Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage at Howard University to officially concede the 2024 U.S. presidential election to President-elect Donald Trump. Hours after congratulating her rival, Harris appeared at her alma mater in Washington, D.C., accompanied by her husband, Doug Emhoff, along with her running mate, Tim Walz, and his wife. President Joe Biden opted to watch the concession speech from the West Wing of the White House rather than attend in person.
In a heartfelt address to a crowd of dedicated supporters, Harris urged them to keep hope alive and continue championing the values that inspired her campaign. “My heart is full today. Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve,” Harris said.
“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for. But hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright, as long as we never give up, and as long as we keep fighting.”
In a speech that lasted less than 15 minutes, directed to her loved ones and campaign team, the 60-year-old, expressed deep appreciation.
“To my beloved Doug and our family, I love you so very much. To President Biden and Dr Biden, thank you for your faith and support. To Governor Walz and the Walz family, I know your service to our nation will continue, and to my extraordinary team, to the volunteers who gave so much of themselves to the poll workers and the local election officials. I thank you. I thank you all.”
Harris also said that “A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results. That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks public trust must honour it. At the same time, in our nation, we owe loyalty not to a President or a party but to the Constitution of the US.”
Harris also confirmed her commitment to a peaceful transfer of power, stating that she had spoken with Trump to assure him of her full cooperation during the transition. “Earlier today, I spoke with president-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” Harris said, a sharp contrast to the contentious transition after Trump’s 2020 loss.
Trump campaign acknowledged Harris’s phone call in a statement
The two leaders “spoke by phone earlier today where she congratulated him on his historic victory,” spokesperson Steven Cheung said.
“President Trump acknowledged Vice-President Harris on her strength, professionalism, and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country.”
In a 12-minute speech, Harris sought to leave an uplifting message.
