Kamala Harris Takes the Stage: A New Era Begins

CHICAGO ― As President Joe Biden gave a tearful goodbye to the Democratic Party, a liberated Kamala Harris stepped out of his shadow and commandeered the national stage.

For the first time, activists who have sought to see more gender and minority representation in politics said they felt like they truly belonged.

“We're being seen and we see ourselves in her,” said Reproductive Freedom for All president Mini Timmaraju, who spoke at the convention Wednesday night .“It’s really emotional.”

The handoff at the Democratic convention, one of several Biden farewells, was a visceral example of how the country is changing, with the first Black and Asian American woman topping a presidential ballot.

Biden’s policies formed a foundation for her candidacy. But it was the 59-year-old Harris’ turn to lead four weeks after the 81-year-old president tee’d her up to serve in the nation's most powerful office.