CHICAGO – On Thursday evening, Vice President Kamala Harris embraced the opportunity to introduce herself to the nation as she officially accepted the Democratic nomination during a speech that focused more on personal identity than specific policy initiatives.

Her speech opened with a reflection on her unexpected journey to this point and concluded with a powerful message inspired by her late mother.

“Never allow anyone to define you. Show them who you are,” said Harris in what she described as a pivotal moment in her political journey.

For the Democratic Party, which had sought a last-minute change by selecting Harris, there was no turning back now.

It was now her responsibility to prevent the White House from returning to Republican control. Initially viewed as a liability for President Joe Biden, the vice president has successfully transformed the dialogue surrounding her tenure.

She acknowledged that significant challenges lay ahead. However, as a former attorney general and U.S. senator from California, she is familiar with overcoming obstacles.

“We faced underestimation at every step along the way,” Harris commented. “Despite that, we persevered.”

She concluded the convention with the majority of the party rallying behind her, aside from some scattered dissent regarding her comments on Israel, and provided a glimpse of the vision she hopes to present.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Harris confirmed her acceptance of the presidential nomination from the party activists. She emphasized her commitment to a peaceful transfer of power if the election outcome did not favor her.

As president, she vowed to lead with practicality and sensibility.

“This election presents our nation with a crucial and fleeting chance,” she declared, “to rise above the bitterness, skepticism, and divisive conflicts of the past.”

Her husband, Doug Emhoff, was the first to join her on stage, wrapping her in an embrace followed by a kiss. Next was her running mate Tim Walz along with his wife Gwen. The two couples raised their hands together, eliciting thunderous applause from the audience.

The rest of their families followed, with Harris’ stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, visibly emotional as she hugged Harris while balloons cascaded down from above, and her grandnieces joyfully played with them.

“We must honor this moment. It is our turn to take on the responsibilities laid down by previous generations,” Harris stated towards the close of her speech.

Continuing a theme she has emphasized recently, she conveyed the message that Americans share more common ground than may be apparent, and that political discourse does not need to be adversarial.

Regarding policy specifics, Harris largely avoided going into detail.

True to advisers’ guidance prior to the address, the speech contained very few unexpected elements.

She reiterated her promises to address the housing crisis and assist the middle class through tax incentives. Her commitment to advancing the Democrats’ voting rights agenda was one of the most well-received moments.

On immigration, she aimed to strike a compromise by suggesting the implementation of a citizenship pathway while emphasizing the need for border security, albeit without elaborating further.

Regarding the conflict in Gaza, she stated, “President Biden and I are tirelessly working to secure a hostage agreement and ceasefire, as this is the right time for such actions.”

Harris received mild applause when she voiced her support for Israel, alongside some dissent from a small group of delegates.

However, the crowd erupted with cheers when she affirmed that the Palestinian people deserve dignity, freedom, and self-determination.

Her most impactful remarks were aimed at contrasting herself with Trump. She accused him of attempting to disenfranchise voters and inciting an armed group against the Capitol.

In the nation’s capital, a verdict was reached against him for fraud, and he was also deemed responsible for sexual abuse, as stated by her. He claimed he would release insurrectionists and take action against journalists and political rivals.

“Think about the influence he will possess,” she mentioned regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity. “Just picture Donald Trump without any restrictions.”

She criticized the Republicans for their stance on abortion rights, asserting, “In all honesty, they have lost touch with reality.”

After much contemplation on how to engage with the former president, Harris and her campaign ultimately decided on a strategy that closely mirrored Biden’s narrative prior to his withdrawal from the race.

Unlike Trump, she vowed to avoid forming close ties with authoritarian leaders, framing the issue as democracy against tyranny. “I am clear about my position and where the United States should stand,” Harris stated in her foreign policy discourse.

As she concluded her speech, 100,000 balloons were released, assisted by 75 volunteers, 30 campaign staff members, and about a dozen stage crew, as per the convention’s information.

Despite speculation about Beyonce making an appearance, it did not happen. Instead, Harris shone that evening, receiving chants from delegates and a standing ovation.

Biden was absent during her speech but had contacted Harris beforehand, according to the White House.

During her speech’s opening, Harris expressed her appreciation and highlighted the inspirational nature of Biden’s service record.

However, she emphasized the need for the party and nation to progress forward.

“We are not going back,” Harris proclaimed as she rallied the crowd with her new campaign slogan.

Francesca Chambers is a White House correspondent for YSL News. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @fran_chambers.