Democrats rally at convention: Calls to imprison Trump intensify
7:58 AM EDT, August 20, 2024
It was a heated start on the first day of the Democratic Party convention in the USA. Kamala Harris unexpectedly delivered a speech, thanking Joe Biden for his "historic leadership." Meanwhile, during Hillary Clinton's speech, thousands of delegates demanded that Donald Trump be imprisoned.
Thousands of party delegates, celebrities, and journalists from all over the world flocked to Chicago. The Democratic Party convention will last four days, during which the party's top politicians will speak.
This year's convention differs from previous ones because there will be no formal voting and selection of the party's presidential candidate, contrary to tradition. That took place at the beginning of August through virtual voting. This change is due to state law in Ohio, which set an earlier deadline for candidate submission.
President Joe Biden was greeted with a several-minute standing ovation and chants of "we love Joe." He used his speech to highlight the achievements of his presidency and summarize his 50-year political career. He also pointed out the stakes of the upcoming elections.
"I’ve got five months left of my presidency and have much to do. I intend to get it done," he added "It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president. And I love the job, but I love my country more." he said.
Donald Trump says we are a failing nation. He says we are losing. He is the loser (...) America is winning, and the world benefits from it," Biden said. He added that contrary to the former president's claims, statistics show that crime is falling at the fastest rate in history. "And it will continue to fall if we place a prosecutor in the Oval Office instead of a convicted criminal," he added, referring to Harris's career as a prosecutor in California and Trump's conviction in a criminal trial.
"Lock him up"
Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also raised the issue of Donald Trump's conviction. "Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial, and when he woke up, he made his own history—as the first presidential candidate convicted of 34 crimes," Clinton said during her speech in Chicago. Moments later, the crowd responded with chants of "lock him up" and loud applause.
Most of her speech in Chicago, Clinton - the first woman in history nominated for president by one of the parties - devoted to Kamala Harris, her postulates concerning women's rights and restoring the right to abortion, and her chance to "break through the glass ceiling."
"On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris, raising her hand and taking the oath as the 47th president (...) That will be when we break through," said Clinton.
Harris surprises
Unexpectedly, on the first day of the convention, the Vice President of the USA appeared on stage. In a brief, unannounced, and unscheduled speech, Harris emphasized Biden's contributions to the country.
Joe, thank you for your historic leadership and your lifetime of service to our country. We are forever grateful to you," Harris said, to which the crowd responded with chants of "thank you Joe."
Harris's main speech is scheduled for Thursday, the last day of the convention. Then, she is expected to officially accept the party's nomination as the candidate in the presidential elections.
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