WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senator Kamala Harris on Wednesday accepted the Democratic nomination for vice president, urging Americans to elect Joe Biden in November and accusing President Donald Trump of failed leadership that cost his life and livelihood during a pandemic.
By making history as the first Black woman and Asian-American on a major U.S. presidential card, Harris said Trump’s divisive leadership has brought the country to an “offer point” and made a direct appeal to the diversity of the ‘election’s. the party whose vote is important to defeat Trump on Nov. 3.
‘The constant chaos makes us play, the incompetence makes us feel scared, the finesse makes us feel alone. It’s a lot, “said the senator and former California prosecutor, speaking from an event center in the hometown of Biden, Wilmington, Delaware, which was largely empty due to the coronavirus outbreak.
‘We need to choose a president … who will bring us all together – Black, White, Latino, Asian, Indian – to achieve the future we collectively want. We have to choose Joe Biden, ”she said.
Former United States President Barack Obama, who is speaking for Harris, also slammed his Republican successor, saying Trump had used the power of his office only to “help himself and his friends.”
Obama, whose vice president was Biden from 2009-2017, said he had hoped Trump would take the job seriously, feel the weight of the office and discover a respect for American democracy.
“For almost four years, he has shown no interest in putting in place … no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one reality show he can use to get the attention he desires,” Obama said. unusually sharp criticism of a sitting president by a former president.
Harris’ nomination marked the third night of a party convention with a crutch of women leaders, moderators and speakers, with the growing power of women in politics and in the Democratic Party. Biden leads Trump in opinion polls, supported by a large lead among female voters.
Biden, 77, would be the oldest person to become president if elected, leading to speculation that he will serve only one term. The vice-presidential nomination would make Harris, 55, a potential top contender for 2024.
Harris’ speech served as a reintroduction to the country after her failed White House bid. Harris outlined her background as a child of immigrants from India and Jamaica who, as district attorney, state attorney general and now vice presidential candidate, shook gender and racial barriers.
She said she could make history because of the trailblazing efforts of women for her who fought for the right to vote.
“That I’m here tonight is a testament to the dedication of generations to me,” she said. “They organized, marched and fought – not just for their voice, but for a seat at the table.”
“NO MATTER WHAT, VOTE”
Trump issued three tweets in all capital letters in the last half of the convention program, criticizing Harris and Obama and questioning their loyalty to Biden.
In a speech at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Obama warned Trump and Republicans sought to make it harder for Americans to vote, calling Trump’s leadership a threat to democracy.
‘We can not allow that to happen. Let them not take away your democracy. “Immediately create a plan for how you will participate and vote,” Obama said.
Democrats are alarmed by Trump’s frequent criticism of voting via mail-in, and by changing costs at the U.S. Postal Service, instituted by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump supporter who could delay mail during the election campaign. DeJoy said this week that he would put these changes until the election.
Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate who lost to Trump, told the convention she constantly hears from voters who regret supporting Trump back or not voting at all. She won the popular vote against Trump, but lost in the Electoral College that determines the U.S. presidency.
“This could not be another election for fashion,” she said. ‘Do not cut out, vote. Voices like our lives and living conditions are on the line because they are. ‘
Clinton said Biden should win overwhelmingly.
“Joe and Kamala can win by 3 million votes and still lose,” she said. ‘Take it from me. That we need figures overwhelmingly so that Trump cannot cut or steal his path to victory. ”
Throughout the convention, Democrats have directly appealed to female voters, emphasizing Biden’s co-sponsorship of the landmark Violence Against Woman Act of 1994 and his proposals to support child care and protect health care facilities.
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a leading progressive who ran against Biden in the primary 2020, spoke of a child center in Massachusetts that is now closed due to the coronavirus. She cited Biden’s proposal to make childcare more affordable as a vital part of its agenda to help working Americans.
“COVID-19 was Trump’s biggest test. He failed miserably, ‘said Warren. “Joe and Kamala will make high-quality childcare affordable for every household, make kindergarten universal, and raise wages for every childcare worker.”
Biden cited Harris last week as his running mate around Trump, 74, and Vice President Mike Pence, 61. The Republican National Convention, also largely virtual, takes place next week.
Report by James Oliphant and John Whitesides, Additional Reports by Doina Chiacu, Trevor Hunnicutt, and Simon Lewis; Written by John Whitesides; Edited by Soyoung Kim and Howard Goller
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