Washington – Kamala Harris has accepted her historic nomination as the US Democratic party’s vice-presidential candidate, running with Joe Biden for the White House.
In her speech for her party convention, the first US woman of colour on a major-party ticket assailed President Donald Trump’s “failure of leadership”.
Harris pledged to speak “truths” to the American public.
Biden and Harris will challenge Trump and his vice-president Mike Pence in the election on November 3.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced Democrats to abandon the cheering throngs, fanfare and razzmatazz of the typical party convention in favour of a virtual event of pre-recorded and live speeches.
“We’re at an inflection point,” said Harris, speaking from a largely empty hotel ballroom in Biden’s hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.
“The constant chaos leaves us adrift. The incompetence makes us feel afraid. The callousness makes us feel alone. It’s a lot.
“And here’s the thing: We can do better and deserve so much more.
“We must elect a president who will bring something different, something better, and do the important work.”
Harris pledged that she and Biden would revive a country fractured by the coronavirus pandemic and racial tension.
“There is no vaccine for racism,” she said. “We’ve got to do the work.”
She continued: “Donald Trump’s failure has cost lives and livelihoods.”
“Right now, we have a president who turns our tragedies into political weapons,” she added.
