Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a moving concession speech on the steps of Howard University, her alma mater, following her presidential election defeat.
In a powerful and resolute address, Harris underscored a message of perseverance, unity, and constitutional integrity, speaking to a crowd of supporters while reaching Americans across the nation.
Her words, directed especially toward young voters, urged resilience, even as she acknowledged the bittersweet reality of the loss.
Standing Firm on American Principles
Harris thanked President Joe Biden, her family, and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, for their unwavering support throughout the campaign, which spanned a whirlwind four months.
She spoke with pride about the hard work of her team, expressing gratitude even amid the disappointment. Transitioning into a message of civility and democratic duty, Harris shared that she had called President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him, pledging a peaceful transition of power.
However, Harris did not shy away from reinforcing what she believes must come next.
“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” she stated, stressing that loyalty is not to a single leader or political party, but to the U.S. Constitution.
This, she suggested, is what defines democracy. Her comments drew applause from the crowd and sparked conversations online, particularly among younger Americans who have faced increasing political polarization.
An Encouraging Message to America’s Youth
In an effort to inspire and empower, Harris turned her focus to young voters and future voters, acknowledging the weight of defeat and the feeling of heading into “dark times.”
Yet, she was quick to pivot to optimism, encouraging young people to harness their power, remain hopeful, and push for change.
“Sometimes the fight takes a while, but that doesn’t mean we won’t win,” she told the crowd, urging them to never abandon their aspirations. “The important thing is that you don’t ever give up,” she said, her words resonating with young activists and advocates who have closely followed her career.
Harris concluded with a reminder: “Don’t you ever listen when anyone tells you something isn’t possible because it has never been done before.”
Her sentiment struck a chord on social media, with thousands sharing clips of her speech alongside messages of encouragement, applauding her dedication to uplifting future generations.
Trump’s Response: A Call for Unity
The call between Harris and Trump was met with mutual respect, according to a statement from Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung.
Trump, who is set to become the nation’s 47th president, commended Harris for her strength, professionalism, and determination.
Both leaders, Cheung noted, expressed a shared commitment to uniting the nation—a sentiment that may serve as a foundational step toward bridging divides in the coming months.
