Harris tells supporters bruised by election loss that ‘no one can walk away’ in forward-looking speech
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On December 17, Vice President Kamala Harris addresses students and recent graduates at Prince George's Community College in Largo, Maryland.
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech on Tuesday that combined resolve and optimism, marking her first significant remarks since conceding her election loss. In a powerful address to a group of young leaders in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Harris emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks. As President-elect Donald Trump’s second term approaches, she urged young people to remain engaged in the political process, despite the challenges of the past year.
“The movements for civil rights, women’s rights, workers’ rights—the United States of America itself—would never have come to be if people had given up after a court case or a battle or an election did not go their way,” Harris told the crowd. She acknowledged the fatigue and discouragement many of her supporters have expressed since the election, citing the numerous messages she’s received from people feeling “tired” and “resigned.” Despite this, Harris was clear in her message: “No one can walk away. No one can walk away. We must stay in the fight, every one of us.”
Her speech was carefully crafted to inspire, encouraging a spirit of resilience and unity. While the tone was optimistic, there was also an implicit recognition of where she and the Democratic Party had fallen short in their bid to unseat Trump, who had gained significant traction with younger voters during the election. Harris’ remarks subtly framed her as a bridge to the next generation of Democratic leaders, echoing a sentiment President Joe Biden had expressed. However, Biden’s presidency had ended up more as a bridge to Trump’s second term, raising questions about the future direction of the party.
“In moments like this, the true test of our character is how resilient and persistent we are to pursue the future that we all can see,” Harris continued. “Do we throw up our hands, or do we roll up our sleeves?” Her words highlighted the importance of staying engaged in the political fight, stressing that despite setbacks, the pursuit of progress is an ongoing effort.
Although Harris did not outline any concrete plans for her own political future, her speech set the stage for speculation. Some of her aides are divided on whether she should run for California governor in 2026 or launch another presidential campaign two years later. With decisions about her political path likely to be made by next summer, Harris’ remarks appeared to position her as a key figure in shaping the future of the Democratic Party.
Since conceding the election last month, Harris has kept a relatively low public profile. She spent a week in Hawaii in mid-November for a vacation, returning just in time to volunteer at DC Central Kitchen for Thanksgiving. She also participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at a local Washington cookbook store. Her recent activities have been quieter, reflecting a period of personal reflection and regrouping after the election.
Harris has also made some high-profile appearances, such as attending the Kennedy Center Honors earlier this month. In addition, she hosted a series of holiday gatherings, including black-tie dinners at the Naval Observatory and staff parties for her office and campaign team. These events offered a glimpse into her life behind the scenes, providing moments of celebration and camaraderie amid the political challenges she’s faced.
Despite the setbacks and challenges of the past year, Harris’ speech underscored her determination to continue fighting for the causes she believes in. She reminded the audience that the fight for civil rights and social justice is never easy and that it requires persistence and unwavering commitment. As the year draws to a close and Trump’s second term looms, Harris’ call to action for the next generation of leaders seems aimed at keeping the momentum of progressive movements alive, even in the face of disappointment.
Her words served as a rallying cry to those who may feel defeated by the election’s outcome, urging them not to give up but to keep pushing forward in pursuit of the ideals they believe in. Whether she decides to run for office again or take on a different role in the future, Harris’ commitment to the causes she champions remains clear.
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