Vice President Kamala Harris has called on her supporters to accept Donald Trump’s return to the White House, while urging them to never give up on their ideals.
Delivering a concession speech in Washington, D.C., the Democratic candidate acknowledged that the outcome of the election is not what the Democratic Party had hoped for, but she emphasised the importance of a peaceful transfer of power.
Harris, who had initially planned a victory speech at the same venue just a night earlier, spoke to an emotional crowd, encouraging them not to lose hope.
Trump secured enough votes in key battleground states, including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, to claim the presidency.
In her address at Howard University, her alma mater, on Wednesday, Harris expressed unwavering optimism, saying, “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 took the stage to her campaign song, Freedom by Beyoncé, before thanking her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, her campaign staff, supporters, poll workers, and election officials.
She also urged her supporters to respect and accept the election results, despite the outcome not being in their favour.
“I know folks are experiencing a range of emotions right now, I get it. But we must respect the results of this election.”
However, her remarks were met with loud boos when she mentioned having spoken to President-elect Trump, recounting how she had offered to support his transition efforts, affirming the need for a peaceful handover.
Trump achieved a decisive victory, comfortably surpassing the 270 Electoral College votes needed to secure the presidency.
As is tradition, Trump will be inaugurated as president and officially take office on Monday, 20 January 2025, following the customary transition period after the election.
Between now and 20 January 2025, President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will collaborate with their transition team to coordinate the handover from President Biden’s administration.
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