Hillary Clinton has pointed out the groundbreaking potential of Kamala Harris becoming the first female president, drawing attention to the symbolic glass ceiling that Clinton herself aimed to shatter during her 2016 presidential bid.
At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Clinton reflected on her historic campaign, stating, “Together, we made significant progress in breaking through the toughest barriers. Beyond that barrier stands Kamala Harris, ready to take the oath as the 47th president of the United States.”
Clinton, who made history as the first woman to secure a major-party presidential nomination, emphasized the Democrats’ role in reshaping America’s narrative by highlighting the legacy of women in politics.
She paid tribute to trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm, the first woman to seek the Democratic presidential nomination, and Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman nominated for vice president, underscoring the ongoing evolution of women’s roles in high-ranking positions.
Harris, who got the official nod earlier this month, is breaking barriers as the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major political party’s ticket.
During her talk on Monday, Clinton drew parallels between her own journey to nomination and Harris’.
She also touched on the surge of political engagement among women following her 2016 loss to Donald Trump. Despite winning the popular vote, Clinton faced defeat in the Electoral College.
“About 66 million Americans voted for a future without limits on our aspirations, and afterward, we didn’t give up on America,” Clinton remarked. “Many marched, many ran for office. We stayed focused on what lies ahead. And now, my pals, the future is happening.”
The ex-first lady, mentioned that Harris “will battle to cut costs for hardworking families, create more good-paying jobs, and she’s all in for restoring abortion rights nationwide.”
Clinton also threw shade at Trump, bringing up his legal troubles. She pointed out that Trump “dozed off during his own trial, and when he woke up, he made a unique mark – the first to run for president with 34 felony convictions.”
At one point, the crowd started chanting “Lock him up,” in a memorable – and quite ironic – moment. Back in 2016, Trump’s rallies were full of chants like “Lock her up” aimed at Clinton, who faced an FBI investigation regarding her email server use as secretary of state under Obama. However, no charges were brought against her.
Clinton, who faced attacks from Trump for her laugh in the 2016 race, hit back at Trump for mocking Harris’ laugh and name.
“We gotta stand up for Kamala like she’s gonna stand up for us. ‘Cause you know what? It still takes a village to raise a family, mend a country, and clinch a victory,” she remarked.
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