Vice President Kamala Harris has reacted to her defeat in the recent US Election urging her supporters to accept Donald Trump’s return to the White House, while also reminding them to stay true to their ideals and never give up.
In her concession speech delivered in Washington, D.C., Harris acknowledged that the election results were not what the Democratic Party had hoped for, yet she underscored the vital importance of a peaceful transfer of power.
Having initially planned to deliver a victory speech at the same location just a night earlier, she addressed an emotional crowd, encouraging them to maintain their hope.
Trump garnered enough votes in crucial battleground states, including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, to secure the presidency.
Speaking at Howard University, her alma mater, on Wednesday, Harris conveyed her steadfast optimism, saying, “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.”
She took the stage to her campaign song, Freedom by Beyoncé, before thanking her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, her campaign staff, supporters, poll workers, and election officials.
She also urged her supporters to respect and accept the election results, despite the outcome not being in their favour.
“I know folks are experiencing a range of emotions right now, I get it. But we must respect the results of this election.”
However, her remarks were met with loud boos when she mentioned having spoken to President-elect Trump, recounting how she had offered to support his transition efforts, affirming the need for a peaceful handover.
Trump achieved a decisive victory, comfortably surpassing the 270 Electoral College votes needed to secure the presidency.
As is tradition, Trump will be inaugurated as president and officially take office on Monday, 20 January 2025, following the customary transition period after the election.
Between now and 20 January 2025, President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will collaborate with their transition team to coordinate the handover from President Biden’s administration.
