In a defiant concession speech on Wednesday, United States Vice President and defeated Democratic candidate Kamala Harris pledged a peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Donald Trump, while urging her supporters to continue championing their values.
“We must accept the results of this election. Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory,” Harris declared in her address at Howard University in Washington, her alma mater.
She continued, “I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition, and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.”
Harris emphasized the importance of respecting election outcomes as a cornerstone of democracy, indirectly referencing Trump’s prior refusal to concede to President Joe Biden in 2020.
She affirmed, “Honoring election results is what distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny. Anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it.”
Reflecting on the guiding principles of public service, she added, “At the same time in our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or a party but to the Constitution of the United States, and loyalty to our conscience, and to our God.”
Addressing a crowd of supporters who had gathered to hear her speak, Harris acknowledged their disappointment but encouraged them to persevere.
“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 that 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 said, her words met with cheers.
Harris, who throughout her campaign had cautioned about Trump’s potential threat to American democracy, concluded her speech by acknowledging the anxiety felt by her supporters about the nation’s future.
“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,” she remarked.
With an optimistic outlook, she added, “But here’s the thing: America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion stars, the light — the light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service.”
