“Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory,” Harris said at the vice president’s alma mater. Howard Universityin Washington, D.C.
This is the first time Harris has addressed the public in front of cameras since Trump declared victory early Wednesday morning.
“We will continue to fight this fight at the polls, in the courtrooms and in the public square,” she said.
Harris was joined by her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and other family members and campaign staff. Many people were in tears as the vice president delivered his speech.
“I know people are feeling and going through a range of emotions right now,” Harris said. “I’m very proud of the games we played and the way we played.”
Harris urged her supporters to remain hopeful about the incoming administration.
“While I recognize this election, I do not recognize the fight that drove this campaign,” Harris said. “The fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness and dignity for all.”
“Now is not the time to raise your hands,” she added. “Now is the time for us to roll up our sleeves and get going.”
During her 107-day campaign, Harris broke fundraising records and regularly held rallies attended by tens of thousands. She’s also garnered a string of high-profile endorsements — from music superstars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney. A staunch conservative.
“We have always been committed to building community and coalitions that bring people from all walks of life and backgrounds together, united by their love of country,” Harris said.
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States, speaks at Howard University on November 6, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images
Harris was scheduled to speak at an election observation party at Howard University on Tuesday night, but her campaign dispersed the crowd as the vote count progressed and Trump’s campaign appeared to be ahead.
Wednesday’s speech capped an unprecedented series of events in American political history. It started when Trump survived an assassination attempt in early July. A week later, Harris was the natural front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
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