Article Summary –
Kamala Harris conceded the presidential election to Donald Trump, urging continued efforts for her vision. Speaking at Howard University, she emphasized ongoing battles in democracy. Despite a unified party post-Biden, Harris faced challenges in battleground states, leaving Democrats to strategize for a future under Trump’s presidency.
Kamala Harris Delivers Speech at Howard University, Highlights Continuing Fight After Election Loss
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kamala Harris urged supporters to accept election results, emphasizing the ongoing battle for their vision of America despite her loss to Donald Trump.
The Democratic vice president stated the fight would persist “in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square.”
“Sometimes the fight takes a while,” she remarked. “That doesn’t mean we won’t win.”
Harris spoke at Howard University, her alma mater and a leading historically Black college, where she initially hoped to celebrate a victory.
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” Harris stated.
Present in the audience were her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and California Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Lee.
Harris called Trump to concede, congratulating him on his victory, and affirmed, “We will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.”
Once seen as a Democratic Party savior after Joe Biden’s reelection campaign struggled, Harris faces a rejection from American voters in this presidential race.
She lagged behind Trump in all battleground states, a candidate she labeled as a threat to America’s foundational institutions. Remarkably, Trump seemed poised to win the popular vote for the first time, despite prior impeachments and legal convictions.
President Biden plans to address the election results Thursday. The White House confirmed his conversations with Harris and Trump, inviting the president-elect for a meeting soon.
David Plouffe, a key Harris adviser, noted campaign staffers “left it all on the field for their country,” calling it “a devastating loss.”
As vice president, Harris is expected to oversee Congress’ ceremonial election certification, reminiscent of Mike Pence’s role amidst the Capitol insurrection.
Harris emerged as the Democratic candidate after Biden struggled and exited the race, endorsing her. She swiftly unified the party behind her candidacy.
Her campaign energized Democrats wary of a Biden candidacy, yet she faced challenges: limited time, a restless electorate, and Biden’s political operation.
Although she introduced “a new way forward,” she struggled to differentiate herself from the unpopular sitting president, lacking time to connect with voters who never backed her in a primary.
Democrats now contemplate their future under a second Trump presidency, and Harris’s role remains uncertain.
“The work of protecting America from the impacts of a Trump Presidency starts now,” wrote campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, affirming Harris’s continued commitment to the collective mission.
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