Standing ovation for Palestine: Harris’s historic speech at Democratic Convention

Muslim Network TV Desk

CHICAGO (MNTV) –  Vice President Kamala Harris took center stage at the United Center in Chicago on the final night of the Democratic National Convention, where she formally accepted the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

In a speech that spanned various pressing national and international issues, one moment stood out, capturing the audience’s attention and earning the loudest applause of the night—her comments on Palestine.

As balloons cascaded from the ceiling, signaling the close of the convention, Harris delivered a powerful and emotional address that resonated deeply with the audience.

Her speech, which was filled with patriotic fervor and a call for unity, touched upon several key themes, but it was her remarks about Palestine conflict that truly electrified the room.

“We are working around the clock,” Harris said, referencing the efforts she and President Joe Biden are making to secure a cease-fire and negotiate a prisoner release deal between Israel and Hamas.

Her words were a stark acknowledgment of the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in Gaza, where a 10-month-long war has left a trail of devastation.

“So many innocent lives lost,” Harris lamented, her voice heavy with emotion. “Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking.”

Her poignant description of the situation in Gaza drew a wave of applause from the delegates and party members in attendance, signaling a moment of empathy and recognition for the plight of the Palestinian people.

This moment of solidarity was significant, reflecting a shift within the Democratic Party towards a more balanced stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Traditionally, U.S. foreign policy has been heavily tilted in favor of Israel, emphasizing its right to self-defense against threats. While Harris did not deviate from this foundational stance, asserting that she would “always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself,” her acknowledgment of Palestinian suffering marked a departure from the usual rhetoric.

It suggested a broader understanding of the conflict, one that considers the humanity and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.

The reaction from the audience was telling. The loudest applause of the night came not when Harris reaffirmed her commitment to Israel, but when she spoke of the Palestinian people’s right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.

This response reflected a growing sentiment among Democratic voters and a significant portion of the American public who are increasingly sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and critical of the humanitarian costs of the conflict.

-Economic inequality, healthcare

The rest of Harris’s speech focused on her broader vision for the United States, addressing key issues such as economic inequality, healthcare, reproductive rights, and immigration reform.

She spoke passionately about creating an “opportunity economy” that would ensure prosperity for all Americans, regardless of their background or where they live.

She pledged to provide access to capital for small business owners and entrepreneurs, end America’s housing shortage, and protect Social Security and Medicare.

“America cannot truly be prosperous unless Americans are fully able to make their own decisions about their own lives,” Harris declared, making a pointed reference to the Supreme Court’s recent decision to roll back reproductive rights.

She promised to restore reproductive freedom and sign legislation to protect women’s rights to choose, a commitment that was met with enthusiastic applause.

Harris also addressed the rising costs of living, promising to pass a middle-class tax cut that would benefit more than 100 million Americans.

She contrasted her vision with that of former President Donald Trump, whom she criticized for prioritizing tax breaks for billionaires over the needs of the middle class. Harris described Trump as an “unserious man” whose return to the White House would have “extremely serious” consequences.

“Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails,” Harris warned. “How he would use the immense powers of the presidency of the United States—not to improve your life, not to strengthen our national security, but to serve the only client he has ever had: himself.”

Her critique of Trump was sharp and direct, reflecting the high stakes of the upcoming election and the deep divisions within American society.

Harris’s speech was not only a call to action for her supporters but also a direct appeal to independent voters and moderate Republicans who may be disillusioned with Trump’s leadership.

She promised to be a president for all Americans, vowing to put country above party and self, to uphold America’s fundamental principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power.

Throughout her speech, Harris emphasized her commitment to unity and healing, urging Americans to come together to solve the nation’s problems.

She spoke of her own background, recounting her upbringing by immigrant parents who instilled in her the values of community, faith, and hard work.

Her personal story, which includes overcoming adversity and breaking barriers as the first woman of color to serve as Vice President, resonated with many in the audience.

The convention, which spanned four days, featured a host of prominent speakers, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, actress Eva Longoria, Senator Mark Kelly, and former GOP Representative Adam Kinzinger.

Each speaker underscored the importance of the upcoming election and the need for a new direction for the country. The convention’s theme, “For the Future,” reflected a forward-looking vision, focused on building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous America.

-Foreign policy

Harris’s remarks on foreign policy also included her eperience in confronting threats to national security, negotiating with foreign leaders, and strengthening alliances.

As Commander-in-Chief, she promised to ensure that America maintains the strongest and most lethal fighting force in the world. She pledged to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. troops, to never disparage their commitment, and to care for their families.

She also addressed the challenges posed by global powers like China and Russia, vowing to strengthen America’s leadership in emerging fields such as space and artificial intelligence.

Harris emphasized the importance of maintaining strong alliances, particularly with NATO, and supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Her foreign policy stance was clear: America would stand firm against tyranny and uphold its democratic values on the global stage

As the night drew to a close, Harris called on Americans to “write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told.”

Analysts say, her speech was a blend of hope and resolve, reflecting her belief in the American people’s ability to come together and overcome the challenges they face.

“Let us show each other—and the world—who we are and what we stand for,” she urged. “Freedom. Opportunity. Compassion. Dignity. Fairness. And endless possibilities.”

The response to Harris’s speech, particularly her remarks on Palestine, suggests a shifting landscape in American politics, one that may influence U.S. foreign policy and the nation’s role in the world.

As Harris and her running mate, Coach Tim Walz, prepare to take their message to voters across the country, the applause that greeted her call for empathy and justice may signal a broader demand for a more balanced and humane approach to one of the world’s most intractable issues that is Israeli occupation of Palestine.

Observers say the 2024 Democratic National Convention has set the stage for what promises to be a pivotal election, one that will determine the future direction of the United States.

It looks on the campaign trail, Harris’ commitment to both American values and global justice will be key themes in her pursuit of the presidency.

With the loudest applause of the night still echoing, it is clear that the call for a just and lasting peace in Palestine has found takers among American voters.