'Making history': Kamala Harris becomes first Black woman to lead major-party ticket

Kamala Harris has officially made history as the first Black and South Asian woman to lead a major-party ticket after formally accepting the Democratic party's nomination on Thursday. If elected, she would become the first female U.S. president.

The historic final night of the convention featured the vice-president delivering her keynote speech before a crowd of supporters dressed in suffragette white, a nod to the women's suffrage movement that secured American women's right to vote in 1920.

"I am so inspired. I am so hopeful. I just feel wonderful," said Satin Arnett from Washington State. "I feel like this is a chance of a lifetime. We are making history. I never thought that I would see this in my life, being a woman of color."

While the white outfits on Thursday were reminiscent of Hillary Clinton's iconic suit when she accepted the Democratic party's presidential nomination in 2016, supporters noted that Thursday's moment felt different, reflecting the changes in America.

During Clinton's campaign, there was widespread outrage over Trump's comments about women, yet he still garnered significant support from female voters. In her speech at the convention on Monday, Clinton reflected on her loss, saying, "We refused to give up on America. Millions marched, many ran for office, we kept our eyes on the future." She added, "Well, my friends, the future is here."

In 2020, after four years of Trump's presidency, many women voters—especially white women with college degrees—rallied behind President Joe Biden, helping him secure the White House. However, this year, Biden struggled to maintain support among voters weary of another Trump-Biden showdown.

Since Biden withdrew from the presidential race, polls have shifted in favor of the Democrats, with experts noting that the most significant gains for Harris have come from women.

The four-day convention in Chicago built on the growing excitement. Speakers highlighted Harris's background, achievements, and her signature laughter, with Democrats embracing the theme of "joy" that has become a hallmark of the party since Harris took the lead.

Although rumors of a Beyoncé performance at the convention proved false, major celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kerry Washington, and Mindy Kaling publicly supported the vice-president. Civil rights leader Al Sharpton, who served as a youth director for former Rep. Shirley Chisholm's 1972 Democratic primary campaign, spoke at the convention, recalling Chisholm's legacy. Chisholm, who was Black, passed away in 2005.

"I know she's watching us tonight as a Black woman stands up to accept the nomination for president of the United States," Sharpton said during his speech.

Harris has largely avoided emphasizing her identity, focusing instead on issues such as reproductive rights and equality for all. However, her supporters believe she doesn't need to address it explicitly—the historical significance is evident.

"As a woman who really supports women, this is a monumental moment," said Natasha Hampton from Ohio.

Matthew Lebo, a U.S. politics expert at Western University in London, Ontario, remarked that Democrats have done an excellent job of building momentum. However, he cautioned that Clinton also led in the polls before the 2016 election, only to lose the Electoral College despite winning nearly 2.9 million more votes than Trump.

"They need the people in that room, and the activists and campaign workers watching, to work all the way through the election," Lebo said.

Barbara Sharief, the Democratic nominee for the Florida Senate, emphasized that Harris's presence on the ticket will inspire people, particularly women, to take action.

"What I think Kamala Harris represents for our young girls out there is that you can aspire and reach the highest office in the land," Sharief said. "I never thought I would see this in my lifetime, and here we are today witnessing history."