He was the highest-ranking -- [applause] -- he was the highest-ranking enlisted man to ever serve in the United States Congress -- [applause] -- and the top Democrat on the Veterans Committee. [Applause] And he was known as one of Capitol Hill's best marksmen -- [laughter] -- winning a bipartisan sharpshooting contest year after year. [Applause]


And we're not going back because we know what that would look like. And, again, understand: Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act and take us back to a time when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions.


And again, make sure they know that they're not alone, that we're all in this together, that we're all in this together. So, to everyone on this call, I'll say, listen, it's going to be hard work. We are the underdog. It's going to be hard work. And we like hard work, and hard work is good work. So, let's get to it, and let's energize and organize and mobilize and fight for freedom and for the future of our nation.


My dear friend, Senator Tammy Baldwin. [Applause] And, you know, I had the privilege of serving with Tammy when I was in the United States Senate, and she is always fighting for the people of this state. And I know that the folks that are here are going to make sure you return her to Washington, D.C., in November. [Applause] Yes, we are going to elect her back to Washington, D.C.


It's why he got into public service. It's why he helped reauthorize the voting rights act and restore unemployment discrimination and employment discrimination laws. And today, he takes his place in the ongoing story of America's march toward equality and justice as only -- as the only, as the only who has served alongside the first black president and has chosen the first Black woman as his running mate.


And in those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds — [laughter] — predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So, hear me when I say: I know Donald Trump's type. [Applause] [Laughs]


Just look at how we are running our campaigns. So, Donald Trump is relying on support from billionaires and big corporations, and he is trading access in exchange for campaign contributions.


Because here is the thing. Here is the thing. Here is the thing. We believe in our country, we believe in its promise of freedom, and the American people believe in the promise of freedom. So, we are in the fight.


So, AFT -- [Audience member calls out ""Bring it on""]


And we will take on Big Pharma to cap prescription drug costs for all Americans. [Applause]


And then, as pres- -- as vice president, it was my honor -- with the president -- [applause] -- with the president, it was my honor -- it was my honor with the -- with our president, Joe Biden, to stand beside Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as our president signed her bill into law.


He won't win. You're right. [Applause] He won't win. [Audience chants ""He won't win""]


As a champion for women's rights, she helped reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.


So, Project 2025 is a plan to return America to a dark past. Donald Trump and his extreme allies want to take our nation back to failed trickle-down economic policies -- [Audience boos]


-- and even, quote, terminate the United States Constitution. [Audience boos]


It's why countless businesses have had to shut their doors for good. It's why there is complete chaos over when and how to reopen our schools. Mothers and fathers are confused and uncertain and angry about child care and the safety of their kids at school, whether they'll be in danger if they go, or fall behind if they don't.


He's known by many titles. To his wife Gwen, he is husband. To his kids, Hope and Gus, he is Dad. To the people of Southern Minnesota for 12 years, he was Congressman. To his former high school students, he was Mr. Walz. [Applause] And to his former high school football players, he was Coach. [Applause; Audience chants ""Coach""]


And to the Members of the Lee family, President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, the members of Congress, and the elected officials, and all our distinguished guests, it is an honor -- a true honor -- true honor -- to be with you this afternoon to remember and to celebrate the extraordinary life of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. [Applause; Audience members call out, inaudibly]


So, America, for some folks, they're just getting to know Coach Walz's story. And I'll tell you, he is the proud product of a middle-class family in rural Nebraska. [Applause] He is a veteran who served our nation in uniform for more than two decades -- [applause] -- as a member of the Army National Guard, and he went to college on the G.I. Bill. [Applause]


And you, I'm sure, have seen their agenda: Project 2025. [Audience boos]


Many of you may know, before I was elected vice president of the United States, I was a United States senator. And before then, I was elected attorney general of California. And before that, district attorney of San Francisco. And before that, I was a courtroom prosecutor.


So, all this is to say: Strengthening our economy and building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency. [Applause] Because, you see, Coach Walz and I know when America's middle class is strong, America is strong. And as we work to move our nation forward, Donald Trump intends to take our nation backward. [Audience boos]


And to this room of leaders, I say: Bring it on. [Applause] Bring it on, those who would dare to attack these fundamental freedoms.


So, Arizona, hear me when I say: I know Donald Trump's type. [Applause] I do. In fact, I've been dealing with people like him my entire career.


Randi, can you believe they put that thing in writing? [Laughter] Nine hundred pages in writing.


And, Michigan, we -- we here fight for the future. [Applause] We fight for the future. We fight for a future where every worker has the freedom to join a union -- [applause]; where every senior can retire with dignity -- [applause]; a future with affordable housing, affordable childcare, affordable health care, and paid leave -- [applause]; a future where we build a broad-based economy where every American has an opportunity to own a home, to start a business, and to build wealth. [Applause]


And so, now I'm getting back to you, Joe. I will tell you all, it has been one of the greatest honors of my life, truly, to serve as vice president to our president, Joe Biden. Joe's legacy of accomplishment just over -- a lifetime but just over the last three and a half years is unmatched in modern history. In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who served two terms in office.


And understand, in this fight, we are joyful warriors -- [applause] -- because while fighting for a brighter future may take hard work, we all here know hard work is good work. [Applause] Hard work is good work.


Now, there were times, I will admit, if I saw her walking down the hall -- [laughter] -- I would almost want to hide. [Laughs] Because I knew whatever else may be on my mind, Sheila Jackson Lee would require a very serious and specific conversation with you about what she had on her mind. [Laughter] And then, she would tell you exactly what she needed you to do to help her get it done. [Laughter]


-- which, of course, would take away preschool from hundreds of thousands of our children.


When it came to her constituents, there was no task too big or too small for the congresswoman. If it needed to be done, she made sure it was done and done right.


And as you all just heard, Tim has a great record as governor of the great state of Minnesota. And to those who know him best, Tim goes by a few more titles besides governor.


So, Project 2025 -- look, if he is elected, Donald Trump intends to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations. He intends to cut Social Security and Medicare. He intends to surrender our fight against the climate crisis. And he intends to end the Affordable Care Act.


And on top of all of this, if Donald Trump wins in November, he intends -- he intends to end the Affordable Care Act -- [Audience boos]


And to honor her memory, let us continue to fight to realize the promise of America -- a promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice, not just for some but for all. [Applause]


And now more than 20 states in our country have a Trump abortion ban, many with no exceptions even for rape and incest. [Audience boos]


And again, then, in this moment, our nation, as it always has, is counting on you to energize, to organize, and to mobilize; to register folks to vote, to get them to the polls; and to continue to fight for the future our nation and her people deserve.


So, Arizona, it all comes down to this. We are here because we love our country. [Applause] We love our country. [Audience chants ""USA""]


Sure. Well, you know, I've heard this a number of times, and I'll say this. The people who've worked with me over my career when I was a line prosecutor in Alameda County or district attorney of San Francisco or attorney general of California, one of the things that I know that they say about me is fearless, yes.


Across our nation, we have been witnessing a full-on assault against hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights: the freedom to vote; the freedom to be safe from gun violence; the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water -- [applause]; the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride -- [applause]; and the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government telling her what to do. [Applause]


So, she ran this nursery school, we lived in the apartment on top, and she was a matriarch for the community. And we would work at the nursery school as young -- young people. And I would watch Ms. Shelton as she would nurture and advise a young mother. I would watch her as she would counsel young parents on how to get through when times were rough.


-- have helped realize that promise. Generation after generation, the members of this sorority have shown that greater service brings greater progress. [Applause] I know.


[Laughter] I knew you were still there. You're not going anywhere, Joe.


America has tried these economic policies before. They do not lead to prosperity. They lead to inequity and economic injustice, and we are not going back. We are not going back. [Applause] They're not taking us back.


Remember that he even called for th,e quote, ""termination"" of the Constitution of the United States. [Audience boos]


You know, the -- the -- an important part of every movement is our artists. And so, I -- I'm very honored to be with you all today. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause]


We'll protect a woman's right to make her own decisions about her own body, root out systemic racism in our justice system, and pass a new voting rights acts, a John Lewis Voting Rights Act, that will ensure every voice is heard and every voice is counted. The civil rights struggle is nothing new to Joe.


And so, with Tim Walz by my side and with all of you at our side -- [applause] -- let us fight for the promise of our future. [Applause]


It is this team here that is going to help in this November to elect a majority of members of the United States Congress who agree the government should not be telling a woman what to do with her body. [Applause]


And, by the way, don't you find some of their stuff to just be plain weird? [Applause]


Take reproductive freedom. Now think about this: Donald Trump said he wants to punish women. [Audience boos]


So, I will begin by saying a bit -- although I could talk all afternoon -- about our incredible president, Joe Biden. [Applause]


And, you know, there's some perversion that's happened in our country in the last several years where there's a suggestion that somehow strength is about making people feel small, making people feel alone. But isn't that the very opposite of what we know -- unions know to be strength?


So, last night, our president addressed the nation. And he showed, once again, what true leadership looks like. [Applause] He really did. His -- his words were poignant.


And I'm going to tell you, I'm a firsthand witness to all this work. I would sit with Joe in the Oval Office while he would bring members of both sides to -- of the aisle and talk and listen and help them see what they may have in common and how we can actually work towards solutions. And because of their confidence in Joe, these accomplishments occurred.


Good evening, Philadelphia! [Applause] Good evening. [Applause] Good evening, good evening. [Laughs; Applause] Good evening, everyone. Good evening. Good evening.


I cook just about everything. You know, today I picked up some tasso and some andouille sausage to take back to DC with me.


-- it is so good to be with you this evening, and I say that as a proud member of the Divine Nine. And when I look out at everyone here, I see family.


-- Donald Trump spoke at the annual meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, and it was the same old show -- the divisiveness and the disrespect.


And to the members of AFT, I thank you for your service to our nation. [Applause]


So, all of this is to say: Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency. [Applause] Because here's the thing we all here, Wisconsin, know: When our middle class is strong, American is strong. [Applause]


We all remember what that looked like, and we're not going back. [Applause] We're not going back. Our fight is a fight for the future, and it is a fight for freedom. [Applause]


We're reeling from the worst public health crisis in a century. The president's mismanagement of the pandemic has plunged us into the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. And we're experiencing a moral reckoning with racism and systemic injustice that has brought a new coalition of conscience to the streets of our country, demanding change.


That's right. That's right. We love our country. And I do believe it is the highest form of patriotism to fight for the ideals of our country. That's -- that's how we preserve the promise of America.


We believe in a future that keeps America's economy the strongest in the world; a future that promotes both economic growth and economic fairness, where every person has the opportunity to compete, thrive, and prosper -- to build a business, to own a home, and to build generational wealth; where we, in the future, bring down cost for hardworking Americans so they can afford to pay their bills and still have something left over, so they have a chance not just to get by but to get ahead; a future where every worker has the freedom to join a union -- [applause] -- where no child has to grow up in poverty -- [applause] -- and where every senior can retire with dignity -- [applause]; a future with affordable health care, affordable childcare, and paid leave. [Applause]


In the 1920s and '30s, you created college scholarships for young Black women. In the 1960s and '70s, you launched a nationwide program to help folks get a job. In the 1990s, you formed a partnership with St. Jude to fight childhood cancer. And in 2020, you continued your leadership when, during the height of a pandemic, you helped elect Joe Biden president of the United States -- [applause] -- and me as the first woman vice president of the United States. [Applause]


And we in this room are fighting for the future -- [applause] -- a future with affordable health care, affordable childcare, and paid leave. And we fight for a future with equal pay for women, because we know when we lift up the economic status of women, we lift up the economic status of children, of families, and all of society benefits. [Applause]


God bless the dear congresswoman, Sheila Jackson Lee. And God bless the United States of America.


But let's also make no mistake: This campaign is not just about us versus Donald Trump. This campaign is about who we fight for. [Applause] This is about who we fight for.


So, this is a fight to make real the promise of America for every person in our nation. And, also, I'll tell you -- and I promise you, our campaign is going to reach out to everyone -- from red states, from blue states, from the heartland to the coast. We are running a campaign on behalf of all Americans. [Applause] And when elected, we will govern on behalf of all Americans. [Applause]


And thank you to all of today's performers for being such an important part of this afternoon, including the great Yo-Yo Ma -- [applause] -- and the extraordinary Emanuel Ax. [Applause] Thank you all.


Across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on attack on hard-fought, hard-won fundamental freedoms and rights, and we will not stand for it. [Applause] Attacks on the freedom to vote, attacks on the freedom to be safe from gun violence, the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water, the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride -- [applause] -- and the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government tell her what to do. [Applause]


Many, like Arizona, with no exceptions even for rape or incest. [Audience boos]


And so, it is because of Mrs. Wilson and so many teachers like her that I stand before you as vice president of the United States of America -- [applause] -- and that I am running to be president of the United States of America. [Applause]


We who believe in the freedom to live safe from gun violence will finally pass universal background checks, red flag laws, and an assault weapons ban. [Applause]


Oh, thank you all. Thank you so very much. Thank y- -- can we hear it for Brittany, please? [Applause]


Thank you, Joe. As I said, Joe, when you called me, I am incredibly honored by this responsibility, and I'm ready to get to work. I am ready to get to work. After the most competitive primary in history, the country received a resounding message that Joe was the person to lead us forward. And, Joe, I'm so proud to stand with you.


For example, as attorney general of California, I took on one of the country's largest for-profit colleges that scammed students. Well, Donald Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students. You remember that? [Audience boos]


And all of this is to say: Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency. [Applause] Because we here all know, when our middle class is strong, America is strong. [Applause]


We will take on corporate landlords and cap unfair rent increases. [Applause]


So, I'm so proud to have UAW by my side, because you all know how to fight and you know how to win. [Applause]


Let's be clear: This represents an outright attack on our children, our families, and our future.


So, Arizona, I ask, are you ready to make your voices heard? [Applause]


And I do believe our teachers do God's work. They teach other people's children, and God knows we don't pay them enough. Let's thank her. [Applause]


And I'll tell you why we're not going back: because ours is a fight for the future. [Applause] And it is a fight for freedom. [Applause]


Randi, thank you for your friendship -- your long-standing friendship. As we all know, Randi is a force. And she has been an incredible friend and -- and adviser to the president and me. And I want to thank you on behalf of the president and me and our country for all that you are. [Applause]


It's a good afternoon. It's a good afternoon.


And that's how we preserve the promise of America, because, after all, the promise of America is what makes it possible, by the way, for Governor Walz and me to stand on this stage today. Just think about it: two middle-class kids, one a daughter of Oakland, California, who was raised by a working mother -- [applause] -- and had a summer job at McDonald's -- [applause]; the other, a son of the Nebraska plains who grew up working on a farm. [Applause]


And we who believe in reproductive freedom will restore the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not to have her government telling her what to do. [Applause]


Because Coach Walz and I know -- and we're clear about this, unlike the other side -- we work for you. [Applause] We work for you, the American people, and we will always fight for you -- for your family, for your freedoms, and for your future.


done. Now is the time. And the president and I are working around the clock every day to get that ceasefire deal done and bring the hostages home. [Applause]


It's 900-plus pages. I can't believe they put that thing in writing, by the way. [Laughter] But when you look at it, when you read it, you will see Project 2025 is a plan to weaken the middle class. If he is elected, Donald Trump intends to give a tax break to billionaires and big corporations. [Audience boos]


So, it is so good to be back in Michigan. And listen, I am clear: The path to the White House runs right through this state. [Applause] And with your help, we will win in November. We will win. [Applause]


And we are not going back because ours is a fight for the future and it is a fight for freedom. [Applause]


For example, as attorney general of California, I took on one of our country's largest for-profit colleges that scammed students. Well, Donald Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students. [Audience boos]


Well, let me tell you something. When I am president of the United States -- [applause] -- and when Congress passes a law to restore those freedoms, I will sign it into law. [Applause]


And on this subject, I think we all believe and know, one does not have to abandon their faith and deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do with her body. If she chooses, she will talk with her priest or her pastor, her rabbi, her imam, but the government should not be telling her what to do.


When you know what you stand for, you know what to fight for. We know what we stand for. [Applause]


In those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds: predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, scammers who broke the rules for personal gain.


And the next United States senator from the great state of Delaware is here, Lisa Blunt Rochester. [Applause]


So many young people like you who wanted to get an education, but instead were given false promises and no opportunity for employment. So, first of all, we got to hold the for-profit colleges accountable that are engaged in predatory practices. We need free community college. We need to increase Pell Grants, we need to refinance student loan debt.


And that's what's happening in our country right now. You look at the taking of fundamental freedoms and right. In Georgia, passed a law to deny people and make it more difficult to have freedom to access to the ballot, passed a law that makes it illegal to essentially give people food and water for standing in line to vote.


So, as an example, our administration has forgiven student loan debt for nearly 5 million Americans -- [applause] -- and twice as much for our public servants, including our teachers. [Applause]


And, you know, we all -- we share a vision for the future of our nation. Ours is a vision of a future in which we realize the promise of America. And aren't so many of us empirical evidence of the promise of America? A promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice not for some but for all.


In fact, after I announced my candidacy, we saw the best week of grassroots fundraising in presidential campaign history. [Applause] And if you go to KamalaHarris.com, you can help us build on that success. [Applause]


What we need around transportation and water.


We will ban more of those hidden fees and surprise late charges that banks and other companies use to pad their profits. [Applause]


You know, a few days before she passed, I called her. And I expressed my sincere and deep gratitude for all she had done. And I told her she had such an impact on me and my life.


These extremists want to take us back. But we are not going back. We are not going back. [Applause]


And here's the beauty of our democracy: We each have the power to answer that question. We each have the power to answer that question. [Applause] The power is with the people. [Applause]


I know the work that I have done with immigrants in the state of California on this issue, be it getting legal assistance for unaccompanied minors or directing local law enforcement, that they should make decisions in the best interest of security for their community and that does not require them to comply with ICE detainers.


Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear, and hate?


On Monday, I officially became the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. [Applause]


What I know firsthand is that our teachers and all those who are here, all the members of AFT -- I know that, by nature, you are visionaries. You are focused on the future. The work you do is about a focus on the future. You see the potential in every child. You foster it. You encourage it. And in so doing, you shape the future of our nation, which is why I say: We need you so desperately right now.


So, Project 2025 is a plan that would return America to a very dark past -- and weaken the middle class, by the way.


During the course of a long season, sports teams become a family. You rely on each other. You develop relationships that will last a lifetime. And you make the people around you better in every way. And when you play, you inspire people across our nation. You remind all of us what can be achieved with hard work and ambition.


There are many ways. But in 122 days, it's your vote. I mean, here's the thing about elections. And this is maybe the inside deal that my -- my former colleagues at the Congressional Black Caucus can tell you. The people who make decisions at that level often will pay attention to either who's writing the checks or who votes.


And we, who believe in reproductive freedom, will stop Donald Trump's extreme abortion bans -- [applause] -- because we trust women to make decisions about their own bodies and not have their government telling them what to do. [Applause]


And America has tried these failed policies before. And we are not going back. We are not going back. [Applause]


Like, we know we got to take this seriously. And can you believe they put that thing in writing? [Laughter] Read it. It's 900 pages.


Oh, it is good to be in the house of labor. It is good to be in the house of labor. [Applause]


So, Wisconsin, ultimately, in this election, we each face a question: What kind of country do we want to live in?


And with your support, I am fighting for our nation's future.


And to everyone here, it is so good to be with you.


And what we know -- like we have talked about, we got 89 days to get this done. You know, the one thing about all of us is we like hard work. Hard work is good work. Hard work is good work.


If he is elected, Donald Trump intends to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations. [Audience boos]


He is someone who, long before he entered politics, worked as a teacher. [Applause] When Coach Walz and his wife, Gwen, moved from his native Nebraska to Minnesota nearly 30 years ago, they both took jobs at the local high school. [Applause] Coach Walz taught social studies; Gwen taught English. [Applause]


And isn't that what we're talking about in this here election? We're saying we just want fairness. We want dignity for all people. We want to recognize the right all people have to freedom and liberty, to make choices -- especially those that are about heart and home -- and not have their government telling them what to do. [Applause]


Our campaign is about building coalition. Our campaign is about everyone from every walk of life, every age coming together to understand we all have so much more in common than what separates us and that we are collectively, because of our love of our country, prepared to fight for the best of who we are.


And we who believe in reproductive freedom will fight for a woman's right to choose, because one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do. [Applause]


As a fighter for LGBTQ rights, her support helped repeal ""Don't Ask, Don't Tell.""


And when I am president of the United States and when Congress passes a bill to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade, I will sign it into law. [Applause; Audience chants ""Coach""]


-- that he would weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies -- [Audience boos]


We know medical debt comes about because often -- most often, a medical emergency, which nobody invites upon themselves or plans for. And it can result in tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses that you did not plan for and create debt and then would be used against your credit score. What is your credit?


And, Pennsylvania, we fight for a future with affordable housing, affordable health care, affordable childcare, paid leave. [Applause] We fight for a future where we build a broad-based economy where every American has the opportunity to own a home, to start a business, and to build wealth. [Applause]


And as you just heard -- and the Minnesotans here know -- Tim has an incredible record as governor of the great state of Minnesota. [Applause]


And are we ready to fight for it? [Audience responds affirmatively]


Because the fact is unions helped build America's middle class. [Applause] And when unions are strong, America is strong. [Applause]


It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as vice president to our president, Joe Biden. [Applause]


As head of the White House Labor Task Force, I have led our work to eliminate barriers to organizing in both public and private sectors, including for teachers. But there is more that we must do.


We are not going back. We are not going back. [Applause]


So, I am a child of parents who met when they were active in the Civil Rights Movement, marching and fighting for justice. I grew up in a community where it was an extended family of people who told all of us as children we are young, gifted, and Black; that we could do anything; that there was no boundary or border to what we could pursue or believe; and that we have a duty.


And the members of Congress, including Senator Debbie Stabenow, my dear friend. [Applause]


And I say to AFT: They even want to eliminate the Department of Education -- [Audience boos]


They intend to end the Affordable Care Act — [Audience boos]


And with that, then, I ask: Are you ready to make your voices heard? [Applause]


So, Joe, I'm going to recognize some of the electeds who are here, and then I'm going to get back to you. Hold on a second. [Laughter]


You know, and when you know what you stand for, you know what to fight for.


In fact, when I took office, I challenged every state in our nation on this issue. Because, you see, I said, ""Look, we need to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage from a measly two months to a full year.""


We all here remember what those four years were like. And today, we were given yet another reminder. This afternoon -- [Audience members call out, inaudibly]


Joe Biden is a leader with bold vision. He cares about the future. He thinks about the future. He has extraordinary determination and profound compassion for the people of our country. And I say that because I know that we are all deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation. [Applause]


And the people are who Joe and I will fight for every day in the White House. And let me tell you, somebody who has presented my fair share of arguments in court, the case against Donald Trump and Mike Pence is open and shut. Just look where they've gotten us. More than 16 million out of work; millions of kids who cannot go back to school; a crisis of poverty, of homelessness, afflicting black brown and indigenous people the most; a crisis of hunger, afflicting 1 in 5 mothers who have children that are hungry; and tragically, more than a 165,000 lives that have been cut short, many with loved ones who never got the chance to say goodbye.


Let's get the deal done so we can get a ceasefire to end the war. Let's bring the hostages home. And let's provide much-needed relief to the Palestinian people.


You have to appreciate the responsibility and you can't play politics with that.


Here today, we have 7 undefeated teams, 11 repeat champions, and 20 first-time winners. [Applause] [Inaudible]


Well, Donald — [applause] — I do hope you'll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage — [applause] — because, as the saying goes, if you've got something to say, say it to my face. [Laughs; Applause; Audience chants ""Coach""]


So, Tim -- Tim, we know him by -- we know him by ""Governor,"" but you'll soon get to know his wife, Gwen, to whom -- [Audience members call out, inaudibly]


In fact -- in fact, when you compare his resume -- [laughter] -- shall we? -- to Trump's running mate, well -- well -- well, some might say it's like -- it's like a matchup between the varsity team and the JV squad. [Applause; Laughs]


She has provided years of support and friendship. And she always -- like everyone here knows, she always shows up. And I'm so, so deeply grateful. Thank you.


And after 20 years, she still owed $40,000 in student loans. And we forgave it all. [Applause]


Our fight for the future is also a fight for freedom. Generations of Americans before us have led the fight for freedom, from our founders to our framers, to the abolitionists and the suffragettes, to the Freedom Riders and farmworkers.


And in this campaign, I will proudly -- I will proudly put my record against his. [Applause]


Generations of Americas b- — generations — and we have to remember this: the shoulders on which we stand. Generations of Americans before us led the fight for freedom. And now, Wisconsin, the baton is in our hands. [Applause]


And now, in this moment, our nation needs your leadership once again.


And in 90 days, the nation will know Coach Walz by the title ""vice president of the United States."" [Applause] That's right.


In those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds -- [laughter and applause] -- predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So, hear me when I say: I know Donald Trump's type. [Applause]


And if he wins, we all know he will sign a national abortion ban to outlaw abortion in every state, even in Wisconsin. [Audience responds ""No""]


As attorney general, I held the big Wall Street banks accountable for fraud. Donald Trump was just found guilty of fraud -- 34 counts.


And what I demand of you is that you always walk in those rooms with your chin up and your shoulders back, knowing everybody here is in that room with you expecting that you will carry the voice that is the strength and power of your voice. I will beseech you. Don't you ever hear something can't be done.


And what we know is that Black folks are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. We capped the cost of insulin at $35 month. We have finally allowed Medicare to negotiate drug prices with the big pharmaceutical companies to bring the costs down. So, I say look at what we've done to know that when you voted in record numbers -- people voted in record numbers in 2020.


Do we believe in the promise of America? [Applause]


Our plan will lower costs and save many middle-class families thousands of dollars a year. But Donald Trump has a different plan in mind, one that would raise prices on middle-class families. Just look at his Project 2025 agenda. [Audience boos]


And one of those young leaders had a shirt on that said, ""You are powerful, and your voice matters."" [Applause] Right? From the mouths of babes, they're telling us. They're telling us.


Thank you, thank you. [Applause] Thank you, thank you, thank you. [Audience chants ""Coach""]


So, let's applaud the team here. [Applause]


He -- he thinks and talks about his work and our country, understanding what it means in terms of what we do now and how that will impact the future. He thinks about our history in the context of the importance of the work we do now.


And he intends to end the Affordable Care Act. Now, think about that -- to take us back to a time when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions. Remember what that was like? Children with asthma, women who survived breast cancer, grandparents with diabetes.


And so, over the next 160 days, we are going to take our case to the American people, and we are going to win. [Applause] We are going to win.


And I'll say and I'll add, Tim wasn't only a role model on the football field. Around that same time, Coach Walz was approached by a student in his social studies class. The young man was one of the first openly gay students at the school and was hoping to start a gay-straight alliance. At a time -- [applause] -- at a time when acceptance was difficult to find for LGBTQ students, Tim knew the signal that it would send to have a football coach get involved. [Applause] Right?


Well, first of all, if you're not native American, we're all immigrants, so let's start there. And I would say that immigration reform and the need for comprehensive immigration reform is the front-and-center civil rights issue of our day, and, certainly, California has an outsized stake in the outcome of this issue.


And in that case, if there is fraud, if there is abuse, if there is a violation of the law, we will be prosecuting it.


Right. And it is a 900-page agenda of extremism.


Trump is also the reason millions of Americans are now unemployed. He inherited the longest economic expansion in history, from Barack Obama and Joe Biden. And then, like everything else he inherited, he ran it straight into the ground. Because of Trump's failures of leadership, our economy has taken one of the biggest hits out of all the major industrialized nations with an unemployment rate that has tripled as of today.


And it is so good to be here with your incredible governor, Josh Shapiro. [Applause] And I will say Josh is a dear, dear friend and an extraordinary leader. He and I have been spending a lot of time together over the years. And I told Josh, ""Look, I am so, so invested in our friendship, in doing this together."" Because together, with Josh Shapiro, we will win Pennsylvania. [Applause] We will win Pennsylvania.


We need to look at what we're doing around creating tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas. What we have to do is support small businesses. I fully support the need for tax credits for R&D, for research and development, and what we need to do around tax credits for the folks in the film industry. And we have to do also a number of other things that are about investing in renewable energies and jobs of the 21st century.


Project 2025 -- you know, if you have some time to take a look at it, I'm telling you, it -- it is a plan to weaken the middle class. It is a plan to weaken the middle class.


There are American citizens who remain captive in Gaza: Sagui Dekel-Chen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Edan Alexander, Keith Siegel, Omer Neutra. And the remains of American citizens Judy Weinstein, Gad Haggai, and Itay Chen are still being held in Gaza.


Because we here -- we love our country. We love our country. And I believe it is the highest form of patriotism to fight for the ideals of our country.


I have been proud to fight for defending California's climate laws and in particular fighting for our right and our leadership around protecting our environment and combating climate change. I've been proud to do all that as attorney general. Thank you.


So, Wisconsin, this has been a big week. [Applause] On Monday, I officially became the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. [Applause] And yesterday, I announced my running mate in this campaign, Governor Tim Walz. [Applause]


So, ultimately, in this moment, I know we all know, we each in our country face a question. That question being: What kind of country do we want to live in -- a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law or a country of chaos, fear, and hate?


We who believe in the freedom to vote will pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. [Applause]


We love our country, and I believe it is the highest form of patriotism to fight for the ideals of our country. [Applause] That -- that is how we preserve the promise of America.


Thank you. [Applause] Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Good afternoon, church. [Applause]


For example, as attorney general, I took on one of our country's largest for-profit colleges that was scamming students. Well, Donald Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students.


Hi, every- -- hey, Delaware. [Laughs, audience chants ""Kamala""]


So, Wisconsin, today I ask you: Are you ready to get to work? [Applause]


Where, on one side, you have the former president, who is running to become president again, who has openly talked about his admiration of dictators and his intention to be a dictator on day one, who has openly talked about his intention to weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies, who has talked about being proud of taking from the women of America a most fundamental right to make decisions about your own body.


And understand, in this fight, as Tim Walz likes to point out, we are joyful warriors -- [applause] -- joyful warriors. Because we know that while fighting for a brighter future may be hard work, hard work is good work. Hard work is good work. [Applause]


As attorney general, I held the big Wall Street banks accountable for fraud. [Applause] Well, Donald Trump was just found guilty of fraud -- 34 counts. [Applause]


Understand -- and I -- I say this everywhere I go -- understand: You may not be in a union member, but you should thank unions -- and I'm looking to the cameras in the back of the room -- [laughter] -- not them, but the people who might be watching. You may not be a union member, but thank unions for the five-day workweek -- [applause]; for the eight-hour workday. Thank unions for sick leave and paid family leave and vacation time. [Applause]


I have a client. I'm the lawyer for the state. The California Coastal Commission is an agency of the state and for that reason, a client of my office. I cannot talk about the process that goes through between a client and an attorney, so I cannot talk about that. But let's talk about it from a broader perspective.


Ours is a vision of a future in which we realize the promise of America. And I deeply believe in the promise of America: a promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice not for some but for all.


So, in those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds: predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, scammers who broke the rules for personal gain. So, hear me when I say: I know Donald Trump's type. [Applause; Laughs] I know his type.


He intends to surrender our fight against the climate crisis. [Audience boos]


After school, Tim was the linebackers coach for the football team -- [applause] -- where I've heard the stories about he had a knack for using the game of football to teach life lessons. He saw the potential in kids who sometimes didn't even see it in themselves. [Applause]


We got this. We're going to do this. We are doing this. We are doing this. [Applause]


Last month, the United States Supreme Court basically just told the former president, who has been convicted of fraud, that going forward, he will be immune no matter what he does in the White House. [Audience boos]


And, you know, there's been this, I think, quite perverse thing that has been happening over the last several years, which is that some folks would suggest that the measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you beat down -- you know that -- have you noticed? -- right? -- that somehow you're strong if you're a bully? -- instead of what we all know: The true measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you lift up -- who you lift up. [Applause] That's the strength of a leader.


So, Pennsylvania, ours is a fight for the future of the middle class and it is a fight for freedom. [Applause] In this moment, we are witnessing a full-on attack against hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights. [Applause]


But the bottom line is we have our work cut out for us. Okay? We have our work cut out for us. And this is not going to be easy. But I know something about the folks in this room. We can do hard things. And we like hard work. That's good work.


And when I am president, I will work to actually solve the problem. [Applause]


Through his work, Tim, he -- you know, the way I think about it, he really does shine a light on a brighter future that we can build together. In his state, he has been a model chief executive. And with his experience, I'm telling you, Tim Walz will be ready on day one. [Applause]


So, we who believe in the sacred freedom to vote will finally pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. [Applause]


Well, I'm glad that he's finally agreed to a debate on September 10th. I'm looking forward to it and hope he shows up.


Can we please hear it for Leia and her extraordinary story and leadership? [Applause] Thank you.


To Mayor Andre Dickens, thank you for welcoming me back — [applause] — to Atlanta.


That's right. Oh, it really is good to be back in Wisconsin. [Laughter and applause]


But let's make no mistake, this campaign is not just about us versus Donald Trump. It's about two very different visions for our nation -- two very different visions: one, for us, focused on the future; the other focused on the past.


-- what that was like when -- we're not going back. We're not going back. [Audience responds ""We're not going back""]


All of this is to say that building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency. Because we know -- [applause] -- when America's middle class is strong, America is strong. [Applause]


Thank you all. It's so wonderful to be back with everyone here. Thank you. That means so m- -- so, so much more than I can say.


And as folks in this city can attest, if you were having trouble getting your VA benefits or your Social Security, or if a family member had an issue with their visa, you called the congresswoman, even if you did not live in her district. [Laughter and applause]


We here see a future where we bring down the cost of living for hardworking Americans, which is why we are fighting to ban more of those hidden fees and surprise late charges that banks and other companies use to pad their profits, to take on corporate landlords and cap rent increases, and take on Big Pharma and cap the cost of prescription drugs for all Americans. [Applause]


And let me just tell you about Beau Biden. I learned quickly that Beau was the kind of guy who inspired people to be a better version of themselves. He really was the best of us. And when I would ask him, ""Where did you get that? Where did this come from,"" he'd always talk about his dad. And I will tell you, the love that they shared was incredible to watch.


-- while they refuse to pass commonsense gun safety laws. [Applause]


And we know that's not the future Donald Trump is fighting for. He and his -- [Audience member calls out, inaudibly. Laughter]


So, in this campaign, I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week — [applause] — any day of the week, including, for example, on the issue of immigration.


Today, I also bring greetings from our incredible president, Joe Biden. [Applause; Audience chants ""Joe""]


The majority of Black women in America live in the South. You know that in the South, we have some of the highest rates of Black maternal mortality. In the South, except for the state of Virginia, every state has an abortion ban. And what I find hypocrisy upon hypocrisy by some of these extremists is the same ones saying they're passing these abortion bans because they care about women and children have been completely silent on the issue of Black maternal mortality.


We who are paying attention to the fact that now over 20 states in our country have a Trump abortion ban, many with no exceptions even for rape and incest. And we all know, if he wins, he would sign a national abortion ban to outlaw abortion in every state, and that would include the great state of Michigan. [Applause] But we're not going back. [Audience chants ""We're not going back""]


So, AFT, ours is a fight for the future. And ours is a fight for freedom.


And so, let's remember that. Let's remember our power. Let's remember our voice matters.


The congresswoman was a leader for Houston, and she was a national leader. She was a national leader. She touched the lives of people all over our country.


That's right. [Audience responds ""We're not going back""]


So, listen, let me tell you. I am clear: The path to the White House runs right through this state. [Applause] And with your help, we will win in November. We are going to win. [Applause] We are going to win.


And so, let me just say a few things about my background.


And we love our country. We love our country. And I believe it is the highest form of patriotism to fight for the ideals of our country. [Applause]


He intends to end the Affordable Care Act — [Audience boos]


Think about that. Only in America is it possible for them together to make it all the way, together, to the White House. [Applause] Only in America. Only in America. [Applause]


And last year -- last week, it was my honor -- it feels like last year -- [laughter] -- last week, it was my great honor to accept the endorsement of the United Auto Workers. [Applause; Audience chants ""UAW""]


Because when we organize, mountains move. [Applause] When we mobilize, nations change. And when we vote, we make history. [Applause]


And I thank you, Josh. I thank you. [Applause]


All of this, so two little boys, who had just lost their mom and their sister in a tragic accident, would know that the world was still turning. And that's how I came to know Joe. He's someone whose first response when things get tough is never to think about himself, but to care for everyone else. He's someone who never asks ""Why is this happening to me?"" and instead asks ""What can I do to make life better for you?"" His empathy, his compassion, his sense of duty to care for others is why I am so proud to be on this ticket.


— and take us back, then, to a time when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions.


Oh, it's good to be back. Good afternoon, everybody.


And it is because of our collective vision for the future that we continue to fight for affordable childcare, affordable elder care, and paid family leave. [Applause]


And that is the life I have chosen to live.


And your next United States Senator, Representative Elissa Slotkin. [Applause] We're going to get that done.


We here work for a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by but to get ahead -- to build a business, to own a home, and to build intergenerational wealth.


So, Pennsylvania, ultimately, in this election, we each face a question: What kind of country do we want to live in? A country -- a country of freedom -- [applause] -- compassion, and rule of law or a country of chaos, fear, and hate? [Audience boos]


I've talked to my team. I want us to get an interview scheduled before the end of the month.


You know that's the only loan debt that we don't refinance. We refinance homeowner debt. We refinance car loans. Let's refinance student loans. Let's understand that California kids are graduating, 70% of them, $30,000 to $40,000 in debt. Let's realize that Pell Grants are right now only $5,500 a year, but yet the average UC tuition is $30,000 to $40,000. It's not fair.


Remember what that was like? [Audience responds affirmatively]


In one term — think about it. In one term as president, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who served two terms in office. [Applause]


And -- and I -- I am a fighter for the people.


And just last night, the delegates to the Democratic National Convention finished voting, and so -- [applause] -- I stand -- I stand before you today to proudly announce I am now officially the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. [Applause]


We here -- we believe in a future where we lower the cost of living for America's families -- [applause] -- so that they have the chance not just to get by, but to get ahead. [Applause] Because, look, while our economy is doing well by many measures, prices for everyday things like groceries are still too high. You know it, and I know it.


But as we fight to move our nation forward, Donald Trump intends to take our country backward. Just look at his Project 2025 agenda. A- -- and, by the way, can you believe they put that thing in writing? [Laughter] Nine hundred pages of it. [Laughter]


Think about that. And if there are those who dare to take the freedom to make such a fundamental decision for an individual, which is about one's own body, what other freedoms could be on the table for the taking? [Applause]


And to all of the distinguished ladies, I thank you so very much for this warm welcome.


Thank you all. [Applause] Thank you. Tha- — [laughs] — thank you. Thank you, thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you all. [Applause] Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Thank you. Tha- — good afternoon, Wisconsin! [Laughs] [Applause]


On day one, I will take on price gouging and bring down costs. [Applause]


In Washington, Tim worked to raise the minimum wage -- [applause]; to protect the freedom of workers to join a union -- [applause]; and he cast one of the critical votes to pass the Affordable Care Act -- [applause] -- which, of course, gave health insurance to tens of millions of Americans.


If we're going to be leaders on this stage, let's deal with that head-on. We have to embrace our Muslim brothers and sisters wherever they are and not assume that because of the God they pray to and believe in, that they are terrorists that are going to harm us when they come here. We have to live true to our values as a country, which has always said, and we can look at that great Statute of Liberty, ""Come and bring us those who need us, and we will be here to comfort you.""


Our president, Joe Biden, wanted to be here today. He is feeling much better and recovering fast, and he looks forward to getting back on the road. And I wanted to say a few words about our president.


So, let me do, please, acknowledge some extraordinary national leaders who are also dear friends both to the president and to me.


Thank you. I thank you. [Applause] I thank you.


Most people know the number of their credit score like, you know, your weight, especially with all those apps now, right?


As many of you know, before I was elected vice president and before I was elected a United States senator, I was an elected attorney general and an elected district attorney. [Applause] And before that, I was a courtroom prosecutor. [Applause]


And to all the members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated -- [Audience calls out ""Ee-yip""]


Good afternoon. [Applause] Good after- — hi, Wisconsin. [Applause]


And let me just say, as Arizona knows, Mark is an extraordinary leader who has dedicated his life to the service of our nation as a fighter pilot, as an astronaut, and as a member of the United States Congress. And he has given so much to our country. He always fights for the people of Arizona. And I am so grateful, Mark, for your friendship and your leadership. [Applause]


And so, Coach Walz and I may hail from different corners of our great country, but our values are the same. And we both believe in lifting people up, not knocking them down. [Applause]


My goodness. Thank you all. Thank you very much. Thank you, everybody.


[Off camera: ""And we ask, who is Kamala Harris?""] The vice president of the United States of America.


But you see, this is a people-powered campaign. [Applause] Ours is a people-powered campaign.


Can we hear it for Tim Walz? [Laughs; Applause] Oh, I'm so happy to be running with him, let me tell you.


You are doing something great. You are the heroes of our time. And you are the reason. I know we are going to bring our country closer to realizing its great promise. But to do it, we'll need to work, organize, and vote like never before because we need more than a victory on November 3rd. We need a mandate that proves that the past few years do not represent who we are or who we aspire to be.


And also, I -- I -- on Air Force Two, joining me, is Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove. [Applause] And I know here is also our dearest Mrs. Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. [Applause]


We here believe in a future where, for example, everyone has affordable health care -- [applause] -- which is why our administration capped the cost of insulin for our seniors at $35 a month. [Applause]


And on that last point, understand how we got here. When he was president, Donald Trump handpicked three members of the United States Supreme Court -- [Audience boos]


But we are not going to let that happen. [Audience responds ""No""]


Our campaign has always been about two different versions of what we see as the future of our country -- two different visions for the future of our country: one focused on the future, the other focused on the past.


So, don't come to us gaslighting us about where you've been and where you haven't been on important issues that relate to -- to what we know every day affects our sisters, our mothers, our aunties, our grandmothers, and could affect our daughters.


And -- listen, one of the things that I know brings us all out today and always is we love our country. [Applause] We love our country. We love our country.


Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you. It is good to be back. Thank you all very much. [Applause]


So, I will end with this. Sheila Jackson Lee was the first elected -- first elected to the United States Congress 30 years ago this year. She was first elected 30 years ago this year.


So, the Bible teaches us, ""Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if you were working for the Lord."" [Applause]


And we who believe in reproductive freedom will fight for a woman's right to choose -- [applause] -- because we know one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do -- [applause] -- because we know faith and freedom can coexist.


And -- but -- and never we -- and never -- and never allow the circumstances or the situation that we know we experience, whether it be pay gaps or anything else, to make us feel small or alone. I'll say, in particular, to the younger women who are here. You are, on many occasions in your life, going to be in a room where you will be the only one that looks like you or has had your life experience.


And it is my intention to go out and earn this nomination and to win. [Applause]


And I know we are all deeply grateful for his lifetime of service to our nation. And we thank Joe Biden each and every day -- [applause] -- for all he is and all he has done and all he has yet to do. Let us thank him always. [Applause]


It is time for this war to end and end in a way where Israel is secure, all the hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can exercise their right to freedom, dignity, and self-determination.


When she learned, she told me -- she said when she learned that her loans had been forgiven, she said, ""Well, me and my children knew our lives had changed, and we were just dancing. Dancing."" [Laughter] So, there we go.


And I do so mindful of all the heroic and ambitious women before me, whose sacrifice, determination, and resilience makes my presence here today even possible. This is a moment of real consequence for America. Everything we care about, our economy, our health, our children, the kind of country we live in, it's all on the line.


And, look, as we move our nation forward, Donald Trump intends to take our nation backward. Just look at his Project 2025 agenda -- Project 2025. [Audience chants ""We're not going back""]


And, Arizona, every day you feel the impact of extreme heat and drought. You know this crisis is real. He calls it a hoax. [Audience boos]


What to do with her own reproductive health. And I think that we should talk about what could be a leader --


So, Arizona, ultimately, in this election, I do believe we each -- each one of us, we face a question. That question being: What kind of country do we want to live in? Do we want to live in a country of chaos, fear, and hate -- [Audience responds ""No""]


I've said it many times, but it bears repeating: Israel has a right to defend itself, and how it does so matters.


So, I ask my fellow Americans to help encourage efforts to acknowledge the complexity, the nuance, and the history of the region.


And Tim Walz and I, we agree about many things, including when our middle class is strong, America is strong. [Applause] And strengthening the middle class will be my defining goal as I am president of the United States. [Applause]


But in order to know where we need to go, let's remember the past and what that was like, because we cannot forget.


So, in this moment, our fundamental freedoms are on the ballot and so is our democracy.


So, I respect your voices, but we are here to now talk about this race in 2024. [Applause]


And all of this to say, unlike Donald Trump, I will always put the middle class and working families first -- [applause] -- because Coach Walz and I know the middle class built this great country of ours, and when the middle class is strong, America is strong. [Applause]


So, to everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you.


So, in this campaign, I'll tell you: I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week -- [applause] -- any day of the week.


He intends to end the Affordable Care Act and take us back to a time when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions.


As attorney general, I held the big Wall Street banks accountable for fraud. Well, Donald Trump was just found guilty of fraud -- 34 counts, to be exact. [Audience chants ""Lock him up""]


So, I'm going to -- what we know is that you can have an idea of what will happen when you look at what has happened. So, I'd ask people in the room to raise your hand if you relieft -- student loan debt relief because you voted in 2020, and Joe Biden and I came in office and were able to forgive billions of dollars of student loan debt, understanding how it impacts all communities and especially ours.


So, in those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds — [applause]: predators who abused women — [applause]; fraudsters who ripped off consumers — [applause]; cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain — [applause]. So, hear me when I say I know Donald Trump's type. [Applause] I know the type. And I have been dealing with people like him my entire career.


So — so, Wisconsin, I am told, as of this morning, that we have earned the support of enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination. [Applause] And I am so very honored. And I pledge to you I will spend the coming weeks continuing to unite our party so that we are ready to win in November. [Applause]


Oh, what a great treat for me to be on the same stage with James Taylor. [Laughter and applause] And Kim and Henry Taylor, as well, are here, and I want to thank the whole family. And, James, in particular, thank you for always using the gift of your voice in such a courageous way.


Project 2025: a plan to return America to a dark past.


And that, of course, is Joe's beloved son -- one of his beloved sons, Beau. In the midst of the great recession, Beau and I spoke on the phone practically every day, sometimes multiple times a day, working together to win back billions of dollars for homeowners from the big banks of the nation that were foreclosing on people's homes.


And please give it up one more time for Wisconsin's own Bon Iver. [Applause]


Donald Trump wants to take our country backward to a time before many of our fellow Americans had full freedoms and rights.


And let me thank Chaplain Black for your words and the time that we have prayed together when I was in the United States Senate. I thank you, Chaplain.


You are the best of the best and we're so proud of you! Have fun too, okay?


And -- and part of why we are going to win is because we remember and we are smart and we know what's happening and we're not falling for the gaslighting and we're not falling for the okey-doke. [Applause] That's why.


So, Milwaukee, I want to start by saying a few words — and I could really speak at length — but a few words about our incredible president, Joe Biden. [Applause]


For example, the issue of immigration. So, I was attorney general of a border state. I went after the transnational gangs, the drug cartels, and human traffickers. [Applause] I prosecuted them in case after case, and I won. [Applause] So I know what I'm talking about.


So, in those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds -- [applause]: predators who abused women -- [Audience boos]


On that point about the ACA, remember people with pre-existing conditions being denied -- children with asthma, breast cancer survivors, grandparents with diabetes? That was no joke. And we cannot go back. Ours has to be a fight for the future and a fight for freedom -- [applause] -- a fight for freedom.


You know, I -- I know who we all are. I know who is here. And I know, therefore, that we share a vision for the future of our nation -- a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by but to get ahead; a future of social justice, health justice, economic justice -- just as you have laid out in this year's theme.


So, to those who know him best -- to those who know him best, Tim is -- is more than a governor. To his wife, Gwen, he is a husband. To his kids, Hope and Gus, he is a dad. To his fellow veterans, he is Sergeant Major Walz. [Applause] To the people -- to the people of Southern Minnesota, for 12 years, he was Congressman. [Applause] To his former high school students, he was Mr. Walz. [Applause] And to his former high school football players, he was Coach -- [applause] -- Coach -- Coach.


So, let me start by thanking Les. Your words, your leadership, your voice, it's so important, Les. Thank you for everything you are and everything you do for our country. [Applause]


When it came to crafting policy, there was no detail too minor or point of order too obscure. If it needed to be understood, the congresswoman make sure -- would make sure everyone understood it and understood it well and used it to the benefit of the people she served.


We are not going back. [Audience chants ""We're not going back""]


And because we are a people-powered campaign, that is how you know we will be a people-first presidency. [Applause]


There they are. And we -- I grew up -- we grew up -- I lived -- we lived in the apartment above --


Generations -- generations of Americans before us led the fight for freedom. Now the baton is in our hands, each and every one of us. [Applause] So, we who believe in the sacred freedom to vote will finally pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. [Applause]


I have -- we have children. I am a godmommy. I am an auntie. I am a best friend. I am a good cook.


So, it's so good to be back in Arizona, and I thank you all for turning out today. This is an extraordinary, extraordinary thing. [Applause]


I am beyond trying to speculate about how he thinks. What else?


I want to thank the International president, Rasheeda S. Liberty. I thank you for your friendship and your leadership and for the warm welcome this evening. Thank you so very much.


So, listen, here's the thing that we all know -- here's the thing we all know: Generations -- generations of Americans before us led the fight for freedom. Now, the baton is in our hands -- [applause] -- each and every one of us. So, we who believe in the sacred freedom to vote will finally pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to vote act. [Applause]


-- there is so much at stake in this moment. Election Day is in 97 days. And in this moment, once again, our nation is counting on you to energize, to organize, and to mobilize; to register folks to vote and get them to the polls.


And I've been here many times, as you all know, recently and even before. And many of you know, then, before I was elected vice president, before I was elected United States senator, I was an elected attorney general and, before that, an elected district attorney. [Applause] And before that -- and before that, I was a courtroom prosecutor. [Applause]


Thank you all. [Laughs] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause; Laughs]


And I know we are all deeply, deeply grateful for his continuing service to our nation. [Applause] And it is my great honor to have Joe Biden's endorsement in this race. [Applause]


There is so much evidence of that point. There really is. But look at, most recently, Project 2025 and that agenda. [Audience boos]


We who believe in the sacred freedom to vote — [applause] — will make sure every American has the ability to cast their ballot and have it counted. [Applause]


But make no mistake, all of that being said, this campaign is not just about us versus Donald Trump. There is more to this campaign than that.


And so, we will continue to fight for affordable housing, for affordable health care, affordable childcare, and paid leave. [Applause] We believe in a future where we lower the cost of living for America's families so that they have a chance not just to get by but to get ahead -- [applause] -- because while our economy is doing well by many measures, prices for everyday things like groceries are still too high. You know it, and I know it.


No, we will move forward. And one of the best ways to keep our nation moving forward is to give workers a voice: to protect the freedom to organize -- [applause]; to defend the freedom to collectively bargain -- [applause]; to end union busting. [Applause]


So, Michigan, here's the thing. So much -- so much -- so much is on the line in this election. [Applause] And we got to remember, you know, we -- we knew -- we knew who he is and what he was about in '16 and in '20. But there's also something else that has happened recently that we really have to prioritize in our mind about the danger we're looking at.


So, many of you know, I was a prosecutor. You may not know one of the reasons why. When I was in high school, I learned that my best friend was being molested by her stepfather. And I -- when I learned, I said to her, ""You have to come live with us."" I called up my mother. My mother said, ""Of course, she does.""


Joe's legacy of accomplishment over his entire career and over the past three and a half years is unmatched in modern history. [Applause]


Hi, everyone. Hi, everyone. And Victor and Ryan, thank you for all the work that you have been doing on behalf of our campaign because this -- I don't know if folks saw me, I just gave a speech, I'm here in Atlanta, but this is truly a people-powered campaign. And I thank everyone for joining us for this call and for being a part of just loving our country and knowing that to achieve the ideals, we all have to be active and involved.


From when I was a young girl collecting funds to plant trees for Israel to my time in the United States Senate and now at the White House, I've had an unwavering commitment to the existence of the state of Israel, to its security, and to the people of Israel.


Good afternoon. [Applause] Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon. Please have a seat. Good afternoon.


So, I say, as we work to build a brighter future and to move our nation forward, we must also recognize there are those who are trying to take us backward.


Union strong. [Audience chants ""Union strong""]


And you may have seen he just pulled out of our debate. [Audience boos]


As attorney general of California, I took on the big Wall Street banks and held them accountable for fraud. [Applause] Donald Trump was just found guilty of fraud on 34 counts. [Applause]


Understand how that happened. The former president who wants to be president again hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade. And they did as he intended. The court of Thurgood and RBG took a most fundamental right, the right to make decisions about your own body.


As attorney general of California, I took on one of our country's largest for-profit colleges that was scamming students. Donald Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students. [Audience boos]


It didn't have to be this way. Six years ago, in fact, we had a different health crisis. It was called Ebola. And we all remember that pandemic. But you know what happened then? Barack Obama and Joe Biden did their job. Only two people in the United States died. Two. That is what's called leadership.


So, Pennsylvania, I'm here today because I found such a leader: Governor Tim Walz of the great state of Minnesota. [Applause]


Let us all condemn terrorism and violence. Let us all do what we can to prevent the suffering of innocent civilians. And let us condemn antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate of any kind. And let us work to unite our country.


And so, again, I am a firsthand witness from being with him in the Oval Office to the Situation Room and seeing him on the global stage with world leaders. President Joe Biden fights for the American people, and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation. [Applause]


Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you, thank you.


And, you know, America has tried these failed policies before. And we are not going back. [Applause] We are not going back.


That is absolutely incorrect, and we are engaged in the prosecution of that case. We will take it where the facts lead us.


And we who believe in reproductive freedom — [applause] — will stop Donald Trump's extreme abortion bans because we trust women to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do. [Applause]


A medical emergency is not about that issue. [Audience responds affirmatively] What we have done to cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month. Raise your hand if you have a family member who has diabetes. Right.


Hi everyone, it's Kamala Harris. Each day, we are seeing our rights and freedoms under attack, including the right of everyone to be who they are, love who they love, openly and with pride. So as we fight back against these attacks, let's all remember no one is alone.


Good afternoon, Wisconsin! [Laughs; Applause] Good afternoon.


But compare that to the moment we find ourselves in now. When other countries are following the science, Trump pushed miracle cures he saw on Fox News. While other countries were flattening the curve, he said the vice would just, poof, go away ""like a miracle."" So, when other countries opened back up for business, what did we do? We had to shut down again.


And she told me -- she was like, ""Look, I -- I at many times wondered: Would I have to leave this profession I love to just be able to pay my bills? But I did it -- I didn't leave because I love what I do and I understand the importance."" But making decisions, then, about what she could afford in terms of her daily obligations and dealing with these loans.


Earlier this year -- everybody here knows, earlier this year, we had a chance to pass the toughest bipartisan border security bill in decades, but Donald Trump tanked the deal -- [Audience boos]


Pl- -- can we please give it up for James Taylor, by the way? [Laughs; Applause]


So, I say to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, ours is a fight for the future, and it is a fight for freedom.


But just look -- look -- look at his -- you know, Tim talked about it. Look at his Project 2025 agenda. [Audience boos]


And one of the ways we do that is through our vote. This here, election, let's think about the significance of the United States Supreme Court. Two years ago and some days now, we commemorated a decision by the United States Supreme Court, the Dobbs decision, that undid the protections of Roe v. Wade.


And in the face of these attacks, we must continue to stand together in defense of freedom.


And it is good to be with so many incredible leaders, including the most magnificent, wonderful governor, Tony Evers. Every time I come to Wisconsin, Tony meets me on the tarmac. He's such an incredible human being. [Applause]


-- because he thought by doing that it would help him win an election. [Audience boos]


And I don't need to tell you all. You know Joe's background, right? I mean, he grew up in a middle-class family in Scranton. And he has never forgotten where he comes from.


And I will tell you, when I was a United States senator, I would see this group of powerful leaders walking through the halls of Congress in white and blue -- [laughter] -- and I always knew I was looking at some of the most powerful advocates for justice in America. [Applause] Truly.


Now, I have to tell you, so many of you may know, in 2004, on Valentine's Day weekend, I was one of the first elected officials in the country to perform same-sex marriages. [Applause]


This -- it's an incredible day. And I got to see it in the families and in their eyes and in their cries.


In fact, I have been dealing with people like him my entire career. [Laughter]


On the other hand, we are running a people-powered campaign. [Applause] And we just had — some breaking news: We just had the best 24 hours — [applause] — of grassroot fundraising in presidential campaign history. [Applause] All right?


We who believe that every person in our nation should be free from bigotry, discrimination, and hate will continue to fight for equality and justice for all.


I restructured the California Department of Justice, creating a new division that we named the Division of Recidivism Reduction and Reentry, where we have started a whole new way of doing work in California focused on getting former offenders jobs and counseling so they can come back out and not re-offend.


God bless you. And God bless the United States. [Applause]


In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, the other focused on the past.


Under those Friday night lights, Coach Walz motivated his players to believe they could achieve anything. And, together, they defied the odds -- hear this out -- going from a winless record to the school's first-ever state championship. [Applause; Laughs] Coach. Coach. A- -- [Audience members call out, inaudibly]


When he was president, he gave tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations. He tried to cut Social Security and Medicare every single year. And he and his allies have tried more than 60 times to end the Affordable Care Act and to take us back to a time when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions.


So, last week, you may have seen, he pulled out of the debate in September he had previously agreed to. [Audience boos]


It was the most beautiful display of the love between a father and a son. And Beau talked about how Joe would spend four hours every day riding the rails back and forth from Wilmington to Washington so he could make breakfast for his kids in the morning and make it home in time to tuck them in bed each night.


His legacy of acco- -- and James and I were just talking about this -- his legacy of accomplishment over his entire career and over the past three and a half years is unmatched in modern history.


And all of that work actually is being done right here in San Diego. San Diego is one of the models for the state and the country. We have to have more leadership that's about showing also this is about not only public health. It's about jobs, build up the infrastructure to supply us with water. We're going to have jobs.


So, here's the thing: It pains me so to think 20 years later that there are some young teachers in their 20s who are afraid to put up a photograph of themselves and their partner for fear they could lose their job.


We have said 7 percent of your income should be -- not more than 7 percent of your income should have to go for child care. What we are in the process of doing for affordable housing, both for renters and those who want to be first-time homeowners, we have a plan. We need Congress to agree that if you are first -- the first generation your family to seek homeownership, you'll get a $25,000 tax credit to help you with the down payment.


So, whatever is going on in that region and other regions of the state, you can see a full track record of having gone after those who are committing corruption or fraud or predatory practices against the consumers of California.


Let's bring all of these folks out of the shadows into the sunlight and be true to the value that we have as a country.


Thank you. Happily. We are still actively engaged in a criminal investigation of that case.


And it was expected of all of us that we would do the same.


While you teach students about democracy and representative government, extremists attack the sacred freedom to vote.


Good evening. [Applause] Good evening, Georgia. [Applause]


But all that to say, in this campaign, I proudly put my record against his any day of the week -- [applause] -- any day of the week.


And we who believe in reproductive freedom will fight for a woman's right to choose -- [applause] -- remembering what Donald Trump did to pick three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would take away this freedom, and they did as he intended. [Audience boos]


And the UAW has always worked to lift up the working people of our nation.


And I will close with this, then. It is important for the American people to remember the war in Gaza is not a binary issue. However, too often the conversation is binary, when the reality is anything but.


All across this country, a whole new generation of children is growing up hearing the cries for justice and the chance of hope on which I was raised, some strapped into strollers of their own. And trust me it's a song you'll never forget. So, to everyone keeping up the fight, you are doing something.


Joe got the COVID-19 pandemic under control. Remember those days? He has created more than 15 million new jobs. He brought together Republicans and Democrats and passed historic legislation.


As attorney general of California, I took on one of our country's largest for-profit colleges that was scamming students. Donald Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students.


Independent economists have said Trump's plans would reignite inflation, slow economic growth, and increase unemployment.


America is crying out for leadership. Yet, we have a president who cares more about himself than the people who elected him, a president who is making every challenge we face even more difficult to solve. But here's the good news: We don't have to accept the failed government of Donald Trump and Mike Pence.


We fight for a future where we defend our most fundamental freedoms: the freedom to vote -- [applause]; the freedom to be safe from gun violence -- [applause]; the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride -- [applause]; and the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body not having her government tell her what to do. [Applause]


And this is going to be hard work, but I know we like hard work. Hard work is good work for all of us. Hard work is good work, and we will do it with joy. [Applause]


-- to stop student loan forgiveness for teachers and other public servants. [Audience boos]


Understand that the former president who is up for reelection has said he is proud of what has happened, proud of the fact that our daughters will have fewer rights than their grandmothers; that we have seen in state after state, they're passing laws, punishing health care providers -- in Texas, providing for prison for life for a doctor or nurse who provides reproductive care.


Joe, are you watching? Do you hear this clapping? [Laughs] Can you see it?


The first phase of the deal would bring about a full ceasefire, including a withdrawal of the Israeli military from population centers in Gaza. In the second phase, the Israeli military would withdraw from Gaza entirely, and it would lead to a permanent end to the hostilities.


You know, I have to tell -- people have been asking, ""Well -- well, what do you and Tim Walz have in common?"" And I said, ""Well, you know, a whole lot. A whole lot."" You know, we grew up the same way. We grew up in a community of people, you know -- I mean, he grew up in -- in Nebraska; me, Oakland, California -- [laughs] -- seemingly worlds apart.


-- cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. [Audience boos]


And I pledge to you that in the coming weeks, I will continue to work so very hard to do what we must do to unite our party on the path to uniting our country.


And since then -- and since then, in battleground states, people have been flooding our offices around the country to volunteer. So -- [applause] -- this is good. We've got momentum. It's on our side.


And with Tim Walz by my side, when I am president of the United States and we win majorities in the United States Congress, we will pass a bill to restore reproductive freedom, and I will proudly sign it into law. [Applause]


In fact, I suspect she gave nearly every person here her cell phone number at one time or another. [Laughter] And when you called, Sheila Jackson Lee would always find a way to help, even if she needed to get a little creative.


And Sheila's words were simple but very concise. She said, ""As members of Congress, we are here to make change.""


Well, Tim and I have a message for Trump and others who want to turn back the clock on our fundamental freedoms: We're not going back. [Applause; Audience responds ""We're not going back""]


And Joe and I, yes, we are cut from the same cloth. Family is everything to me, too. And I cannot wait for America to get to know my husband, Doug, and our amazing kids, Cole and Ella. Because whether I'm cheering in the bleachers at a swim meet or setting up a college room dorm, or helping my goddaughter prepare for her school debate, or building Legos with my godson, or hugging my two baby nieces, or cooking dinner, Sunday dinner, my family means everything to me.


We believe in a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by but to get ahead — [applause]; a future where no child has to grow up in poverty — [applause]; where every worker has the freedom to join a union — [applause]; where every person has affordable health care — [applause] — affordable childcare — [applause] — and paid family leave. [Applause] We believe in a future where every senior can retire with dignity. [Applause]


You know, when I was attorney general, I went after price-fixing schemes. And when I am president, it will be a day-one priority to fight to bring down prices. [Applause] I will take on big corporations that engage in illegal price gouging. I will take on corporate landlords that unfairly raise rents on working families. I will take on Big Pharma and cap the cost of prescription drugs for all Americans -- [applause] -- and continue to bring manufacturing jobs back to America -- [applause] -- and back to communities like Eau Claire. [Applause]


We believe in a future where we lower the cost of living for America's families so they have a chance not just to get by but to get ahead. [Applause] Because, look, while our economy is doing well by many measures, prices for everyday things like groceries are still too high. You know it, and I know it.


And let's remember -- let's remember the traditions of our great country. Generations of Americans before us led in the fight for freedom. And now, then, as they would expect, the baton is in our hands. The baton is in our hands, each and every one of us.


Okay. So, let me just say, first of all, can we hear it again for Tim Walz? [Applause] Isn't he spectacular?


Across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on attack on hard-fought, hard-won fundamental freedoms and rights: the freedom to vote, the freedom to be safe from gun violence, the freedom to live without fear of bigotry and hate, the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride, the freedom to learn and acknowledge America's true and full history, and the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government tell her what to do. [Applause] A fight for our most fundamental freedoms.


But let's talk about this from a broader context. There is no question that we need to reform the criminal justice system in this country. I wrote a book back in 2008 called Smart on Crime focused on just that point. I started in San Francisco, one of the first programs ever in the country focused on reducing recidivism by getting former offenders job.


Good afternoon. [Applause] Good after- — hi, Wisconsin. [Applause; Audience chants ""Kamala""]


And, of course, it is so good to be with the president of the United Auto Workers, my dear friend, Shawn Fain. [Applause]


Everyone, can we please hear it for Tyler? [Applause]


There we go. That's right. I'm going to tell him what you said. [Laughter]


Good evening, everyone. Good evening. [Applause]


Let me -- let me just say. [Audience chants ""Lock him up""]


And in this campaign, I promise you I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week. [Applause]


When I was attorney general, I went after price-fixing schemes. And when I am president, I will continue that work to bring down prices. I will take on -- [applause] -- I will take on big corporations that engage in illegal price gouging. I will take on corporate landlords that unfairly raise rents on working families. [Applause] I will take on Big Pharma and cap the cost of prescription drugs for all Americans. [Applause]


And just yesterday in a press conference, we got a fresh reminder of what Donald Trump's Project 2025 agenda would do. It would ban medication abortion in every state. [Audience boos]


And, of course, none of you made it here alone. Today, you are surrounded by the people who stood by you every step of this journey, the folks who support you on and off the field: your friends, your family members, your coaches, your trainers and teachers, who for years have cheered you on. So, today, again, let us give them a round of applause. [Applause]


Only in America. Only in America. Only in America. [Audience chants ""USA""]


And in the next, then, 88 days, we need you to use your power. [Applause] We need you to knock on some doors. [Applause] We need you to register folks to vote. [Applause] We need you to energize, to mobilize, to organize, and to make your voices heard. [Applause]


And we are all here because we love our country -- right? -- and we believe in our foundational principles. We believe in freedom and opportunity and justice, not for some but for all. [Applause]


And it is my great honor to have Joe's endorsement in this race. [Applause]


We who believe that every person in our nation sh- — who should have the freedom to live safe from the terror of gun violence — [applause] — will finally pass red flag laws, universal background checks, and an assault weapons ban. [Applause]


-- or a country of chaos, fear, and hate? [Audience responds ""No""]


We are all in this together, and your vote is your power. So please make sure your voice is heard this November and register to vote at vote.gov.


Can we just give it up again for my husband? [Laughs] [Applause]


And years later, when I walked across the stage to receive my law school diploma, Mrs. Frances Wilson was in the audience. [Applause] Yeah. Yeah.


So, I'll tell you, as attorney general, I took on one of our country's largest for-profit colleges that scammed students. Well, Donald Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students. [Audience boos]


I absolutely support the $15 an hour minimum wage law. Federal minimum wage right now is $7.25 an hour. That's less than $15,000 a year. Two-thirds of minimum wage workers are women. So, if she's a mom trying to keep a roof over the head and food on the table, she's probably holding down two jobs. That means she's not spending a whole lot of time with those children that she actually wants to spend more time with.


We, who believe in reproductive freedom — [applause] — will stop Donald Trump's extreme abortion bans. And when Congress passes a law to restore reproductive freedoms — [applause] — as president of the United States, I will sign it into law. [Applause]


And are we ready to fight for it? [Applause]


There are also an incredible group of mayors with us today, Mayor Kate Gallego -- [applause]; Mayor Corey Woods -- [applause]; and Arizona co-chair of Republicans for Harris, Mayor John Giles. [Applause]


Do we believe in opportunity? [Audience responds affirmatively]


Well, hold on. The cou- -- you know what, the courts are going to handle that part of it. [Laughter] What we're going to do is beat him in November. [Applause; Laughs]


You may have seen their agenda. Part of it is called Project 2025. [Audience boos]


And one of the things I found is this, that I was looking at -- well, from -- for women on Medicaid, which states are providing for postpartum care not just for two months, but for up to 12 months. And I realized when I came in as vice president, only three states would extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum care from two months to 12 months.


So let continue to fight with optimism, with faith, and with hope. Because when we fight, we win.


Because think: two middle class kids. One, a daughter of Oakland, California -- [applause] -- who was raised by a working mother, had a summer job at McDonald's. [Applause] The other, a son of Nebraska plains, who grew up working on a farm. Think about it. Only in America is it possible for them together to make it all the way to the White House. [Applause] Only in America. Only in America.


So, Wisconsin, ultimately, this election is about a question that we each face. We each face a question in this election, and that is: What kind of country do we want to live in? Do we want to live in a country of freedom, of compassion, of rule of law -- [Audience responds affirmatively]


As governor, Tim has continued to fight for working families. He secured paid leave for workers in Minnesota. [Applause] And he refused -- he refused, as governor, to allow any student in their public schools to go hungry -- [applause] -- so he made school breakfast and lunch free for every child. [Applause]


Thank you, Joe. [Audience chants ""Thank you Joe""]


And let me just say: The American people deserve better. The American people deserve better. [Applause]


Our campaign is about saying we trust the people, we see the people, we know the people. You know one of the things I love about our country? We are a nation of people who believe in those ideals that were foundational to what made us so special as a nation. We believe in those ideals.


That's right. I'm going to tell him what you said. [Laughs]


So, Doug and I wanted to stop by today to thank everybody and -- and to express just what we know to be true: You all have been working so hard. The people in this office have been working so hard. And you have given so much of yourselves: long days and nights, what you are sacrificing in terms of the time you could be spending with other friends and other family, and you're giving yourselves to our country because you love our country and you love Joe and you love me, and we know that.


Good morning. [Applause] Good morning, everyone. Good morning. Good morning, AFT. [Applause] Good morning.


For example, as attorney general of California, I took on one of our country's largest for-profit colleges that was scamming students. Well, Donald Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students. [Audience boos]


And I know we are all deeply, deeply grateful to Joe for his lifetime of service to our nation. And we thank you, Joe Biden, each and every day for all you are and all you still have yet to do. [Applause; Audience chants ""Thank you Joe""]


But let us -- let us make no mistake. This campaign is not just about us versus Donald Trump.


You all are here because you, as leaders, know we each -- including our neighbors and our friends and our family, we each, as Americans, have the power to answer that question. That's the beauty of it -- the power of the people. We each have the ability to answer that question.


So, in this campaign — [Audience chants ""Lock him up""]


-- that he will weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies. [Audience boos]


Some of you have represented our nation on the international stage, in world cups and world championships. And, later this month, six of you will represent our nation at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. [Applause]


God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. We're going to get this done. [Applause]


But when I am president, I will sign the bill. [Applause]


And I would see -- and I saw in my mother the same type of person, my uncles, the same type of people. You know, my Uncle Sherman was one of the first Black graduates of Berkeley Law School, who, every time anybody in the community had a problem, they'd say, ""Call Sherman. Sherman will help you figure that out.""


It's unfortunate that we're playing around with very important facts here. The fact is that the Department of Justice, under my leadership, has taken almost 10,000 guns out of the hands of people who were legally prohibited from having them. We have taken hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition.


Vote. That's right. So, here's the thing. To your point, when it comes down to all of the things that are important about this, I think the most important thing --


And it is not easy -- and I say to the family -- when a loved one lives a life of public service, and so especially someone like Sheila Jackson Lee. And I want to thank the family on behalf of the people of our nation for your sacrifices and the work that you did to support her over these many, many years that allowed her to give so much to our country. [Applause]


He agreed to that previously. Now it appears he's backpedaling. But I'm ready. And I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on a debate stage. And so, I'm ready. Let's go.