At the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which began Monday night in Chicago, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for the upcoming US Presidential Election, expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden for his leadership. In her first remarks at the convention, Harris thanked Biden for his historic leadership and lifelong service to the nation.
Biden, who is set to deliver a keynote address later today, will highlight the progress made by the US over the past three and a half years and will express his support for Harris as the future leader to continue that progress.
“I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible President Joe Biden,” Harris said during a brief surprise appearance at the DNC. “Thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you,” she added.
The convention’s first night also featured top speakers, including President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, according to CNN. A video showcased at the DNC highlighted Harris’ Californian roots and the significant influence of her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, who was born in India and played a critical role in Harris’ upbringing. The video included snippets from Harris’ childhood in California’s East Bay.
Harris, the daughter of Jamaican-born Donald Harris, a retired Stanford University economist, and Indian-born Shyamala Gopalan, a breast cancer researcher who passed away in 2009, is the first Asian American and Black woman to lead a major party’s ticket.
Last month, Harris was officially recognized as the Democratic nominee after a virtual vote. The party unified behind her after Biden withdrew from the race, citing concerns over his age, particularly after a challenging debate with Donald Trump in June.
Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Walz, 60, emerged from a list of potential candidates due to his recognition and political advantages.
The DNC will continue with former President Barack Obama set to speak on Tuesday on the theme “A Bold Vision for the Future.” On Wednesday, the theme “A Fight for Freedom” will feature former President Bill Clinton and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi of California. Other key speakers this week include Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, is expected to formally accept the vice-presidential nomination on Wednesday. Harris will officially accept the presidential nomination during her speech on Thursday, a night focused on the theme “For the Future.”
Before arriving at the convention, Harris will have completed a bus tour through Pennsylvania and will hold a rally on Tuesday in Milwaukee, the same city where Trump accepted the Republican nomination last month. While the convention typically includes a roll call vote to nominate candidates, Harris had already secured her status as the presidential nominee earlier this month through a virtual roll call.