CHICAGO : Kamala Harris, accepting the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday, pledged to ensure that America, not China, wins the “competition for the 21st century” and promised not to “abdicate” U.S. global leadership.

In her address at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Harris emphasized her commitment to creating an “opportunity economy” where everyone has a chance to compete and succeed.

“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,” Harris stated.

Harris outlined her plans to address various domestic issues, including job creation, economic growth, and the cost of everyday needs. “Whether you live in a rural area, small town, or big city, as President, I will bring together: Labor and workers, Small business owners and entrepreneurs, And American companies, to create jobs. Grow our economy. And lower the cost of everyday needs. Like health care. Housing. And groceries,” she said.

The vice president also promised to provide access to capital for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and founders. “We will end America’s housing shortage and protect Social Security and Medicare,” she added.  In contrast, Harris criticized former President Donald Trump, her Republican rival in the upcoming November 5 election.

She accused Trump of prioritizing his own interests and those of his billionaire friends over the middle class. “Instead, he fights for himself and his billionaire friends. He will give them another round of tax breaks, that will add five trillion dollars to the national debt,” Harris said.

She also criticized Trump’s proposed “Trump tax” as a measure that would raise prices on middle-class families by almost $4,000 a year. Harris pledged to pass a middle-class tax cut benefiting more than 100 million Americans.

Harris highlighted the issue of reproductive rights, criticizing Trump for appointing Supreme Court members who, according to her, have taken away reproductive freedoms. “But tonight, too many women in America are not able to make those decisions. Let’s be clear about how we got here.

Donald Trump hand-picked members of the United States Supreme Court to take away reproductive freedom. And now he brags about it,” she said.

She shared stories from women across the country who have been adversely affected by recent changes in reproductive health laws. “Women have told me their stories. Husbands and fathers have shared theirs. Stories of: Women miscarrying in a parking lot… Getting sepsis… Losing the ability to ever have children again… All—because doctors are afraid of going to jail for caring for their patients,” Harris noted.

Harris also addressed other freedoms she believes are at stake in the election, including the freedom to live safe from gun violence, the freedom to love openly and with pride, and the freedom to live in a clean environment. “The freedom that unlocks all the others. The freedom to vote,” she said.

Additionally, Harris called for reforming the immigration system, proposing an earned pathway to citizenship while also securing the border. “America, we must also be steadfast in advancing our security and our values abroad,” she concluded.