Vice President Kamala Harris has addressed a crowd at her alma mater, Howard University, where she acknowledged the hard-fought campaign that ultimately ended in defeat to President-elect Donald Trump.
She emphasised that the mission of her campaign would carry on, signaling future battles to come under the Trump administration.
“We will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square,” Harris said, rallying her supporters to persist in their efforts.
Her remarks highlighted a commitment to the issues that defined her campaign, with an emphasis on the role of young people in the political landscape.
In addressing the youth, Harris offered words of encouragement, recognising the disappointment in the room but stressing that the work must go on.
“Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win. The important thing is don’t ever give up,” she said. “Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place.”
“While I concede this election,” she stated, “I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign.” She added, “I will never give up a fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations – America will never give up the fight for our democracy.”
Addressing her supporters’ reactions to the loss, Harris urged acceptance of the election results and stressed the importance of a peaceful transition of power.
“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.
Harris also confirmed she had spoken with President-elect Trump earlier in the day to congratulate him.
“Earlier today I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory,” Harris shared, facing a mixed response from the crowd.
“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.”
Harris closed her remarks with a call for resilience.
“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for,” she said. “But 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.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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