CHICAGO – Vice President Kamala Harris touted her foreign policy record and support for veterans during her Democratic National Convention (DNC) acceptance speech, though she omitted the 13 U.S. service members who died during the White House's botched withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
“I will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend our forces and our interests against Iran and Iranian-backed terrorists. And I will not go toe-to-toe with tyrants and dictators like Kim Jong Un, who support Trump, because they know he is easy to manipulate with flattery and favors. They know Trump will not hold autocrats accountable, because he wants to be an autocrat,” Harris said from the stage of the DNC in Chicago on Thursday night.
“As President, I will never waver in defending America's security and ideals, because in the ongoing struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and where the United States of America belongs.”
Harris also praised her foreign policy record as vice president, including her handling of the years-long war in Russia.
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Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage on day four of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on August 22, 2024. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid)
“Five days before Russia attacked Ukraine, I met with President Zelensky to warn him about Russia's invasion plan. I helped mobilize a global response – more than 50 countries – to defend against Putin's aggression. And as president, I will stand firmly with Ukraine and our NATO allies,” she added.
Harris touts her record on foreign affairs years after the Biden administration's botched withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members defending Kabul airport during the operation, while hundreds of Americans and tens of thousands of Afghan allies were left behind in the country under Taliban rule. Critics including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said the withdrawal paved the way for adversaries like Russia to invade Ukraine.
The Taliban claimed control of Afghanistan after the withdrawal.
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At last month's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, families of those killed during the retreat took the stage for 20 minutes in an emotional remembrance of the service members.
A US Marine holds a baby over a barbed wire fence during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on August 19, 2021. (Courtesy of Omar Haidiri/AFP via Getty Images)
“Look at our faces. Look at our pain and our anguish. And look at our anger. [The Afghanistan withdrawal] “It wasn't an extraordinary success,” said Cheryl Juels, aunt of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee. “Joe Biden owes a debt of gratitude and an apology to the men and women who served in Afghanistan.”
Harris previously confirmed she was the “last person in the room” with Biden before he made the decision to withdraw and also told reporters she was “comfortable” with the operation that ultimately turned deadly and chaotic.
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Taliban fighters celebrate the third anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S.-led troops from Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Siddiqullah Alizai)
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Harris continued to praise veterans and military personnel during her speech at the Democratic National Convention, making no mention of the withdrawal from Afghanistan or those who lost their lives.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on day four of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on August 22, 2024. (Reuters/Kevin Wurm)
“I stood up for veterans and students who are being ripped off by big for-profit universities, for workers who are being cheated and robbed of their wages, their rightful wages by seniors who are facing abuse,” he said.
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Harris rose to the top of the Democratic ticket last month when Biden dropped out of the race amid growing concerns about her mental acuity and age. Harris accepted the nomination this week, pledging that she would serve all Americans, regardless of political party, if elected to the Oval Office.
Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage on day four of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on August 22, 2024. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid)
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“Throughout my career, I've had only one client: the people. And so, on behalf of the people, on behalf of all Americans, no matter what party, race, gender, or what language your grandmother spoke. On behalf of my mother and everyone else who has ever embarked on their own improbable journey. On behalf of Americans like the people I grew up with. People who work hard, who pursue their dreams, and who take care of each other. On behalf of all those whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth,” he said.
“I accept your nomination for President of the United States of America.”
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