CHICAGO, Aug 23, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic
presidential nomination in Chicago on Thursday in front of a rapturous crowd,
pledging a "new way forward" if she beats Republican Donald Trump in
November's blockbuster election.

"On behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest
nation on earth, I accept your nomination to be president of the United
States of America," the 59-year-old said to huge cheers.

"I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations," she
said.

A sea of waving Stars and Stripes flags and chants of "USA" filled the arena
as jubilant Democrats anointed Harris as their standard-bearer.

Harris pledged to be a "president for all Americans" as she reaches out to
undecided American voters after one of the most stunning upheavals in US
political history.

With the November election, Americans have a "fleeting opportunity to move
past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past -- a chance to
chart a new way forward," she promised.

She laid out her personal story as a child of a single working mother, and
her career as a prosecutor, saying she has the background and experience to
serve the country in contrast to Trump who she said only works for himself
and "his billionaire friends."

The convention became a giant party to celebrate Harris's astonishing ascent.

Country act 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.

- 'President for all Americans' -

The Democrats are riding on a huge wave of energy and enthusiasm after Harris
took on the mantle from President Joe Biden amid concerns over his health at
81 years old.

The first Black woman nominee for a major party, Harris has wiped out former
president Trump's lead in the polls, drawn enormous crowds and raised record
funds.

Now her challenge is to introduce herself to a country is still getting used
to the new Democratic candidate.

"I know there are people of various political views watching tonight. And I
want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans," Harris
said.

She talked about being raised by a working, single mother, insisting she
understood the challenges facing families hit by inflation.

Harris also recounted her prosecutorial career fighting for victims of sexual
abuse and gun crime, highlighting the fact that in Trump she now faces the
first convicted felon ever to seek the White House.

The torch having well and truly been passed, Biden gave a farewell speech on
the first day of the convention and said he had called Harris to wish her
luck.

"I am proud to watch my partner Kamala Harris accept our nomination for
president. She will be an outstanding president because she is fighting for
our future," Biden, who is on holiday in California, said on X.

- Tempered hopes -

Yet Democrats will also be trying to temper their hopes, knowing that Harris
faces a tough sprint to a nail-biting election on November 5, which as in
2020 may be decided by a handful of votes in key states.

From Barack and Michelle Obama to Bill Clinton, senior figures have warned
all week that Harris has a brutal fight on her hands to beat Trump.

Trump, 78, believed he was cruising to a stunning return to power against
Biden. Instead he has been unsettled by the sudden Democratic switch to a
much younger opponent -- and one looking to make history as the first female
president.

The Republican is increasingly resorting to personal insults and race-
baiting.

Speaking near the Mexican border barrier built during his presidency in the
battleground state of Arizona, Trump focused Thursday on immigration, which
Republicans believe is a major weakness for Harris.

Recounting stories of people he said were killed by migrants who had come
across the border illegally, he said: "As Kamala gives her convention speech
tonight, she will not mention the victims. She won't even mention their
names."