Kamala Harris’ Historic Nomination: The First Woman of Color to Lead a Major Party Ticket in the Presidential Election
WASHINGTON, Aug 3: US Vice President Kamala Harris, who has Indian and African heritage, was declared the 2024 presidential nominee of the Democratic Party on Friday after winning enough votes from Democratic delegates in a virtual roll call. Harris, 59, will face the Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump, 78, in the general elections scheduled for November 5.
“I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I will officially accept the nomination next week. This campaign is about people coming together, fueled by love of country, to fight for the best of who we are,” said Harris, who was unexpectedly thrust into the role of presidential candidate last month after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race for the White House.
Harris has made history by becoming the first woman of color to be at the top of a presidential ticket for a major American political party. She is also the first Indian American to be nominated as a presidential candidate by either the Republican or Democratic party.
“I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party following the close of voting,” Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison announced after a virtual roll call of votes from elected delegates across the country.
Harris’ mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was Indian, and her father, Donald Jasper Harris, is Jamaican; both immigrated to the US. Harris will officially accept the nomination once the virtual voting period closes next week, with a ceremonial acceptance planned for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 22. Over the coming days, she is expected to announce her running mate.
“We love our country. We believe in the promise of America, and that’s what this campaign is about. Of course, I will officially accept your nomination next week, once the virtual voting period is closed. But already I’m happy to know that we have enough delegates to secure the nomination,” Harris said.
“Later this month, we will gather in Chicago, united as one party, where we’re going to have an opportunity to celebrate this historic moment together,” Harris said in a phone call with delegates shortly after securing enough votes to win the nomination.
Harris emphasized that this campaign is about unity, bringing together people from all walks of life and diverse experiences, fueled by a shared love of country and a commitment to fight for the best of who we are.
“The beauty of our democracy is that each and every one of us has the power to answer that question, and that is why I say and know the power is with the people,” she said.
Harris concluded with a message of optimism and determination: “We are going to win this election, and it is going to take all of us. Whether it is making calls, connecting with our communities, engaging online, or even talking with people where we go every day, whether it be to the grocery store or our church, we are going to talk together.”
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