Kamala Harris Delivers Concession Speech And Tells Supporters To Not Give Up “The Fight That Fueled This Campaign”
Facing a crowd of supporters, a number of them wiping away tears, Kamala Harris delivered a concession speech Wednesday in which she urged them to not despair and not give up at a critical period in American history.
“To everyone who is watching: Do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves,” Harris said to the crowd at Howard University.
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Many in the crowd were at the same place Tuesday night, hopeful that it would be a victory celebration for winning the 2024 presidential election. Instead, the mood turned grim when it was apparent that the election was shifting Donald Trump’s way.
Harris made a point of noting that, in her phone call with Trump today, she told him that “we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” a contrast to the president-elect’s refusal to do so four years ago.
“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” Harris said. “That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks to public trust must honor it.”
“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,” she said.
Harris encouraged her supporters to “never give up.”
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” she said.
Harris was joined by her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and her running mate, Tim Walz, who was there with his wife Gwen.
“There’s an adage an historian once called a law of history, true of every society across the ages,” Harris said. “The adage is, ‘Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.’ I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case. But here’s the thing, America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant billion of stars, the light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service.”
Later, President Joe Biden issued a statement on Harris.
“What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire. She’s been a tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character. Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what’s possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans.
“As I’ve said before, selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made when I became the nominee for president in 2020. It was the best decision I made. Her story represents the best of America’s story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story.
“She will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy. She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Above all, she will continue to be a leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America’s future.”
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