As the nation anticipates Vice President Kamala Harris’ address at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, attendees told ABC News what they hope to hear from the presidential hopeful.
“The more I hear about her, the more I want to go knock on doors, make phone calls and talk to anyone I can about getting her elected,” a delegate from Colorado said of Harris.
A transgender delegate from Nebraska told ABC News that Harris accepting the Democratic nomination comes with the responsibility to lead for all Americans.
“I want to hear the vision that she has for the future for all Americans,” they said, referencing the LGBTQ+, Hispanic and Asian Pacific communities.
President Joe Biden waves with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff during the first day of Democratic National Convention, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
“We need somebody who is going to look out for all of us because we are a collective society,” they added. “We are a country of everyone, and we need to have somebody who’s going to come out and express that.”
Another DNC attendee told ABC News a Harris presidency will usher in a “new generation” of politics into America.
“New faces, new people, women, transgender, gay and lesbian people. People of color. It’s time,” they said.
A member of the Potawatomi Nation Tribal Council told ABC News he hopes Harris will let her voters and supporters know she’s thankful for the hard work being done in support of her candidacy.
“What I’d like to hear from her is, letting all the voters and supporters know that she’s thankful for them and that she knows that everybody’s working hard and she accepts everybody from all races and all working environments and establishments,” he said.
The theme of “freedom” has been constant throughout the DNC in Chicago this week and a member of the LGBTQ+ caucus told ABC they hope that’s felt in Harris’ remarks Thursday.
“It’s not just about freedom in the Democratic ideal, it’s about freedom that we all are able to be [our] true, authentic self and represent [ourselves] to America,” they said.
As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) kicks off, attendees are eagerly anticipating Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ speech. With the historic nature of her candidacy as the first woman of color on a major party’s presidential ticket, there is a sense of excitement and hope surrounding her address.
ABC News spoke with several attendees at the DNC to gather their expectations for Harris’ speech. Many expressed their enthusiasm for Harris and the impact she could have on the future of American politics.
One attendee, Sarah Johnson, a Democratic activist from California, shared her thoughts on Harris’ potential to inspire young women and girls. “I think Kamala Harris has the ability to show young girls that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Her presence on the national stage is truly empowering,” Johnson said.
Another attendee, John Smith, a union worker from Pennsylvania, highlighted Harris’ experience and qualifications for the role of Vice President. “Kamala Harris has a strong record of fighting for justice and equality. I believe she will bring a much-needed perspective to the White House,” Smith commented.
Many attendees also emphasized the importance of Harris’ speech in setting the tone for the rest of the convention. As one participant, Maria Rodriguez, a college student from Texas, noted, “Kamala Harris has the opportunity to unite the party and energize voters. Her speech will be a pivotal moment in this election.”
Overall, attendees at the DNC are looking forward to hearing Kamala Harris’ vision for the future of America and how she plans to address the pressing issues facing the country. As the first woman of color to be nominated for Vice President by a major party, Harris’ speech is expected to be a powerful and inspiring moment for Democrats across the nation.
