Harris accepts Democratic presidential nomination

(UPDATE) CHICAGO, Illinois — Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination in Chicago on Thursday before a rapturous crowd, pledging a «new way forward» and warning that Donald Trump will take America backward if he wins November's blockbuster election.

The 59-year-old sought to strike a presidential tone as she delivered a message of unity and patriotism for Americans after one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in US political history.

«With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past — a chance to chart a new way forward,» Harris said to huge cheers from tens of thousands of pumped-up supporters. «And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans.»

DEMOCRATS’ CANDIDATE US Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris waves to supporters as she arrives on stage to speak on the fourth and last day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 22, 2024 (local time). Harris formally accepted the party’s nomination for president at the DNC, which ran from August 19–22 in Chicago. PHOTO BY ROBYN BECK/AFP

The convention became a giant party to celebrate Harris' astonishing ascent from something of a political afterthought to Democratic standard bearer upon President Joe Biden's surprise decision to end his reelection bid.

A sea of waving Stars and Stripes flags and chants of «USA» filled the arena as jubilant Democrats anointed Harris.

She was later joined on stage by her running mate Tim Walz and their families, as they held their arms aloft while 100,000 red, white and blue balloons tumbled from the ceiling.

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The Chicks sang a version of «The Star-Spangled Banner,» while pop star Pink also performed as the Democrats rolled out a list of celebrity backers.

But it was Harris' time to shine on the biggest night of her political life, after becoming the first Black woman to be nominated by a major US party.

She reached out to voters across America's bitter political divide, promising to bring economic opportunity and protect their personal