On the final night of the Democratic National Convention, which concluded on Thursday, Kamala Harris officially secured the Democratic presidential nomination with a powerful speech. She vowed to be the most “realistic” and “practical” president for all Americans as she faces off against Donald Trump, 78, in what promises to be a razor-close campaign.
Harris’s speech, which laid out broad foreign policy principles and drew sharp contrasts with her Republican rival, was particularly significant and defining as the Democratic presidential candidate.
Trump had previously criticized her campaign for what he described as weak foreign policies, and the Biden administration had also faced harsh criticism for its handling of international affairs. The DNC had been marked by days of protests from Palestinian supporters, disappointed by their exclusion from the convention’s speaking lineup. Therefore, Harris’s address on foreign policy was crucial, especially as her brief campaign had yet to fully articulate her vision for the country.
Harris’s Stance on Foreign Relations
“In the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and I know where the United States belongs,” Harris declared on Thursday, accusing Trump of yielding to dictators. She promised to back NATO, support Ukraine, and “stand up to Putin’s aggression,” referencing Russia’s president.
Harris also pledged to secure Israel, bring hostages home from Gaza, and end the conflict in the Palestinian enclave. “Now is the time to get a hostage deal and a ceasefire done,” she said to applause. “And let me be clear, I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel can defend itself.”
She emphasized her desire to end the war in a manner that ensures Israel’s security while allowing the Palestinian people to realize their right to self-determination. Harris also affirmed that she would take whatever action was necessary to defend U.S. interests against Iran and noted that tyrants and dictators, including North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, “are rooting for Trump.”
With just 11 weeks remaining until the election, the campaign has reached its peak, and both parties are working tirelessly to garner as much support as possible. Harris’s speech is expected to set a defining momentum for the remainder of the campaign. Trump and Harris have been locked in a tight race since she was nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate. The world is closely watching Harris’s foreign policy positions, particularly Israel and Ukraine, which have expressed concerns regarding the U.S. elections. However, if Harris wins the presidency, she will need to fulfill her promises to maintain the support of Democrats and avoid jeopardizing the Democratic Party’s standing in America.
