Kamala Harris’ DNC address: Will her speech hit the high notes of history?

Vice President of the United StatesKamala Harris is set to deliver the most pivotal speech of her career on Thursday (Aug 22) as she officially accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for the upcoming presidential election at the ongoing Democratic National Convention (DNC).

TheDNC follows President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race last month, a decision reportedlyinfluenced by hisparty. Harris’speech is scheduled for 10:45 pmET.

What will Harris focus on in her speech?

A campaign official told the Associated Pressthat Harris has three primary goals for her address. She will discuss her journey from a middle-class upbringing to a career in law, contrasting her “optimistic” outlook with the “dark” narrative of her rival andformer US President Donald Trump. Additionally, she aims to inspire a sense of national pride.

In her upcoming speech, Harris, 59, will also reportedly reflect on her upbringing as the daughter of a Jamaican father and Indian mother. She will outline her plans to address rising living costs and promote personal freedoms, including abortion rights,campaign officials told Reuters. They also mentioned that she would strongly criticise Trump.

Cedric Richmond, Harris’campaign co-chair and long-time adviser, told Reuters, "There is a guy who wants to divide us, and she will make the case that we simply cannot let that happen, that this is America and everybody can rise together."

How has Harris engaged with the convention so far?

Earlier thisweek, Harris made brief appearances at the ongoing convention. On Monday (Aug 19), she expressed gratitude to Biden and acknowledged his achievements as president.

"This November we will come together and declare with one voice as one people: We are moving forward," Harris said on Monday.

On Tuesday, she spoke at a rally in Milwaukee, which was broadcast live to the convention hall, following the official confirmation of her nomination through a state-by-state vote.

Harris’dynamic speeches have sparked increased enthusiasm among voters. If she wins the November 5 elections, she will make history as the country's first Black and South Asian woman to be elected president.

How is Harris faring in the polls?

The incumbent VP has achieved a fundraising milestone, raising $500 million in just one month. She has alsoeither closed the gap or overtaken Trump in several battleground state polls.

Nationally, she leads Trump 46.6 per centto 43.8 per cent, according to a FiveThirtyEight poll compilation.

(With inputs from agencies)