Kamala Harris gives surprise speech at the Democratic national convention
The Democratic nominee Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance at the Democratic national convention on Monday night, taking the stage to thank Joe Biden for his service to the country.
“This is going to be a great week, and I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden, who will be speaking later tonight,” she said. “Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do, we are forever grateful to you. Thank you, Joe!”
Harris, dressed in a tan suit, kept her remarks brief, taking in the enthusiasm from the delegates and convention attenders that were on their feet cheering and chanting.
“Looking out at everyone tonight, I see the beauty of our great nation,” the vice-president said. “People from every corner of our country and every walk of life are here united by our shared vision for the future of our country, and this November, we will come together and declare with one voice, as one people, we are moving forward.
“With optimism, hope and faith, so guided by our love of country, knowing we all have so much more in common than what separates us, let us fight for the ideals we hold dear, and let us always remember when we fight, we win,” she added.
Harris walked out to Beyoncé’s Freedom, which has become her campaign anthem. Beyoncé’s name has been floated by various sources as a potential surprise musical performance at the Democratic convention.
Harold Love, a state representative from Tennessee, said he felt “electrified” by Harris’s appearance. “We’re talking about excitement for the party,” he said.