Kamala Harris Delivers Her Concession Speech: 'It's Going to Be Okay'

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11/06/2024 05:10 PM

"The important thing is, don't ever give up," the vice president shared in her final words of the 2024 presidential campaign

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Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a concession speech at Howard University on Nov. 6, 2024

Kamala Harris has spoken out in the wake of losingthe 2024 presidential election.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the history-making Democratic nominee, 60, addressed the nation at Howard University in Washington, D.C., after Republican Donald Trump, 78, surpassed the 270 Electoral College votes needed to secure the White House.

"Let me say, my heart is full today," the vice president told a crowd shortly before 4:30 p.m. local time. "Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve. The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for. But hear me when I say, hear me when I say, the light of America's promise will always burn bright."

Harris expressed that she has pride in what her coalition built in only 107 days on the campaign trail, thanking her team, her family and the Walzes, who stood emotional in front of the crowd.

"Now I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now, I get it," she said with a laugh. "But we must accept the results of this election. Earlier today I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition. And that we will engage with a peaceful transfer of power."

J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Vice President Kamala Harris vows to keep fighting for change after losing the 2024 presidential election

In one part of her speech that appeared to reference the unrest that ensued after Trump lost the 2020 election, she said, "A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results. That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny. And anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it."

She added that her loyalty to the Constitution, her conscience and God is why she was standing on that stage and vowing to keep pushing for change.

"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. A fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation — the ideals that reflect America at our best," she said. "That is a fight I will never give up."

J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Vice President Kamala Harris walks out on stage to deliver her concession on Nov. 6, 2024

Offering encouragement to the students in the crowd, many of whom are experiencing devastation over an election for the first time, the vice president emphasized that her defeat is just one setback in their movement.

"To the young people who are watching, it is okay to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it's going to be okay," she said. "On the campaign I would often say, 'When we fight, we win.' But here's the thing: Sometimes the fight takes awhile. That doesn't mean we won't win. The important thing is don't ever give up."

She continued: "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, brilliant billion of stars — the light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service."

J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at Howard University to deliver the final words of her 107-day presidential campaign

The 2024 presidential election initially appeared to be a close race, with projections leading up to Nov. 5 showing Trump and Harris tied, if not close to tied. However, in the end, Trump — who is now set to serve a rare, nonconsecutive second term in the White House following his 2016 win and 2020 loss to President Joe Biden — won the popular vote.

Harris began her run for commander in chief in July after Biden stepped down from the race following concerns stemming from his presidential debate performance against Trump in June. Upon dropping out, Biden, 81, endorsed Harris.

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"Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year," he said at the time via X (formerly Twitter). "Democrats — it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this."

Andrew Harnik/Getty
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz appear on stage together for the first time as running mates on Aug. 6

Harris' campaign was endorsed by many Republicans, including former Rep. Liz Cheney, who vocally criticized Trump's handling of his 2020 election loss and called him a threat to democracy.

The daughters of former Presidents George W. Bush and Gerald Ford also endorsed Harris, along with Trump's nephew Fred C. Trump III, his niece Mary Trump and his former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.

Celebrities including Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and Beyoncé also supported Harris.