Harris Urges Ceasefire in Gaza
- Vice President Kamala Harris called for a ceasefire in Gaza during her DNC speech.
- The speech still faced criticism for not directly addressing Israel's actions in Gaza.
- Overall, the final night of the DNC featured key Democratic figures and notable performances.
On Thursday evening, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, marking her unexpected rise to the party's presidential nominee. Initially, Harris was not anticipated to lead the ticket, as President Joe Biden was running for re-election. However, following Biden's withdrawal from the race, Harris quickly garnered the necessary delegate support, officially becoming the nominee in early August. Her speech resonated with an enthusiastic crowd, despite ongoing protests outside the venue demanding an end to U.S. support for the situation in Gaza. Harris acknowledged the unusual nature of her nomination journey, expressing gratitude to Biden and emphasizing her commitment to being a president for all Americans. Throughout her address, she framed her candidacy as a rejection of the divisive politics represented by her Republican opponent, advocating for a "New Way Forward." While she condemned the October 7 attacks by Hamas, Harris also recognized the tragic loss of life in Gaza, attempting to balance her message amid the protests calling for stronger action regarding Palestinian rights. Despite her efforts to address pressing issues, Harris faced criticism for lacking a detailed policy platform and for her past positions. She reiterated her commitment to immigration reform and border security, blaming Trump for obstructing bipartisan efforts. The convention concluded with a call for unity and a focus on humanitarian issues, as speakers highlighted the plight of hostages taken by Hamas, underscoring the intersection of politics and personal tragedy in the current climate.