DNC 2024 live: Harris pledges ‘new way forward’ for US and disavows ‘unserious’ Trump in energetic speech

Kamala Harris has made history as the first Black woman and first Asian-American to accept the nomination for president as she closed out the Democratic National Convention ( DNC ) in Chicago with both a personal and policy-driven speech on Thursday.

“On behalf of every American... on behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own, unlikely journey... on behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on earth, I accept your nomination for President of the United States of America,” she said.

The cheers in the convention hall hit 120 decibels – the same level as a plane taking off – when Harris told the crowd she accepted the nomination.

She went on to discuss her plans for the economy, immigration and abortion rights , drew on her heritage as the child of immigrants and attacked the “unserious” Donald Trump .

“Let’s get out there, and together let’s write the next great chapter in the greatest story ever told,” Harris said.

She was joined onstage by her husband Doug Emhoff , as well as her vice presidential nominee Tim Walz and his wife Gwen, as 100,000 balloons were released.