TRANSCRIPT
The 2024 Democratic National Convention began with President Joe Biden handing the torch to his vice president, who's been named as the party's candidate in the upcoming election.
The 81-year-old leader, who announced he was stepping down last month, says he's confident Kamala Harris will lead the country to a better future.
"She's tough, she's experienced and she has enormous integrity. She'll be a president respected by world leaders because she already is. She'll be a president we can all be proud of and she will be a historic president that will put her stamp on America's future."
Kamala Harris was campaigning in Milwaukee with her running mate Tim Walz.
She managed to make an appearance at the convention ahead of schedule, pledging to defeat Mr Trump.
"Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you. Let us fight for the ideals we hold dear, and let us always remember - when we fight, we win."
Meanwhile more than a dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the city were arrested near the Israeli consulate.
Recent polls reveal most Americans disapprove of Israel's attacks on Gaza, which Palestinian authorities say have killed over 40,000 Palestinians so far.
Independent senator Bernie Sanders used the DNC platform to call on the Biden administration to help end Israel's devastating assault on Gaza immediately.
"We must end this horrific war in Gaza, bring home the hostages and demand an immediate ceasefire.”
Protesters outside the building also questioned the administration's support for Israel.
They are calling on Kamala Harris to end U-S support for Israel or risk losing part of her support base.
71-year-old anti-war activist Medea Benjamin says she appreciates Ms Harris' rhetorical shift on the issue but wants to see real action.
"Kamala Harris has expressed her sympathies for the Palestinian people and what they're going through, but nice words is not enough. We want action. And that's why we're here, saying that she should call for an arms embargo. She should show us that her policy is not going to be the same one as Joe Biden’s."
Former US President Barack Obama returned to the national stage in his home town, praising his former vice president.
"History will remember Joe Biden as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger, and I am proud to call him my president and even more proud to call him my friend."
He also championed longtime Democratic ally Kamala Harris saying she represents a more hopeful and forward-looking America.
"If we work like we've never worked before, if we hold firm to our convictions, we will elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States. We will elect leaders up and down the ballot who will fight for the hopeful, forward-looking America we all believe in and together we too will build a country that is more secure and more just, more equal and more free. So, let's get to work."
Former First Lady Michelle Obama says Kamala Harris is one of the most qualified people ever to seek the office of the presidency.
She warned attendees of what Harris is up against, reminding them of her own White House experience.
"For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us. See, his limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working and highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black."
Voting in the United States is not compulsory as it is in Australia.
A study by the Pew Research Center, an independent analysis centre in the US, revealed tens of millions of registered voters did not cast a ballot in the 2016 presidential election, which resulted in Donald Trump's win.
Michelle Obama is calling for Americans to stand up and exercise their democratic right in the upcoming elections.
On the 10th of September, Kamala Harris will have her first televised debate with Republican rival Donald Trump.
