Harris accepts nomination, vows to be a 'common sense' president who 'unites us'

• Vice President Kamala Harris vowed to unite the country and bring "common sense" to the presidency as she accepted the Democratic presidential nomination.
• Harris pitched a "new way forward" as the nominee, which she clinched after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race against former President Donald Trump.
• The speech closed out the Democratic National Convention, capping a four-day parade of politicians and celebrities ranging from Oprah Winfrey to Bill Clinton.

Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday officially accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, vowing to unite the country and bring a practical perspective to the presidency if she is elected in November.

"I know there are people of various political views watching tonight," Harris said in her keynote address on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. 

"And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans," she said.

"I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations," Harris said. "A president who leads — and listens. Who is realistic. Practical. And has common sense. And always fights for the American people."

Harris also promised that building the middle class "will be a defining goal of my presidency."

"This is personal for me. The middle class is where I come from," she said.

The line channeled the rhetoric of President Joe Biden, who made history in late July when he withdrew his reelection bid and endorsed Harris as his replacement.

But Harris' speech also gave her an opportunity to uncouple herself from the 81-year-old incumbent, who has been dogged by low approval ratings, and pitch a "new way forward."

"With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move