Kamala Harris has shared her thoughts for the first time following the results of the 2024 US presidential election.
As the polls closed on November 5, it became apparent that Harris faced a challenging scenario as her opponent Donald Trump secured victories in several US states, including Texas, Florida, Georgia, and the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania.
Harris initially intended to celebrate the evening at her alma mater, Howard University in Washington, DC. However, she ultimately refrained from speaking as more news of Trump’s victories came in.
Harris was declared the victor in states including Washington, Oregon, New York, and California, but she fell short of the 270 electoral votes required to win as Trump moved closer to the target.
Throughout the final hours, the Vice President continued to urge people to cast their votes, tweeting: “Today, we have the chance to vote for a future of freedom, opportunity, and justice—not just for some, but for all.”
She followed up with another tweet, stating, “If you are in line before the polls close, stay in line.”
After the election results were finalized, Harris offered a concession speech at Howard University on November 6, expressing, “Let me say, 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.”
“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for,” Harris continued. “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.”
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” she added. “The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people.”
“To the young people who are watching,” Harris continued. “It is okay to feel sad and disappointed. But please know it’s going to be okay. On the campaign, I’d often say when we fight, we win. Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win. The important thing is don’t ever give up.”
“Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place.”
Harris entered the race after Joe Biden announced his decision to withdraw on July 21, citing that it was ‘in the best interest’ of the Democratic party for him to step down and focus on his presidential responsibilities for the remainder of his term.
Trump was officially nominated as the Republican presidential candidate in July, although he first expressed his desire to run for the presidency again in November 2022.
He declared his triumph in the 2024 election before attaining the necessary 270 votes, when he was just a few votes shy.
Speaking at the West Palm Beach, Florida, Convention Center, Trump stated: “I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president and your 45th president.”