In a surprising appearance at the opening of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which started 15 minutes late today, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris urged voters to fight for American ideals and values. In a brief speech during the opening, Harris, who is set to be officially nominated by the party to challenge former Republican President Donald Trump in the upcoming November presidential election, emphasized the need to fight in this election to achieve victory. She also expressed gratitude towards the current president, stating, "We are eternally grateful" to President Joe Biden. Amidst cheers from the audience, she remarked, "I want to begin by celebrating our wonderful president... Joe, thank you for your historic leadership and for serving our nation a lifetime."
Meanwhile, former election candidate and prominent Democratic figure Hillary Clinton criticized Republican opponent Donald Trump in her speech, noting that Trump is the first candidate to run for president while facing 34 felony charges. Jill Biden, the wife of the current president, praised Biden and stressed that the country’s future relies on supporting Harris and Tim Walz and securing their victory in the upcoming elections.
In his speech, President Joe Biden, to the sound of applause from the audience, reaffirmed that there is no place for violence and hatred in the United States. He urged voters to protect democracy, stating that America is at a crossroads and experiencing rare moments. As the cheers grew louder, he called on Americans to be ready to vote for Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz. He declared, "We are facing a pivotal moment; the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for years to come... We are in a battle for the soul of the United States."
Regarding former President Donald Trump's era, he noted that right-wing extremists viewed him as an ally. He mentioned that he decided to run for the previous election after witnessing extremists protesting and holding Nazi slogans. Biden also pointed out, "Trump said there are good people among the extremists." He indicated that 81 million Americans voted for him and Harris in the last election to save democracy.
