The Dallas freshman congresswoman took to the national convention stage to ridicule former President Donald Trump and extol Vice President Kamala Harris.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, blasted former President Donald Trump as a “career criminal” while speaking at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, contrasting his record with Vice President Kamala Harris’ career as a prosecutor and former California attorney general.

“One candidate worked at McDonald’s, while she was in college at an HBCU. The other was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and helped his daddy in the family business: Housing discrimination,” Crockett said to boisterous laughter. “She became a career prosecutor, while he became a career criminal, with 34 felonies, two impeachments, and one porn star to prove it.”

“Kamala Harris has a résumé. Donald Trump has a rap sheet,” Crockett said. “She presides over the Senate, while he keeps national secrets next to his thinking chair — y’all know what I said the other time — in Mar-A-Lago.”

Crockett was the first Texan in Congress to speak on the DNC main stage. Her presence on the convention program punctuated her exceptional political rise. She is a freshman member of the U.S. House, running for Congress after serving only one term in the Texas House. She has broken out as a viral messenger on Democratic priorities, often clashing with Republicans in public committee hearings.

Crockett’s acumen as a party messenger showed early signs as a state representative, when she was an architect of a 2021 state House Democratic quorum break to stall the passage of Republican-led voting legislation. Before elected office, Crockett was a public defense attorney practicing civil rights law.

She alluded to her past as a public defender, saying Harris was “the kind of prosecutor we longed for.” She brought up Harris’ mandate for police officers to wear body cameras and efforts to reduce criminal recidivism.

Crockett also opened up about Harris caring for her when she was early in her time in Congress. She said Harris consoled her during their first meeting at the Vice President’s residence shortly after Crockett was elected to Congress.

“When I first got to Congress, I wasn't sure I made the right decision,” Crockett said. “That chaos caucus couldn’t elect a speaker and the Oversight Committee was unhinged.”

“She saw right through me. She saw the distress. I immediately began crying,” Crockett continued, holding back tears. “And the most powerful woman in the world wiped my tears and listened. She then said, among other things, ‘You are exactly where God wants you.’ ”

Crockett went on: “The next month, I went viral for the first of many times to come.”

Crockett made a quiet allusion to one of her most famous viral moments where she pushed back at U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, for mocking her appearance during a committee hearing. During that meeting, Crockett indirectly said Greene had a “bleach blonde, bad built, butch body.”

“The question before us is, will a vindictive, vile villain violate voters’ vision for a better America or not?” Crockett said, giving a knowing smile as the crowd burst into laughter. “I hear alliteration is back in style.”

Crockett is not your garden-variety campaign surrogate. Her unique style involves combining a stinging wit with in-your-face aggression – traits not often found in typically risk-averse politicians.

It was all on display Monday for one of the biggest speeches of her political career, one where she used sharp language, humor and tears to make her points. She was warmly received by the crowd, many of whom got their first extended look at her other than on social media.

“She keeps it real. She keeps it raw. She keeps honest,” said Dallas County Democratic Party Chairman Kardal Coleman. “She’s somebody who can speak in plain language and tell the voters exactly what’s going on with the Harris-Walz campaign and how the DNC plans to turn out votes in November.”

Crockett has created some controversy while in office.

She was criticized, mostly by Republicans, for co-sponsoring a bill that would terminate Secret Service protection for someone convicted and sentenced for a felony.

Republicans accused Crockett and Democrats of trying to compromise former President Donald Trump’s safety. In July he survived an assassinaton attempt.

Backers said at the time the bill was necessary because Trump was facing scores of state and federal felony charges, creating a “new exigency that Congress must address to ensure Secret Service protection does not interfere with the criminal judicial process and the administration of justice.”

Biden was using Crockett as a campaign surrogate up until he dropped from the race. She was a loyal defender of the president and resisted calls for him to step aside.

Once he did, she embraced Harris, publicly stating that it would not be wise to give the nomination to someone else.

“If it’s anyone OTHER than her, enjoy campaign season,” the Dallas Democrat said on X. “I hope all of my disenchanted colleagues are able to find some walking shoes and get to work because I WILL NOT!”

Harris easily became the presumptive nominee, and now Crockett will slip into her walking shoes.

Along with her Monday speech, Crockett was featured at a few DNC events, including a Black Caucus panel discussion on election misinformation. That panel included Dallas pastor Frederick Haynes III.

Crockett ended Monday’s speech by urging Americans to make the right choice.

“We deserve a president who can be a bright light in a sea of darkness, one who will put us, who will pull us forward, because we won’t go back,” she said.

Crockett's Rise to National Stage

Crockett’s prominence on the national stage is a testament to her rapid political ascent. Elected to the U.S. House in 2023, Crockett previously served a single term in the Texas House of Representatives. While her tenure has been brief, Crockett has proven to be a formidable force in the political arena, attracting attention for her sharp wit and uncompromising stance on Democratic priorities.

Viral Moments and Political Firebrand

Crockett’s political persona has been shaped by her tendency to go viral. Her most famous viral moment occurred during a House Oversight Committee hearing, where she famously retorted to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s mockery of her appearance by referring to Greene’s physical appearance in a now-iconic six-word phrase. This incident solidified Crockett’s image as a fearless advocate for her party’s agenda, unafraid to engage in sharp, often humorous, exchanges with political opponents.

The Power of Words and Tears

Crockett’s speech at the Democratic National Convention showcased her unique ability to weave together humor, passion, and heartfelt vulnerability. While she delivered blistering critiques of Donald Trump, Crockett also shared a poignant personal anecdote about Vice President Kamala Harris’ support during a difficult period in her early congressional career. This anecdote, which included Crockett’s tearful recounting of a moment of encouragement from Harris, highlighted the power of empathy and compassion in public service.

A Message for a New Generation

Crockett’s emergence as a national figure is a signal of the changing landscape of American politics. Her appeal to young, Black, and female voters, and her ability to resonate with a diverse audience, represent the evolving demographics of the Democratic Party and the priorities of a new generation of political leaders.

Looking Ahead

Crockett’s rise to prominence is a story of ambition, resilience, and a sharp tongue. Her political career is just beginning, and her future holds significant promise. Whether she continues to make headlines for her viral moments or her powerful speeches, one thing is certain – Jasmine Crockett is a political force to be reckoned with.