Photo via @aoc on X
The following commentary is based on the transcript of remarks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday, August 19, 2024.
Six years ago, I was a waitress taking omelet orders in New York City. I had no health insurance. My family was fighting foreclosure, and we were struggling to pay the bills after my father died unexpectedly from cancer. Like millions of Americans, we were simply looking for an honest chance. And we were fed up with cynical politics that seemed blind to the realities of working people.
Only through the miracles of democracy and community were the good people of the Bronx and Queens able to elect someone like me to represent them in Congress.
I’m here tonight because America has a rare and precious opportunity. In Kamala Harris, we have someone who understands the importance of paying rent, food, and medicine. She is as committed to our reproductive and civil rights as she is to fighting corporate greed. And she is working tirelessly to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and bring the hostages home.
In Kamala Harris, I see a leader who understands. I see a leader who is truly committed to a better future for working families.
We know that Donald Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and bribing his Wall Street friends. And I, for one, am tired of hearing how some little union-buster thinks he’s a bigger patriot than the woman who fights every day to free working people from greed.
The truth is, Don, you can’t love this country if all you’re doing is fighting for the rich and big business. Loving this country means fighting for its people, for all people, for working people, for everyday Americans like bartenders, factory workers, and fast-food cashiers who are on their feet all day doing some of the hardest jobs around.
You know, ever since I was elected, Republicans have been attacking me and telling me to go back to bartending. But I tell you, I’m happy to do that any day of the week, because there’s nothing wrong with working for a living.
But just because we are clear about what we want to accomplish in this election doesn’t mean the path will be easy. Over the next 78 days, we must devote every ounce, every minute, every moment to making history on November 5th.
But we can’t send Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to the White House alone. We also need to elect strong Democratic majorities in the House and Senate so we can implement an agenda for the people.
But people need to know: If you’re a working parent trying to pay rent and child care, Kamala is for you. If you’re a retiree who needs to go back to work because your pension wasn’t enough, Kamala is for you. If you’re an immigrant family just starting their American story, Kamala is for you.
America, when we knock on the doors of our neighbors, organize our communities, and elect Kamala Harris president on November 5, we will send a clear message that the people of this nation will not turn back. We are choosing a new path and opening the door to a new day, a day for the people and by the people.
As with all opinion pieces published by People’s World, the views expressed here are those of the author.
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