Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday night, delivering a speech which hit the key notes her campaign wanted - but had only rare moments of soaring rhetoric and broke little new ground.

The ground-breaking was in the nature of the nominee herself - the first woman of colour to become a major party's presidential nominee.

“Never let anyone tell you who you are,” Ms Harris said. “You show them who you are.”

But for roughly 45 minutes on Thursday, she tried to tell Americans who she is - and what she would do if she wins the White House.

Introducing Herself and Her Vision for the Country

Harris' speech began with a personal story, detailing her mother's journey as an immigrant from India to California, and her parents' meeting and eventual divorce. She spoke about her childhood upbringing in a working-class neighborhood in Oakland, California, emphasizing her middle-class roots and the values instilled in her by her family.

“The middle class is where I come from,” she said. “My mother kept a strict budget. We lived within our means. Yet, we wanted for little. And she expected us to make the most of the opportunities that were available to us.”

Harris then spoke about her career in law, drawing a line from her early days in the courtroom to her public services as a politician. She highlighted her experience as a prosecutor, emphasizing her commitment to protecting people, especially vulnerable populations. “My entire career, I have only had one client,” she said. “The People.”

Harris's speech was delivered in a style of a seasoned politician, with a focus on experience and policy details. She provided specific examples of her work as a prosecutor, attorney general, and vice president.

Calls for Unity and a Path Beyond Partisanship

Harris's speech included calls for unity and a pathway beyond the “bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles” of modern American politics. She said that the US had a “precious, fleeting” opportunity to “chart a new path forward”.

Vague calls for unity and a path beyond partisanship are rhetoric many presidential hopefuls have used in the past. However, Harris attempted to offer concrete solutions, outlining her vision for an “opportunity economy” that would boost the middle class and provide access to opportunities for all Americans.

She pledged to:

• Provide access to capital for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and founders.
• End America’s housing shortage.
• Protect Social Security and Medicare.
• Pass a middle class tax cut.

She also highlighted her commitment to protecting women's rights and reproductive freedom, advocating for the passage of a bill to restore reproductive freedom.

Sharpened Criticism of Donald Trump

While Harris presented a vision for the future, she also did not shy away from criticizing her Republican opponent, Donald Trump. She specifically criticized his record as president, his actions since losing the last election, and his intent to “pull our country back into the past” if re-elected.

“In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man,” she said. “But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious.”

She reminded the audience of Trump's attempt to overturn the 2020 election, the January 6th Capitol riot, and his subsequent criminal convictions, including those related to fraud and sexual abuse.

Harris also focused on Trump's plans for a second term, highlighting what she described as his intent to jail journalists, political opponents, and deploy the military against citizens. She also called out his support for violent extremists, including those who participated in the Capitol riot.

Harris also criticized Trump's economic policies, arguing that he only fights for himself and his billionaire friends. She claimed that Trump intends to enact a national sales tax that would burden middle-class families, while also offering tax breaks to his wealthy supporters.

A Moderate Approach to Policy

Overall, Harris styled herself as a center-left moderate, positioning herself as a continuation of Joe Biden's policies. She emphasized her experience as a prosecutor and attorney general, highlighting her record of tackling issues like elder abuse, fighting cartels, and delivering relief for middle-class families.

She also sought to highlight her experience on the world stage, emphasizing her role in confronting threats to US security, negotiating with foreign leaders, and strengthening global alliances. She emphasized her commitment to upholding America's values and ideals in the face of threats from autocratic regimes, such as Russia and North Korea.

Harris's speech was a mix of personal stories, policy details, and pointed criticism of her opponent. She sought to present herself as a qualified, experienced leader who would unite the country and guide it towards a more prosperous and just future. Her message resonated with many Democrats who are seeking a return to normalcy and stability after a turbulent period in American politics.

The Importance of the Election

Harris emphasized that the upcoming election is not only the most important in the lives of Americans but also one of the most consequential in the life of the nation. She urged voters to understand the gravity of the stakes and to recognize that a second Trump term would be a step backward for the country.

She concluded her speech by invoking the ideals of freedom, opportunity, compassion, and unity, urging Americans to fight for these values and to write the next great chapter in the American story.