In 2024, Americans face a distinct choice between "for the people" and "me, myself, and I," according to former President Bill Clinton. He voiced his support for Kamala Harris in the presidential race, describing her as the "president of joy."
At the National Democratic Convention on Wednesday, Clinton highlighted Harris's personal journey and its significance for the nation. He emphasized that Harris's candidacy embodies the America they all envision, noting her Indian and African heritage.
Clinton outlined a stark contrast between Harris and Donald Trump for the upcoming November election. "In 2024, we gotta pretty clear choice, it seems to me," Clinton remarked. "Kamala Harris, for the people, and the other guy, who has proved even more than the first go-around that he’s about me, myself and I." He added, “Kamala Harris will work to solve our problems, seize our opportunities, ease our fears, and make sure every single American, however they vote, has a chance to chase their dreams."
Hillary Clinton, Bill’s wife, lost the 2016 election to Trump, who is now the Republican presidential nominee. Bill Clinton expressed a desire for an America that is more joyful, inclusive, and future-oriented. "Where we weather the storms and earn the benefits together. That's the America Kamala Harris will lead. She's already made her first presidential decision, picking a running mate,” he said.
Bill Clinton drew a parallel to his famous "place called Hope" line from the 1992 Democratic convention, urging Americans to elect Harris, whom he called the “president of joy.” Reflecting on his 1992 convention speech, Clinton stated, “From a man who once had the honour to be called in this Convention, a man from Hope, we need Kamala Harris - the president of joy - to lead us.”
He praised Harris as the only candidate in the race with the vision, experience, temperament, and joy to succeed. Clinton criticized Trump for his self-centered rhetoric, saying, “So, the next time you hear him, don’t count the lies, count the ‘I’s.” He also condemned Trump’s “vendettas, his vengeance, his complaints, his conspiracies,” likening Trump to a tenor excessively focusing on himself. “When Kamala Harris is president, every day will begin with you, you, you, you,” Clinton asserted.
Clinton also took a light-hearted jab at Trump’s age, saying, “Two days ago, I turned 78, the oldest man in my family for four generations. And the only personal vanity I want to assert is I’m still younger than Donald Trump.” Clinton, who is only a few months younger than Trump, highlighted that if Trump wins in November, he would become the oldest president at his swearing-in.
Clinton praised Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, for their extraordinary, all-American life stories that "could only happen here." He described them as leaders with extensive experience and dedication. “A presidential election is a job interview for the greatest job in the world,” he noted.
Clinton reminisced about Harris's early days, saying, “When she was a student, she worked at McDonald's. She greeted every person with that thousand-watt smile and said, 'How can I help you?' And now, at the pinnacle of power, she's still asking 'How can I help you?' I'll be so happy when she actually enters the White House because, at last, she'll break my record as the president who has spent the most time at McDonald's.”
He praised Harris for her advocacy for marginalized children, her fight against cross-border gangs, and her efforts to protect homeowners' rights. “She's been our leader in the fight for reproductive freedom, and advanced America's interests and values all over the world,” Clinton said.
“She'll work to make sure that no American working full-time has to live in poverty and that homeownership is an achievable dream, not a privilege. She will protect your right to vote, including your right to vote for someone else,” he concluded.
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