Harris concedes the election, but not ‘the fight that fueled this campaign’

In a heartfelt and determined speech at Howard University, Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the 2024 presidential election, acknowledging the loss but reaffirming her commitment to continue fighting for the values that fueled her campaign. In her remarks, Harris emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and vowed to remain engaged in the struggle for justice, freedom, and equality.

“Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Donald Trump and congratulated him on his victory,” Harris said. “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.” Her words were a direct contrast to the behavior of her opponent four years ago, who refused to accept the results of the 2020 election. Harris made it clear that, as an American leader, she understood the importance of respecting democratic processes and the rule of law.

“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” Harris added. “At the same time, in our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or a party, but to the Constitution of the United States, and loyalty to our conscience and to our God.” She continued, saying that her allegiance to these principles was the reason she could stand before the American people to say: “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign.”

In what was a pivotal moment in her political career, Harris acknowledged the emotions that many of her supporters were experiencing, saying she understood their disappointment but stressing the need for unity and forward momentum. “I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now. I get it. But we must accept the results of this election,” she said. “This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organize, to mobilize, and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice and the future that we all know we can build together.”

Harris’ message was one of hope and resilience, urging supporters to remain active and committed to making lasting change. She vowed to continue the fight for justice, not only through political processes like voting and legal challenges but also through everyday acts of kindness and respect. “We will fight in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square,” she said. “We will fight in quieter ways: By treating one another with kindness and respect… by always using our strength to lift people up.”

Harris also took a moment to speak directly to young people, encouraging them not to be discouraged by the loss. “To the young people who are watching, it is okay to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s going to be OK,” she said. “On the campaign, I would often say, ‘When we fight, we win.’ But here’s the thing, sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win. That doesn’t mean we won’t win.” Her message was clear: the fight for a better future does not end with one election, and every effort made today contributes to the change of tomorrow.

In what could be seen as an acknowledgment of her historic run as the first woman of color to appear on a major presidential ticket, Harris subtly referenced the challenges women still face in politics. “Don’t you ever listen when anyone tells you something is impossible because it has never been done before,” she said, a nod to the barriers still to be broken in the path of women in politics.

Her speech marked the end of an intense and tumultuous election season, which saw President Joe Biden step aside following a difficult debate performance. As Biden’s running mate, Harris had quickly consolidated the support of the Democratic Party and ascended to the top of the ticket, though ultimately falling short in the race. On the evening of her concession, Harris was joined by close family and aides at the Naval Observatory but did not attend her campaign’s watch party at Howard University, where many supporters had gathered to watch the election results.

In her final moments before conceding, Harris made a brief but important phone call to President-elect Trump, offering her congratulations and a commitment to a smooth transition. “We discussed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans,” a senior aide shared.

Despite the loss, Harris will continue to play a critical role in American governance. As Vice President, she will be tasked with presiding over the count of the Electoral College votes on January 6, 2025, a somewhat ironic duty as she officially certifies the results of her own defeat.

Kamala Harris’ concession speech was a testament to her strength and determination, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy, justice, and the ongoing fight for a better future. Though she may have conceded the election, her message was clear: the fight for a more just America is far from over.