(Washington, DC) – Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States and Democratic presidential candidate, delivered a concession speech at Howard University on November 6, 2024, following her defeat in the 2024 presidential race. Harris acknowledged President elect Donald Trump’s victory and expressed her commitment to helping with a peaceful transfer of power.
During her 11 minute speech, Harris spoke with a sense of pride for the campaign she ran, emphasizing the importance of accepting the results of the election as a fundamental principle of American democracy. She thanked President Joe Biden, her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and her volunteers, expressing gratitude for the efforts put into the campaign despite the loss.
In a significant moment, Harris said, “I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” referring to the ongoing struggle for freedom, fairness, and dignity for all people. She encouraged her supporters, particularly the youth, to stay motivated and reminded them that progress often requires time and perseverance. “Don’t ever give up. Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place,” she said, motivating her audience to continue fighting for the ideals that represent America at its best.
Despite entering the race late and facing challenges in gaining support, especially among rural voters and Latino communities, Harris ran a strong campaign. However, she was ultimately unable to match the electoral success of her opponent. Trump’s decisive win came with a strong performance in key swing states and a majority of the popular vote.
| Key Highlights of the Speech | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Concession | Kamala Harris conceded the 2024 presidential race to President-elect Donald Trump. |
| Speech Focus | Harris focused on accepting the election results, vowing to help with the transition, and rallying her supporters to continue fighting for justice. |
| Key Quotes | “The fight for freedom will take hard work, but like I always say, we like hard work.” |
| Election Results | Trump captured crucial swing states and achieved more than 51% of the popular vote. |
| Supporters’ Reaction | The speech, filled with emotional moments, was met with both cheers and tears from the audience. |
The speech also stood in stark contrast to Trump’s response after the 2020 election, where he refused to concede, alleging voter fraud. Harris’s acknowledgment of the outcome and her commitment to a peaceful transfer of power reflected the values of democracy and the importance of the Constitution.
Throughout her campaign, Harris was often seen as an underdog, but she inspired many with her message of resilience. She had a significant following but struggled to match the voter base that had supported Joe Biden in 2020, particularly in key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
