomination during an address on Wednesday (Aug. 21). Walz has been an outspoken proponent of unrestricted abortion access in Minnesota.
Although he was previously relatively unknown, Walz has gained much support in the party, garnering the nickname “Coach Walz,” in reference to his time as a football coach.
Walz described accepting the nomination as “the honor of my life.”
The DNC also featured a wide variety of guest speakers throughout the week who endorsed the party ticket. Guests included musician Stevie Wonder, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Golden State Warriors Head Coach and recent U.S. Olympic basketball coach Steve Kerr, comedian Kenan Thompson, and former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Additionally, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff addressed the convention on Tuesday. Emhoff commented on how Harris has help him connect deeply to his faith, even though they do not share the same beliefs.
Emhoff is Jewish while Harris is Protestant.
The first night of the convention (Aug. 19), President Joe Biden was greeted by a minutes-long standing ovation before addressing the gathering.
“I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you,” Biden told the crowd.
Biden reflected on his political career, and although it will come to a close in a matter of months, the President said “I promise I’ll be the best volunteer Harris and Walz’s campaign have ever seen.”
Beyond the Democratic ticket, the party’s platform (which mistakenly had not been updated to reflect Biden not seeking the nomination) was also approved by delegate vote at the convention on Monday.
During her address, Harris referenced former President Donald Trump’s role in nominating the three conservative Supreme Court justices who played a role in overturning the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, and expressed her views about what she believes Trump will do regarding abortion if reelected.
“As a part of his agenda, he and his allies would limit access to birth control, ban medication abortion, and enact a nationwide abortion ban with or without Congress,” Harris said.
“He plans to create a national anti-abortion coordinator and force states to report on women’s miscarriages and abortions. Simply put: They are out of their minds.”
Though faith was mentioned frequently at the convention, there are several areas of concern for Christians analyzing Harris’ political track record. The ERLC addressed some of these in an Explainer published last month.
The presidential election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5.
