US Vice President and Democratic Party contender Kamala Harris formally conceded the election to now president-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon, urging an assembled crowd of supporters in a televised speech not to despair, but to continue “the fight that fueled this campaign.”
Harris addressed supporters from the main open-air quadrangle at her alma mater, the historically black college Howard University in Washington D.C.
“Let me say my heart is full today. My heart is full today, full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve,” Harris said. “The outcome of this election was not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for, 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.”
She also expressed gratitude to her family, President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, along with her campaign staff.
“I am so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it. Over the 107 days of this campaign, we have been intention about building community and building coalitions, bringing people together from every walk of life and background, united by love of country with enthusiasm and joy in our fight for America’s future. And we did it with the knowledge that we all have so much more in common than what separates us.”
Harris said the election result must be respected and mentioned that she spoke with Trump, stressing that she’s committed to a peaceful transfer of power.
“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” she said. “That principle as much as any other distinguishes democracy from monarchy and tyranny, and anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it.”
Harris said the nation does not owe loyalty to a president or party, but to the Constitution, “our conscience and to our God…My allegiance to all three is why I am here today — to say while I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign.”
“Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win…Do not despair. 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.”
