Harris ends party convention with call to end Gaza war and fight tyranny

HISTORY: US Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic nomination for president on Thursday, the final and most eagerly awaited evening of the four-day party convention in Chicago.

“I accept your nomination for President of the United States of America.”

Since Harris emerged as the Democratic candidate following President Joe Biden's withdrawal, her campaign has broken fundraising records, filled stadiums with supporters and swayed opinion polls in some swing states in Democrats' favor.

According to a compilation of polls by FiveThirtyEight, Harris leads the nation with 46.6%, ahead of her Republican opponent Donald Trump (43.8%).

But by Thursday evening, Harris had not yet articulated her vision for the country clearly enough and faced a barrage of personal attacks from Trump, who called her weak in her foreign policy role.

Before a packed house, Harris made some of her strongest foreign policy statements yet, vowing not to pander to tyrants and dictators who, she said, “cheer on Trump.”

“And as president, I will never slacken in defending America's security and ideals, because in the ongoing struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and I know where the United States belongs.”

Harris also outlined some general policy principles, announced tax cuts for the middle class and promised to fight for reproductive freedom and voting rights.

However, her speech gave little detail, and she may be pressured to reveal it in the coming weeks.

Harris also called for an end to the Gaza war, but pledged her continued support for Israel.

“Now is the time to negotiate a hostage deal and a ceasefire. And let me be clear: I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself, and I will always ensure that Israel has the ability to defend itself.”

Before the speech, thousands of Palestinian supporters again gathered to protest US support for Israel's war in the Gaza Strip, which, according to Palestinian health authorities, has killed more than 40,000 people.

The issue is one of the most polarizing among Democrats and received little attention at the convention, which could hurt Democrats in the election.