In a poignant concession speech delivered on Wednesday at Howard University, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the nation following her defeat in the 2024 presidential election.
President-elect Donald Trump’s victory marked his return to the White House, and Harris took the stage at her alma mater to express her gratitude, share her vision, and encourage Americans to embrace unity in the face of their emotions. For Harris, the journey to this moment was marked by dedication, sacrifice, and resilience, and her speech served as a testament to her enduring commitment to the democratic principles that shaped her campaign.
After a hard-fought campaign, Howard University had been prepared to host Harris’ victory rally. However, as Tuesday’s election returns started to show an unfavourable outcome, she left the university without delivering any remarks. By Wednesday, after a concession call with President-elect Trump, Harris addressed her supporters for the first time since Trump’s win. On the historic stage at Howard, she shared her heartfelt reflections, gratitude, and, ultimately, her hope for the future.
“My heart is full today,” Harris began, addressing a packed crowd of supporters, friends, and family. “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, often known for her poise and optimism, expressed her disappointment with the election results. “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: The light of America’s promise will always burn bright.”
Harris also took a moment to thank her family for their unwavering support throughout the campaign. She expressed profound gratitude for her husband, Doug Emhoff, and her entire family in her speech. “To my beloved Doug and our family, I love you so very much,” she said warmly. Harris thanked President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, acknowledging their confidence in her abilities and faith in her campaign’s vision. She also extended special appreciation to Governor Tim Walz and the Walz family, predicting that they would continue to serve the nation with the same dedication they have shown.
Reflecting on her campaign, Harris said, “I am proud of the race we ran” during the 107 days of intense efforts. She expressed gratitude to the many supporters who contributed their time, resources, and voices to the cause, emphasising that their dedication represented the spirit of democracy in action. Her message was clear: their efforts and voices mattered despite the outcome.
Addressing the emotional landscape of the moment, Harris acknowledged the range of reactions among her supporters and urged them to accept the results. “Now I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now. I get it,” she said, letting out a brief, empathetic chuckle before adding, “But we must accept the results of this election.” For Harris, the concession was about more than the end of a campaign; it was about upholding the values of democracy. “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,” she said. “And anyone who seeks the public trust must honour it.”
Harris added that her loyalty lies not with any individual or party but with the Constitution and her conscience. “At the same time, in our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or to a party, but to the Constitution of the United States. And loyalty to our conscience and to our God.” This commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles, she noted, was essential to her campaign and remains the cornerstone of her beliefs.
Beyond the concession, Harris reaffirmed her dedication to fighting for the rights of Americans. “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” she declared, drawing applause from the crowd. Harris emphasised her steadfast commitment to freedom, fairness, and opportunity for all Americans. She specifically cited issues close to her heart, including women’s rights and gun safety. “I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations, where the women of America have the freedom to make decisions about their own body and not have their government telling them what to do,” she said. “We will never give up the fight to protect our schools and our streets from gun violence.”
In a moment of empathy, Harris reached out to her younger supporters, acknowledging the sadness and disappointment they may feel in light of the election loss. “To the young people who are watching,” she said, “it is OK to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s going to be OK.” Harris, known for her advocacy for youth engagement in politics, offered words of encouragement: “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.” She continued, urging them, “The important thing is—don’t ever give up. Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place. You have power.”
“Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars,” she said, paraphrasing an old adage. “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. And may that work guide us even in the face of setbacks toward the extraordinary promise of the United States of America.”
Harris concluded with a call for kindness, respect, and resilience. “We will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square. And we will also wage it in quieter ways—in how we live our lives, by treating one another with kindness and respect; by looking in the face of a stranger and seeing a neighbor; by always using our strength to lift people up, to fight for the dignity that all people deserve.” Harris closed with one final rallying cry: “The fight for our freedom will take hard work. But like I always say: We like hard work. Hard work is good work. Hard work can be joyful work. And the fight for our country is always worth it. It is always worth it.”
Trump congratulations
Leaders from both parties and nations around the globe have not wasted any time in extending their congratulations to Trump and acknowledging the peaceful transition of power. Former Vice President Mike Pence, who had notably refrained from endorsing Trump during the election, congratulated his former boss and newly elected Vice President-elect, JD Vance. “The American people have spoken, and Karen and I send our sincere congratulations to President-Elect Donald Trump and his family on his election as 47th President of the United States,” Pence wrote on X.
President Joe Biden also called Trump to congratulate him and extend an invitation to the White House. Trump’s campaign noted that Biden’s call was appreciated. It signalled a commitment to a smooth transition, underscoring the importance of upholding democratic norms.
The congratulatory messages extended well beyond America’s borders. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other world leaders each made calls to Trump, highlighting the global impact of the U.S. election. Netanyahu, who had enjoyed a strong alliance with Trump during his previous term, was among the first to reach out, describing the conversation as “warm and cordial.” The two leaders discussed security issues and the ongoing challenges posed by Iran. Crown Prince bin Salman also expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to continue strengthening the historic ties between the two nations, reaffirming a longstanding alliance.
Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who had actively supported Harris in her campaign, issued a statement acknowledging their differences with the Republican ticket but underscoring the value of democratic process. “This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues,” they wrote, “But living in a democracy is about recognising that our point of view won’t always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.”
Corporate leaders and CEOs from top tech firms, including Apple’s Tim Cook, Google’s Sundar Pichai, and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, publicly congratulated Trump, signalling a potential recalibration within Silicon Valley to adapt to the new administration. Apple’s Cook, expressing optimism for America’s future, said, “We look forward to engaging with you and your administration to help make sure the United States continues to lead with and be fueled by ingenuity, innovation, and creativity.” With ongoing antitrust concerns and regulatory issues facing the tech industry, these leaders’ statements indicated a willingness to work constructively with Trump’s administration.
Written by Olivier Noudjalbaye Dedingar, USA/UN Correspondent
