Article Summary –
Kamala Harris conceded the presidential election to Donald Trump after trailing in every battleground state, despite her efforts to unify the Democratic Party and energize voters following Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Harris encouraged her supporters to continue advocating for their vision through voting, legal action, and public discourse, underscoring that her defeat was not a permanent setback. The Democratic Party now faces the challenge of regrouping during Trump’s second presidency, with Harris expected to remain an influential figure in the ongoing political struggle.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kamala Harris, after a major defeat by U.S. voters, conceded the presidential election to Donald Trump on Wednesday, urging her supporters to keep striving for their vision of the nation.
The Democratic vice president emphasized that the struggle would persist “in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square.”
Speaking at Howard University, her alma mater, where she had hoped to deliver her victory speech, she stated, “Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win.”
Harris’ substantial loss dashed hopes of salvaging Democratic prospects after President Joe Biden’s reelection bid faltered and she took over as the nominee.
She lagged behind Trump in key battleground states, labeling him a threat to national institutions. Trump seemed poised to win the popular vote for the first time, despite past impeachments and felony convictions.
Despite her dire warnings about Trump, Harris maintained a hopeful tone on Wednesday.
“It is OK to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s going to be OK,” she reassured supporters, some of whom were in tears.
Biden commended Harris post-speech, stating she would persist with “purpose, determination, and joy.” He praised her as a role model for future generations.
Present in the audience were Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, and Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Lee, all from California.
Harris called Trump to congratulate him on his win, telling the audience, “we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” referencing Trump’s previous refusal.
Audience members were disheartened by Harris not becoming the first Black female president and first U.S. president of South Asian descent.
Gregory Pate, 38, appreciated Harris’ commitment, viewing the loss as a temporary setback rather than a permanent defeat for Black Americans.
Jay Evans from Greenbelt, Maryland, felt wistful, believing Harris could have united the nation and improved its trajectory.
Following Trump’s loss to Biden, he directed supporters to the Capitol, resulting in a violent insurrection interrupting the certification of election results.
Now, Harris is expected to oversee the certification process to confirm Trump’s victory as voters dismiss concerns about American democracy’s future, reinstating the former Republican president.
Biden plans to address election results on Thursday. He spoke with Harris and Trump on Wednesday, inviting the president-elect for a meeting soon.
David Plouffe, a key Harris adviser, stated that campaign staffers gave their all for their country, though it resulted in “a devastating loss.”
Harris became the Democratic nominee after Biden, struggling to convince voters he could serve until age 86, faltered in a June debate with Trump.
Biden exited the race on July 21, endorsing his vice president, who quickly unified the Democratic Party around her candidacy.
It was a surprising turn for Harris. Her presidential campaign flamed out four years earlier, exposing her political limitations, despite being dubbed “the female Barack Obama.” As vice president, she languished in the role after being the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to serve.
Following Biden’s departure, she was thrust into the presidential race, a month before the Democratic National Convention.
Harris immediately redefined the campaign against Trump. She was 18 years younger and a former prosecutor, challenging a candidate convicted of crimes. Her candidacy energized Democrats fearing defeat with Biden as the nominee.
However, she faced substantial challenges from the outset. Harris inherited Biden’s political team with only 107 days left, confronting a restless electorate.
Although Harris proposed “a new way forward,” she struggled to set herself apart from the unpopular president. She had limited time to engage skeptical voters who hadn’t voted for her in a presidential primary.
Democrats must now regroup during a second Trump presidency, with Harris’ future role in the party uncertain.
“The work of protecting America from the impacts of a Trump Presidency starts now,” wrote Jen O’Malley Dillon, Harris’ campaign chair, to staff. “I know the Vice President isn’t finished in this fight, and I know the very people on this email are also going to be leaders in this collective mission.”
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