CHICAGO, IL — The 25,000 delegates at the United Center and millions across the country await the biggest speech of Vice President Kamala Harris’ career. She will formally accept the nomination for president on Thursday night.
She should express “a call for unity; a call for putting whatever differences aside and let’s focus on what we can agree on,” Hempstead Village Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. told Patch.
Hobbs, who is attending the convention this week, enjoyed the roll call party to officially nominate Harris, complete with an on-stage DJ mixing music tied to each state.
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“The excitement was tremendous,” he said, and the intensity is not isolated to the arena.
“It’s obvious that it’s not just a moment, because if it was a moment, the moment would have passed,” Hobbs said. “This movement has acted as a catalyst to encourage all of us to have hope for the future of our country and that’s what we’re excited about.”
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Former president Donald Trump, however, has used his campaign to return to the White House to assail Harris with personal criticisms.
“Anytime you have an individual [who] responds by mudslinging or name-calling, that’s a good indicator that their intelligence is not that great,” Hobbs said. “There’s a distinct difference between the two candidates.”
Harris would hold several firsts if elected in November. She would become the first female, African American woman and Asian American president.
“It reminds me of when President Obama ran,” Hobbs said. “That same type of excitement and pride as a minority community. It’s an inspiration, not only for minorities, but it’s an inspiration for all women.”
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