Harris' big moment, Dems' rising stars, Gaza protesters shut out. Takeaways from DNC's last night

CHICAGO (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris urged Americans to seize a “precious, fleeting opportunity” to move beyond political divisions and the threat of Republican Donald Trump on Thursday as she closed out the Democratic National Convention.

Harris is the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to be nominated, and supporters throughout the convention crowd turned out in white to mark the moment. The convention also featured rising stars of the Democratic party, survivors of mass shootings and others who showcased pressing issues in American life.

The crowded lineup reflected the immense work Democrats have before them as they've stood up a fresh presidential campaign in just under a month since President Joe Biden bowed out of the race.

Here are some takeaways from the Democrats' final night.

Harris’ speech completed a remarkable four-day effort by the party in the White House to contend that it is the real change agent in this election.

Democrats were helped in making that argument by Trump's outsized presence in the political dialogue over the past nine years. They got another boost when Biden stepped aside for Harris, giving voters a fresh choice.

Harris tried to capitalize on that, telling delegates and the nation: “With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past."

Her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, made a similar pitch a day earlier when he wrapped up his speech by slamming Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, saying, "I don’t know about you, I’m about ready to turn the page on these guys.”

The Trump campaign, for its part, argues that voters want to turn the page on the Biden-Harris administration and the past four years.

As much as her campaign is about joy, Harris devoted a considerable chunk of her speech to what she said were the risks of another Trump term, calling the election “one of the most important in the life of our nation.”

Her focus on Trump showed that fear remains a powerful motivator for many voters and she wants to tap into that.

Harris described how Trump inspired the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol and his fraud conviction. She talked about his willingness to deploy the military against U.S. citizens — and the ability to do so with immunity from criminal consequences due to a recent Supreme Court ruling.

“Just imagine: Donald Trump with no guardrails,” she warned.

Harris’ first order of business upon taking the convention stage was introducing herself.

Her sudden elevation after Biden’s abrupt withdrawal from the race means many people are just now starting to size her up.

That presents an opportunity for her — and a risk if Trump and his allies succeed in defining her first. On the convention stage, Harris told her origin story with warmth, humor and intensity.

She detailed the unlikely pairing of her parents: two students — one from India, the other from Jamaica. Her family’s many moves across the U.S. And her own desire to become a lawyer after discovering a high school friend had been sexually abused.

And she placed particular emphasis on the work ethic that her mother instilled in her.

“Never do anything half-assed,” Harris said her mother would tell her.

Harris would be the first woman president if she wins, as well as the first South Asian, the first Black woman. That's been brought up by dozens of convention speakers. But the candidate herself didn't mention it.

Harris acknowledged that hers was an “uncertain journey,” the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants who was raised by a single mother after her parents split up. But she didn't dwell on the historic nature of her candidacy.

That's in stark contrast to the last woman to lose to Trump, Hillary Clinton, who made breaking the glass ceiling a key part of her campaign. Instead, Harris seems to be following the path of Barack Obama, who didn't have to tell everyone he'd be the first Black president, but threaded his life story into an argument for why voters should back him.

The convention didn't just formally mark the exit of 81-year-old Biden from the campaign. It served as a showcase for the younger Democrats in the political talent pool.

Speakers included swing state up-and-comers like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who painted Trump as out of touch and told delegates that "with Kamala Harris, she gets us. She sees us. She is us.” Others featured during the week: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, both of whom made the shortlist when Harris was searching for a running mate.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel brought down the house with her address earlier in the week when she warned Republicans and the U.S. Supreme Court, “You can pry this wedding band from my cold, dead, gay hand!”

There were also rising blue-state celebrities like California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland's Democratic nominee for an open Senate seat, and 34-year-old New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — all of whom are seen as representing a new generation of Democrats.

It was only a few years ago that Democrats worried they had too little talent in the pipeline, after scores of officeholders were wiped out in the off-year elections under President Barack Obama. But they’ve seen a resurgence in the Trump era.

Pro-Palestinian delegates never got the chance to take the stage and address the convention. It was a reflection of how the party has tried to avoid one of the more divisive issues of this election season as the U.S. alliance with Israel has become a political flashpoint.

Israel's response to the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas has spurred outrage over mass casualties and human rights violations in Gaza, and pro-Palestinian demonstrators have marched outside the arena each day.

“Uncommitted” delegate Abbas Alawieh had been in talks with DNC officials about speaking to the hall. After being rejected, he and other delegates chose to spend Wednesday night on the sidewalk outside the convention hall in protest.

“When we ran out of options as uncommitted delegates, we just sat down,” Alawieh said Thursday.

Harris declared she would “always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself,” while saying “at the same time” that the “scale of suffering” in Gaza is “heartbreaking." She indicated that the suffering could end with a cease-fire and the release of hostages taken in the October raid. On Wednesday, the parents of one of the young men being held hostage in Gaza addressed the convention.

Harris’ nominating convention has been a four-day romp imbued with a party-like atmosphere and a sense of optimism. It’s safe to say that it would have been a much different gathering were Biden the party’s nominee.

Democrats have been through emotional whiplash since Biden bowed out of the race last month, clearing the path for Harris.

For months Democrats had been despondent about Biden's polling and his underwhelming speaking appearances. And many Democrats were convinced that Trump could run away with the election.

Contrast that with the convention being held to nominate Harris in Chicago: Laughter filled the air, the mood was electric and searing jokes at Trump’s expense flowed freely. The event has also drawn an A-list slate of talent, from John Legend to Pink.

Not to be forgotten: There also have been words of caution about the hard work ahead.

Polling shows voters have consistently felt Republicans are better on the economy — a perception that Democrats are trying to fix.

High inflation hounded Biden’s popularity. Now Trump is trying to assign the blame to Harris as well, going so far as to call her a communist by nicknaming her “Comrade Kamala” and misleadingly claiming a relatively healthy economy is actually in tatters.

It’s not clear how well Trump’s criticism will stick to Harris, but Democrats tried to show her economic credentials on Thursday.

The Democrats argue that Harris can do more for the middle class and entrepreneurs as the party tries to reframe social issues as economic ones.

Harris wants to provide $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. “She knows housing is a human right and a pathway to the middle class,” Marcia Fudge, the former secretary of Housing and Urban Development, told the convention.

Harris also wants a $6,000 tax break for new parents and an expanded child tax credit. “Child care makes our economy run,” Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., told delegates.

Riccardi reported from Denver.

Supporters carry signs as Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Delegates cheer as Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, from left, Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz wave at the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Korey Wise, center, joined by fellow members of The Exonerated Five, Kevin Richardson, from left, Yusef Salaam, and Raymond Santana, right, along with Rev. Al Sharpton, second right, speak during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Pink and her daughter Willow Sage Hart perform during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, of Arizona, right, and her husband Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., appear during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Democratic veterans serving in local, state and federal levels of government stand alongside Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Eva Longoria speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Protesters march during a demonstration outside the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Maya Harris, sister of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Protesters march during a demonstration outside the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Chris Metro Matta, aka DJ Metro, performs during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Courtney Baldwin, youth organizer and human trafficking survivor, speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Supporters wave flags during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — People began betting Thursday on which political party would win control of Congress in the November elections after a judge's ruling allowing the wagers — the only ones to be legally approved by a U.S. jurisdiction.

New York startup company Kalshi began taking what amounts to bets on the outcome of the November congressional elections after a judge refused to block them from doing so.

The ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb in Washington enabled the company, at least temporarily, to offer prediction contracts across the country— essentially yes-or-no bets — on which party will win control of the Senate and the House in November.

“The Kalshi community just made history, and I know we are only getting started,” said Tarek Mansour, a co-founder of the company. “Now is finally the time to allow these markets to show the world just how powerful they are at providing signal amidst the noise, and giving us more truth about what the future holds.”

But the activity could prove short-lived. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, an independent federal body which last year prohibited the company from offering such bets, said it would appeal the ruling as quickly as possible, citing the possibility of people trying to manipulate the election for financial purposes.

Kalshi did not say whether it intends to offer bets beyond the ones posted Thursday for congressional races, including potentially taking bets on the presidential race.

It also was not immediately clear whether sports books or online casinos would seek to offer similar political bets in light of the ruling.

Prices on Kalshi's so-called predictive contracts varied throughout the early afternoon. As of mid-afternoon, a bet on the Republicans to win control of the Senate was priced at 76 cents; a $100 bet would pay $129. A bet on the Democrats to win control of the House was priced at 63 cents, with a $100 bet paying out $154.

Better Markets, a nonprofit organization that says it advocates for the public interest in financial markets, called the development “a dangerous move that opens the floodgates to unprecedented gambling on U.S. elections, eroding public trust in both markets and democracy.”

Contrasting his client with foreign companies who take bets from American customers on U.S. elections without U.S. government approval, Roth said Kalshi is trying to do things the right way, under government regulation.

“It invested significantly in these markets,” he said during Thursday's hearing. “They spent millions of dollars. It would be perverse if all that investment went up in smoke.”

But Raagnee Beri, an attorney for the commission, said allowing such bets could invite malicious activities designed to influence the outcome of elections and undermine already fragile public confidence in the voting process.

“These contracts would give market participants a $100 million incentive to influence the market on the election,” she said. “There is a very severe public interest threat.”

She used the analogy of someone who has taken an investment position in corn commodities.

“Somebody puts out misinformation about a drought, that a drought is coming,” she said. “That could move the market on the price of corn. The same thing could happen here. The commission is not required to suffer the flood before building a dam."

Thursday's ruling will not be the last word on the case. The commission said it will appeal on an emergency basis to a Washington D.C. circuit court, and asked the judge to stay her ruling for 24 hours. But the judge declined, leaving no prohibition in place on the company offering election bets, at least in the very near term.

The company already offers yes-no positions on political topics including whether a government shutdown will happen this year, whether a new Supreme Court justice will be confirmed this year, and whether President Joe Biden's approval rating will be above or below a certain level by the end of the year.

The Kalshi bets are technically not the first to be offered legally on U.S. elections. West Virginia permitted such bets for one hour in April 2020 before reversing itself and canceling those betting markets, deciding it had not done the proper research beforehand.

Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris participate during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Viewers gather to watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

This combination of photos shows Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)