Kamala Harris formally accepts presidential nomination

Georgia Democrats and those across the country are riding a wave of optimism after Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the party’s presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Thursday. Enthusiasm and enthusiastic delegates and other guests marked the convention.

Harris is the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to be nominated, and supporters throughout the convention crowd were in attendance to mark the moment. Among those in attendance at this historic moment was Spotlight Publisher, Shelia Edwards. Harris’ rise to the top of the Democratic ticket came swiftly after President Joe Biden stepped aside. She will spend the next month’s herself to voters across the county after receiving the party’s nomination.

On Thursday night, the crowd of delegates and guests showed their support for Harris and in honor of the suffragette movement by wearing white. They packed the United Center convention that night and party officials soon restricted access shortly after the program began, with many guests and delegates unable to gain entry to the convention center due to the size of the crowd.

Running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and other party leaders, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, delivered mesmerizing speeches. They were joined by other speakers including wives Michelle and Hillary who offered their own riveting speeches. They were joined by leaders from both parties who rallied around Harris as they portrayed Trump as a threat to democracy and the country’s future.

A mix of political heavyweights and celebrities were also on hand Thursday night, with Georgia playing a central role. Senator Raphael Warnock delivered a rousing speech and Rep. Lucy McBath shared her personal story of loss to advocate for stronger gun regulations. She shared the story of the murder of her teenage son to make the case for tougher regulations for firearms. “Our losses do not weaken us. They strengthen our resolve,” McBath said. “We will secure safer futures that we all deserve. We will organize. We will advocate. We will run for office.” Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, threatened with exile from the GOP for the apostasy of endorsing Harris, used the DNC stage to tell fellow Republicans: “If you vote for Kamala Harris, you’re not a Democrat. You’re a patriot.” Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts Democrat who ran for president in 2020 and now is an important Harris ally also took center stage asking the crowd, “Groceries, gas, housing, health care, taxes, abortion — trust Donald Trump and JD Vance to look out for your family? Shoot, I wouldn’t trust those guys to move my couch.”

Celebrity speakers included Kerry Washington, D. L. Hughley, and Eva Longoria, among others.

In her keynote address, Harris emphasized the importance of moving past divisive politics, urging voters to unite behind her and reject former President Donald Trump’s candidacy. She warned of the potential dangers of Trump wielding unchecked power, especially following a recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. The crowd responded with chants of “We are not going back,” signaling their support for Harris’ message of progress and unity. Harris vowed to be a president for all Americans, promising unity, and a steady hand without dramatic policy shifts. In her keynote address, Harris emphasized the importance of moving past divisive politics, urging voters to unite behind her and reject Trump’s candidacy. She warned of the potential dangers of Trump wielding unchecked power, especially following a recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. The crowd responded with chants of “We are not going back,” signaling their support for Harris’ message of progress and unity.

The event culminated in Harris’ call for a united America, where the middle class is strengthened, and the nation’s highest aspirations are pursued. As she accepted her party’s nomination, Harris acknowledged all Americans by saying, “I know there are people of various political views watching tonight. I want you to know I promise to be a president for all Americans.” She promised no dramatic policy shifts and pledged to unite the people “around our highest aspirations.” She went on to say, “I promise to be a president for all Americans, I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations…A president who leads — and listens… Who is Realistic, Practical, And has common sense. And always fights for the American people.” Closing comments by Harris included, “With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a new way forward. Not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans.”