Harris Encourages Supporters to ‘Never Give Up’ While Advocating for Peaceful Power Transition

Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, following her defeat, called on her supporters to acknowledge Donald Trump’s success in the White House race, simultaneously encouraging them to “never give up” in their pursuit of their principles. During a concession speech delivered in Washington DC, the US vice-president admitted that “the outcome of this election is not what we wanted,” yet emphasized the necessity of a peaceful transition of power. Harris, who had canceled a victory address scheduled for the same location the previous evening, also advised the attendees against despair. Trump secured the presidency by winning a sufficient number of crucial battleground states, such as Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, even as several states had yet to announce their results. In her comments on Wednesday from Howard University, her alma mater, Harris stated: “Hear me when I say, 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 entered the stage to her campaign anthem, “Freedom” by Beyoncé, prior to expressing gratitude to her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, along with her campaign personnel, supporters, poll workers, and election officials. Numerous individuals in the audience were seen wiping away tears during her address. “I know folks are experiencing a range of emotions right now,” she remarked with a slight laugh. “I get it. But we must respect the results of this election.” Her supporters reacted with audible boos when she mentioned having a phone conversation with President-elect Trump, adding, “I told him we will help him and his team with his transition. And we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.” She further stated, “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign.” Her address contained 19 references to the terms “fight” or “fighting.” Throughout the campaign, the opposing candidates frequently exchanged barbs, with Harris labeling Trump a “fascist” and a danger to American democracy. Harris informed her supporters on Wednesday: “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.” The former senator from California had been campaigning to become the first woman, first Black woman, and first South-Asian American to achieve the presidency. Harris and Trump conversed via telephone on Wednesday, addressing “the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans,” as conveyed by a Harris aide to reporters. A spokesperson for Trump stated that during the call, the president-elect “acknowledged Vice-President Harris on her strength, professionalism, and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country.” In a distinct phone conversation with Biden, the president “congratulated the Vice-President on her historic campaign,” as per a White House summary of the call. Biden observed Harris’s speech live from the White House, an aide confirmed. Charles Collins, a supporter of Harris, traveled from San Francisco to attend the event at Howard University on Wednesday. “I’m moving through the process of grief,” he informed the BBC. “But Kamala asked us to heal, so we can get to work.” The attendance at Howard University was visibly reduced compared to Tuesday night, and the mood was solemn. Many supporters opted for black attire, rather than the vibrant pink hues associated with Harris’s sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Howard law student Najah Lorde commented, “I feel pretty hopeless right now. I think a lot of us are lost right now.” A young woman, who chose not to reveal her name due to her status as a federal government employee preventing her from speaking to the media, conveyed to the BBC: “I cannot grapple with the fact that people have put economics over my body, over my rights. I really am at a loss.” According to exit poll data, the Democratic nominee might have performed less effectively among women voters. Approximately 54% of female voters supported her, which is lower than the 57% of women who voted for Joe Biden in 2020. Exit poll data also indicated that Black and Latino voters seemed marginally less inclined to support Harris compared to their backing of Biden four years prior. The campaign occasionally drew criticism for its inability to elaborate on a distinct economic platform, a matter of significant concern for Americans who have experienced multiple years of increasing inflation. North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher analyzes the presidential race in his bi-weekly US Election Unspun newsletter. Readers within the UK can subscribe via this link, while those outside the UK can subscribe here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.