The Paw Print

By Saron Alem, News and Features Editor

On the final day of the Democratic National Convention, amidst the roaring crowd, Vice President Kamala Harris accepted her presidential nomination. Shortly after, Harris delivered a speech detailing her platform.

As she touched on complex issues such as abortion rights, the Palestine and Israel conflict and the housing crisis, Harris confidently declared her stance and emphasized its large contrast with Trump’s, whom she called an “unserious man.”

Starting off with a heartfelt devotion of thanks to the various people of her childhood, Harris quickly moved onto her years as a prosecutor. She emphasized her position of being “for the people,” stating that throughout her career she had “one client. The people.” 

As she gratefully accepted the presidential nomination, the crowd broke into the first of many moments of cheers and applause. Harris circled back to her attorney initiatives such as the Homeowner Bill of Rights – securing mortgage and foreclosure protections to California homeowners – as evidence of her “life’s work” of fighting for the American people.

Harris reaffirmed she was “for the people” through reminding opposing-party listeners that she placed the country above all political parties. She repeatedly criticized Trump and the Republican platform for their plans on eliminating the Head Start program for young children’s education, cutting Medicaid and limiting the Department of Education. 

From limiting birth control access, to creating an anti-abortion coordinator, Harris gave her opinion of the Republican platform in one succinct line: “They are out of their minds.” 

Immediately after, Harris stated that, as president, she will “proudly sign into law” a bill to restore reproductive freedom. 

“We know a strong middle class has always been critical to America’s success, and building that middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency,” said Harris, shortly after remarking on her goal of creating an “opportunity economy.”

Listing off various freedoms that she named “at stake” in this election, Harris remarked on the opportunity Democrats have to pass the John Lewis Voting Act, which would strengthen voting rights and the government’s ability to respond to voting discrimination. 

Harris pledged to bring back the Bipartisan Border Bill and sign it into law, which would secure the border through increases in border and asylum personnel and reforms of the existing immigration system. 

Carefully handling the Israel and Palestine conflict, Harris said “now is the time to get a hostage deal and ceasefire deal done.” 

She stood up for Israel’s right and ability to defend itself, while somberly remarking on the devastating multitude of innocent lives lost in Gaza. Harris also affirmed the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and self-determination.

Wrapping up the thread of vibrant patriotism throughout night four, Harris remarked that the greatest privilege and pride on Earth was being American. 

“…Together, let us write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told!” exclaimed Harris, closing her speech to the loudest applause of the night.