“Good evening, I’m Fabian Rodriguez, and this is Breaking News Tonight on Univision. Our top story: tensions within the Democratic Party continue to escalate following the contentious nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate.” The broadcaster continued with dramatic urgency, “Key figures within the Democratic National Party are questioning Harris' ability to unite the fractured base and deliver victory in November.”
“Can you believe this?” Sofia exclaimed, pointing at the TV. “I can’t stand that they’re undermining her campaign!”
Juan shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe it’s OK,” he suggested. He and Maria had been listening to Sofia complain about this for several days, and they were both getting a little tired of it. “Trump's gonna win anyway.”
Sofia cursed.
Maria scolded her for using that kind of language in the house.
“Hey, I was just joking," Juan tried to change the subject. "Listen, she's getting ready to make a speech now."
The news anchor echoed Juan’s statement. “Kamala Harris is preparing to make her first address to the nation as the Democratic presidential nominee. The whole country is waiting to see if she has what it takes to bring us together.”
"Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Americans," Harris began. "Tonight, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in our history.
The phrase ‘pivotal moment in history’ seemed to capture Sofia’s attention. Her eyes were glued to the screen.
"First and foremost, let us address the elephant in the room: the legacy of Donald Trump," a vein throbbed on Harris' temple. "For four long years, we endured a presidency marked by chaos, corruption, and incompetence. From his reckless attacks on our democracy to his blatant disregard for the rule of law, Donald Trump's tenure in office will go down as one of the darkest chapters in our nation's history."
"She's going scorched earth!" Sofia made a pumping move with her fist.
Juan ground his teeth, but he kept quiet.
“So, to all who feel disheartened by this turn of events, I say this: there will be a day of reckoning!”
Harris laughed awkwardly, "Let's not forget the damage he inflicted on our economy. Under his watch, millions of hardworking Americans struggled to make ends meet while the wealthiest few reaped the rewards of his reckless tax cuts. Fortunately, Joe Biden was able to turn that ruined economy around, and now we are all enjoying the fruits of prosperity."
Juan made a rude noise.
Sofia glared daggers at him, "Just listen, Dad. Here it comes. Wait for it…”
"But perhaps most disturbing of all was his blatant embrace of bigotry and division!" Harris' voice rose in a fevered pitch. "From his vile attacks on immigrants and refugees to his refusal to condemn white supremacy, Donald Trump sought to tear apart the very fabric of our nation. He emboldened hate groups, sowed discord among our citizens, and undermined the values that form the very foundations of our democracy!"
The press room erupted in a cacophony of shouted questions.
“The fight is nearly won!” Harris proclaimed. “I have not lost faith. I have not lost sight of the values that unite us as Americans! The time has come to turn the page on this dark chapter in our history and usher in a new era of progress and unity.”
Sofia whooped in support.
Juan was horrified. I can’t see us coming back from this, he thought.