Democratic kingmaker Rep. James Clyburn on Monday touted Vice President Kamala Harris as “battle-tested” and said she will rise to a challenging moment in American politics.

“Her experiences have prepared her for this moment,” Mr. Clyburn said on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. “Kamala Harris is a true battle-tested leader: a district attorney, attorney general, senator and vice president who gets things done.”

The South Carolina Democrat credited her with “fiercely advocating” for abortion rights and “fighting to lower costs for all Americans.”

And like many of the speakers on the first night of the convention, Mr. Clyburn hailed Ms. Harris and President Biden for their response to the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, he credited them with helping reopen schools long shuttered by fear of the disease.

Mr. Clyburn, one of the most senior Black Democrats on Capitol Hill and the man credited with ushering Mr. Biden to his party’s nomination in 2020, quoted from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in describing the trying times the country faces.

“We are perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed,” he said. “Our great democracy has been tested, and so has the goodness of the American people. But our resolve to remain a great country, with freedom and justice for all, will not falter.”

• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.