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WILMINGTON, Del. – Vice President turned presidential candidate Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s new standard-bearer, delivered an inspiring inaugural campaign speech. This follows President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and endorse her candidacy for the presidency.

Introduced by her husband, Douglas Emhoff, Harris confidently walked to the podium to Beyoncé’s “Freedom”, given permission by the music icon herself. She addressed campaign staff and national media with determination. The crowd greeted her with chants of “KAMALA, KAMALA, KAMALA.”

Honoring Biden: Harris Highlights Administration’s Successes

Reflecting on her tenure as Vice President, Harris called it “one of the greatest honors of my life.” She highlighted President Biden’s unmatched legacy of accomplishment. “In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who served two terms in office,” she declared, citing Biden’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating over 15 million jobs, and passing historic legislation.

Furthermore, Harris shared personal anecdotes from her time working alongside Biden, emphasizing his ability to bridge divides and bring together members of both parties. “Joe has stood up for democracy at home and abroad and has always stood up for what he believes is right,” she said.

Recalling her early interactions with Biden through his late son, Beau, Harris painted a picture of a man of integrity, honesty, and deep love for his country. “He grew up in a middle-class family in Scranton and has never forgotten where he comes from,” she remarked, praising Biden’s unwavering commitment to the American people.

As the crowd cheered, President Biden’s voice resonated through the venue. “I’m watching,” he said, responding to the applause. Harris expressed her honor at receiving Biden’s endorsement. She reiterated her intention to earn the nomination and win the election. Harris officially has enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic nominee for President. She is the second woman and the only woman of color to become a major party’s presumptive nominee.

“In the days and weeks ahead, I, together with you, will do everything in my power to unite our Democratic Party and our nation,” the candidate pledged.

Drawing on her extensive legal background, Harris contrasted her record with that of former President Donald Trump.

“As many of you know, before I was elected as vice president — before I was elected as United States Senator, I was the elected attorney general, as I’ve mentioned, of California. And before that, I was a courtroom prosecutor. In those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds. Predators who abused women. Fraudsters who ripped off consumers. Cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So, hear me when I say I know Donald Trump’s type,” Vice President Kamala Harris said.

“Donald Trump was found liable by a jury for committing sexual abuse,” the new presidential candidate added. “During the foreclosure crisis, I took on the big Wall Street banks in won $20 billion for California families, holding those banks accountable for fraud. Donald Trump was just found guilty of 34 counts of fraud.”

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Two Paths Forward: Candidate Harris on Trump and America’s Future

Harris emphasized that the campaign was about two divergent visions for America’s future. “Donald Trump wants to take our country backwards, to a time before many of our fellow Americans had full freedoms and rights. But we believe in a brighter future that makes room for all Americans. We believe in a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by but to get ahead. We believe in a future where no child has to grow up in poverty. Where every person can buy a home, start a family, and build wealth.”

“Because we here know when our middle class is strong, America is strong. And we know that’s not the future Donald Trump is fighting for. He and his extreme Project 2025 will weaken the middle class.”

Subsequently, she outlined her goals, including affordable healthcare, fair wages, and dignified retirement for seniors. “Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency,” Harris declared, rejecting policies that prioritize the wealthy over working families.

Addressing the crowd’s concerns about reproductive rights, Harris vowed to fight against any attempts to enact a national abortion ban. “We will not let that happen,” she assured. “When Congress passes a law to restore reproductive freedoms, as President of the United States, I will sign it into law.”

Finally, Harris concluded with a call to action, urging supporters to work tirelessly over the next 106 days. “We have doors to knock on, people to talk to, phone calls to make, and an election to win,” she said. “When we fight, we win.”

The rally ended with chants of “We win,” as presidential candidate Harris blessed the crowd and the nation, expressing her profound gratitude for President Biden’s service and leadership.

Nehemiah D. Frank is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Black Wall Street Times and a descendant of two families that survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Although his publication’s store and newsroom...