Vice President Kamala Harris has delivered her concession speech, urging Americans to accept the results of the election and to keep fighting for freedom and democracy.
Harris spoke in front of a large crowd at Howard University the morning after Donald Trump was declared the winner of the 2024 US presidential election.
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign, the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness, and the dignity for all people,” she said.
“To the young people who are watching, it is ok to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s gonna be ok.
“When we fight, we win. But here’s the thing – 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. You have power, and don’t you ever listen when someone tells you something is impossible, because it has never been done before.”
Harris said she had spoken to president-elect Trump and told him she would work with him to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.
“I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now. I get it, 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 in a peaceful transfer of power,” she said.
Harris said she will never give up the fight for a woman’s right to choose.
“America, we will never give up the fight for our democracy, for the rule of law, for equal justice, and for the sacred idea that every one of us, no matter who we are or where we start out, has certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld,” she said.
She also told Americans not to despair at the result, but instead keep working in the name of freedom and democracy.
“This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is the time to roll up our sleeves,” she said.
“There’s an adage an historian once called a law of history: only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.
“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 billion bright stars. The light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service.”