America ready for a new chapter, Barack Obama tells DNC after Kamala Harris nomination

Former US president threw his support behind the Vice President after she announced her campaign at the end of July

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Former US president Barack Obama on Tuesday evening said America was “ready for a new chapter”, in his address to the Democratic National Convention, after Kamala Harris was officially nominated as the party's presidential candidate.

“America is ready for a new chapter, America is ready for another story,” he said. “We are ready for a President Kamala Harris.”

Mr Obama first threw his support behind Ms Harris after she announced her campaign at the end of July, following President Joe Biden's decision to end his re-election effort.

“The torch has been passed,” he said, quoting president John F Kennedy and referring to Mr Biden's decision to step aside. “Now, it is up to all of us to fight for the America we believe in – and make no mistake – it will be a fight.

Mr Obama said, to raucous applause: “Yes, she can,” paraphrasing a slogan from his own presidential campaign.

Tyra Virden and her daughter Brooklyn were in the audience to hear Mr Obama's speech.

"We came to the convention in 2016 in Philadelphia - that's where we're from," she told The National, referring to the year Hillary Clinton was running against Donald Trump. "And it was important for me to bring her here today, just to witness history."

After a ceremonial roll call vote, attended by thousands in Chicago and broadcast on live television, Ms Harris and her running mate Tim Walz formally became the Democratic candidates.

“We are so honoured to be your nominees,” she said from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she was campaigning. “This is a people powered campaign, and together, we will turn a new way forward.

She added, to loud applause: “I'll see you in two days, Chicago!”

Ms Harris is scheduled to address the DNC on Thursday night.

Former first lady Michelle Obama spoke before her husband on the second of the four-day political event.

“She is one of the most qualified people ever to seek the office of the presidency,” Ms Obama said of Ms Harris. “She is also one of the most dignified.”

Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris, second from left, and her running mate Tim Walz, second from right, with their spouses, Doug Emhoff and Gwen Walz, in Chicago. AP

Ms Harris addresses delegates at the Democratic National Convention, where she accepted the party's presidential nomination. AP

Former Republican politician Adam Kinzinger gives a speech at the event, held in the United Centre. AFP

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper takes to the stage during the convention, where Democrats appeared re-energised by Ms Harris's campaign. Getty Images

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was among the speakers at the convention. Getty Images

American actress Eva Longoria addresses delegates on the fourth and final day of the convention, where the party officially nominated Ms Harris. AFP

Mr Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, speaks during the third night of the DNC. EPA

Former US president Bill Clinton speaks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention, in Chicago. AFP

Musicians Sheila E, left, and John Legend perform at the DNC. Bloomberg

US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg takes the stage. Bloomberg

Senator Amy Klobuchar speaks on Day 3. Reuters

Oprah Winfrey takes the stage. Getty Images

Democrat delegates have been covering their mouths in a show of support for Gaza. AFP

National Youth Poet laureate Amanda Gorman speaks on stage during the third day of the DNC. AFP

Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro speaks. AFP

Jon Polin comforts his wife Rachel Goldberg as she speaks about their son Hersh Goldberg Polin, who is being held hostage by Hamas. AFP

Delegates cheer during the DNC. AFP

Actress Mindy Kaling speaks at the DNC. Reuters

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives to deliver remarks. EPA

Musician Stevie Wonder appears during the DNC. Bloomberg

Gabby Giffords, former US representative from Arizona, and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona appear at the DNC. Bloomberg

Former president Barack Obama speaks on the second night of the DNC. AP

US Senator Bernie Sanders speaks on the second day of the DNC. AFP

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer arrives to speak at the DNC. AFP

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff walks on stage after being introduced by his son, Cole Emhoff. AFP

Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks during the DNC. AP

Delegates from Minnesota, joined by Senator Tina Smith, left, and Senator Amy Klobuchar, right, cast their vote during a ceremonial roll call. Bloomberg

A delegate turns their back in protest during a ceremonial roll call vote during the DNC. Bloomberg

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden stand on stage with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. AP

US President Joe Biden wipes away a tear after being introduced by his daughter Ashley, during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. Reuters

Ms Obama, who is from Chicago, is highly popular among Democrats. During the 2016 election, when Mr Trump would use insults against his critics, she called on Democrats to go “high” when responding.

“Let us keep moving our country forward and go higher, yes, always higher than we have gone before,” she said.

Earlier, Doug Emhoff Ms Harris's husband, recalled how he met her. He also credited her for encouraging him to lead White House efforts to curb anti-Semitism in the US.

“Kamala has fought against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate her whole career,” Mr Emhoff said to applause. “She’s the one who encouraged me as 'second gentleman' to take up that fight, which is so personal to me.”

The convention caps a series of events where Mr Biden abruptly ended his campaign for reelection and nominated Ms Harris.

The President addressed the convention on Monday night, in front of a newly energised party base, highlighting his legacy and beginning his exit from politics after more than half a century in elected office.

Mr Obama, the nation's first black president, was in office for two terms, from 2009-2017. Mr Biden served as his vice president.

He praised his former running mate for being “selfless enough to do the rarest thing there is in politics: putting his own ambition aside for the sake of the country.”

“I am proud to call him my president, but I am even prouder to call him my friend,” Mr Obama said.

Mr Biden did not attend Mr Obama's speech, as he was on holiday in California.

Mr Biden, 81, came under intense fire after a poor debate performance against Mr Trump in late June prompted concerns among his party that might not be able to win the November vote.

Since Ms Harris, 59, began her campaign, polls have shown she has wide support in the Democratic Party, including among progressive and younger voters, in addition to voters of colour.

Still, Ms Harris is expected to head for a tight race with her Republican rival, Mr Trump.

If elected, Ms Harris, who is of black and South Asian decent, would be the nation's first female president.

Ellie Sennett contributed to this report