Harris, who has made history by becoming the first Black and Asian American woman to become a major party’s presidential candidate, made the pledge in a powerful address, laying out some of the policies she would implement if she were to win November’s presidential elections.
In words that will distance herself from former President Donald Trump, who is running for a second term as president as the Republican candidate, Harris said: “As president, I will stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies. Trump, on the other hand, threatened to abandon NATO. He encouraged Putin to invade our allies. Said Russia could ‘do whatever the hell they want.’
During his presidency, Trump faced numerous accusations that he was too close to Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, and that he had had a soft spot for authoritarian leaders.
She also accused Trump of wanting to be a dictator and failing to hold autocratic leaders to account.
“I will not cozy up to tyrants and dictators, like Kim Jong Un, who are rooting for Trump,” Harris said, referring to North Korea’s leader.
“They know Trump won’t hold autocrats accountable because he wants to be an autocrat himself,” she added.
Harris also added that her presidency would ensure that the U.S., not China, wins the “competition for the 21st century.”
“I will make sure that we lead the world into the future on space and Artificial Intelligence, and that America—not China—wins the competition for the 21st century. And that we strengthen—not abdicate—our global leadership,” she said.
Israel-Gaza conflict
Turning to the Middle East, Harris urged an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, saying she supported Israel’s right to defend itself as well as the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
“President Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.”
She added: “What has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost; desperate hungry people fleeing for safety over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking.”
Harris entered the 2024 presidential contest following President Joe Biden’s
withdrawal from the campaign in July after his weak debate performance against Trump.
