Kamala Harris Lays Out What’s At Stake In 2024 Race

Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday described former President Donald Trump as an “unserious man,” but warned about the “serious” risks to the country if he were to serve another term in office.

During her speech on the final night of the Democratic National Convention, Harris sought to remind Americans of Trump’s efforts to undo the 2020 presidential election and his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol as she called on voters to reject a return to the turmoil of the Trump years.

“In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man,” Harris said. “But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious. Consider not only the chaos and calamity of when he was in office, but also the gravity of what has happened since he lost the last election.”

Harris also referred to the recent Supreme Court decision that found Trump should enjoy immunity from prosecution for “official” acts he took while in office. The vice president said the ruling would make Trump feel even more entitled to take actions to advance his own selfish priorities if he returned to the White House.

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

Harris tried to paint a contrast with Trump, saying she would govern for all Americans and adding that this election represents a chance for the country “to move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past, a chance to chart a new way forward.”

Harris’ address at the convention was described as the most important speech of her career, though it was one she wasn’t meant to give until nearly five weeks ago when President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and then endorsed her.

Biden dropped out following pressure from his fellow party members to pass the torch to the next generation over concerns about his fitness to serve another four years after his poor debate performance, where he struggled to complete sentences.

Harris conceded her journey to the nomination was somewhat unconventional, but said she was ready to meet the moment, citing her mother’s move from India to California at the age of 19.

“America, the path that led me here in recent weeks was, no doubt, unexpected,” she said. “But I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys.”

While Harris’ campaign has generated enthusiasm and energy that has also been reflected in the polls, Democrats, including her running mate Tim Walz, are warning voters against complacency.

“It’s the fourth quarter,” Walz said Wednesday. “We’re down a field goal. But we’re on offense. We’re driving down the field. And, boy, do we have the right team to win this.”