Following Donald Trump’s projected win in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage at her alma mater, Howard University, to deliver a heartfelt message to her supporters.
In her speech, she acknowledged the disappointment of the results but expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and love for the country.
Kamala Harris Breaks Silence
“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted or fought for,” Harris told the crowd. “But the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we keep fighting.”
Kamala Harris: “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. The important thing is don’t ever give up.” pic.twitter.com/4Xy4z8Vh74
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 6, 2024
Although Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, didn’t secure the win, she assured the public of a “peaceful transfer of power.” She even shared that she had spoken with President-Elect Trump earlier in the day, offering congratulations and pledging to assist with a smooth transition.
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign. The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness, and the dignity of all people.”
— Kamala Harris in her concession speech. pic.twitter.com/38zUS1YXFB
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 6, 2024
Harris also emphasized her commitment to uphold American values, specifically democracy and the rule of law, and took a moment to address the young people watching, encouraging them to stay hopeful despite the outcome. “It’s OK to feel sad and disappointed,” she said. “But don’t ever give up. Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place.”
Throughout her campaign, Harris’s mantra had been, “When we fight, we win.” As she explained, sometimes the fight takes longer than expected, but that doesn’t mean the goal isn’t worth pursuing.
As the first Black and South Asian woman Vice President, Harris’s run had been historic. Although her campaign faced scrutiny, Harris stood firm, consistently advocating for policies that reflected equality, justice, and opportunity for all Americans. She noted that her campaign had been “about representing all the people” and underscored her belief in shared values that connect people across the nation.
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Her speech came shortly after Trump’s own victory remarks in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he expressed gratitude for becoming the nation’s 47th president, calling the win part of an “extraordinary political movement.”
While this election might not have ended as Harris had hoped, her message remained clear: the fight for progress and unity continues.
Watch the full speech bellow:
