I believe in America is the first line you hear inThe Godfather.
It was the real story of coming to a foreign land and trying to make good.
ButThe Godfathersauthor Mario Puzo or its director, Francis Ford Coppola couldnt have done it better.
Vice President Kamala Harris on stage at the Democratic National Convention on August 22, 2024 in Chicago.Win McNamee/Getty Images
Her immigrant mother and father from disparate backgrounds, eventually separated.
And I was raised to feel that same way.
(Its unimaginable to think ofslumlord Fred Trumpoffering any such lessons to his son Donald.)
I grew up in a community where people took care of each other, Harris told us.
Shes made it OK to be a proud Democrat again, or at least more acceptable in polite rooms.
For all Joe Bidens legislative accomplishments, hed lost the confidence of most people.
He was, as the first presidential debate showed, demonstrably too old for the job.
At the DNC, Harris spoke forcefully.
She wrapped herself in the flag, spoke of economic opportunity, and a strong national defense.
She talked of prosecuting criminals and the threat of Iran.
She was persuading gettable voters and trying to win an election, like a normal politician.
The stark contrast with Donald Trump and his bizarre RNC was devastatingly effective.
Harris laid out a vision of the country that is almost comforting in its familiarity and unapologetically patriotic.
She loves this country and wants to make it better.
Whatever happens in this election, Kamala Harris made clear she believes in America too.
