DNC all set to script history; Indian-origin Senator Harris to break another glass ceiling

The Democratic National Convention that begins on Monday is all set to script history by nominating Senator Kamala Harris as the first-ever Black as well as the first-ever American of Indian and African descent as a vice presidential candidate by a major political party.

With the nomination, 55-year-old Harris, who has many firsts to a trailblazing career starting with an attorney from California, would break another glass ceiling in US politics. Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Harris was also the district attorney for San Francisco -- the first woman and first African-American and Indian-origin to be elected to the position. She is one of only three Asian Americans in the Senate and she is the first Indian-American ever to serve in the chamber.

She would have several firsts in her role as vice president also: the first woman, the first African-American woman, the first Indian-American and the first Asian-American. Last week, former US vice president Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris as his running mate. Biden would be formally nominated by the Democratic Party as its presidential candidate at its once-in-four-year convention on August 20. The four-day Democratic National Convention (DNC) begins on August 17. Harris would deliver her acceptance speech on August 19.

The convention, which was initially scheduled to be held in Wisconsin is now being held almost virtually with neither Biden nor Harris being present at the original convention venue, so would be a majority of the delegates due to the social distancing measures under implementation because of the raging coronavirus pandemic. The party has lined up its top leaders to address the delegates and hundreds and thousands of party supporters across the country, albeit virtually, during the four nights.

Prominent among them include former president Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, former president Bill Clinton and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

According to the DNC leaders, the final night of the convention would have speakers giving an insight into Biden’s leadership and character. "Biden will speak about his vision for uniting America to move us forward out of constant chaos and crisis, and for delivering on that promise for all," it said.

"America is not going back to where it was before Donald Trump’s mismanagement of the pandemic and subsequent economic crisis, because for too many people, that wasn’t good enough. As he leads us out of crisis, Joe Biden will help build back better," the convention said in a statement.

"He will have a historic partner in these efforts: the first female vice president. On Wednesday, you will hear from the Vice-Presidential nominee and many others who are committed to working alongside Joe Biden to achieve his goals to form a more perfect union," it said.

According to Joe Solmonese, CEO of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, amidst all of the chaos and crises the US is facing, Democrats are focused on finding new and innovative ways to engage more Americans than ever before to mobilise the nation to defeat Trump in November 3 polls. On each of the four days, the convention would begin and conclude with a prayer by different faith leaders. The list released on Sunday did not include any representation from Hindus and Sikhs religious groups.

In addition to political speeches and prayers, the convention will also feature musical performances from some of the most popular artists in the nation. Prominent among those are Leon Bridges, The Chicks, Common, Billie Eilish, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Billy Porter, Maggie Rogers, Prince Royce and Stephen Stills.

"It will truly be a convention across America, and these incredible artists will help us tell the story of where we are as a country today under Donald Trump’s failed leadership, and the promise of what we can and should be with Joe Biden as president," said Stephanie Cutter, 2020 DNC Programme Executive.  

(Image Credits: AP)