Harris has addressed one of the most difficult issues for Democrats in this election cycle: Israel’s war with Gaza.

Harris says that she and Joe Biden have been working “around the clock” to secure a ceasefire and the return of hostages from Gaza.

“Let me be clear: I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself, and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself because the people of Israel must never again face the war that a terrorist organisation called Hamas caused on October 7,” she says.

Then she turns to the plight of civilians in Gaza, saying she wants to see their suffering end so that “the Palestinian people can realise their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination”.

The crowd in Chicago cheered loudly.

Harris earlier outlined her views on foreign policy and national security, presenting herself as a tough prospective commander-in-chief who will take on dictators and work closely with American allies.

“As commander-in-chief, I will ensure America always has the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world,” she says.

“I will make sure that we lead the world into the future on space and artificial intelligence, that America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century, and that we strengthen, not abdicate our global leadership.”