Harris concedes election to Trump, says disappointment 'OK'
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US Vice President Kamala Harris concedes the election to US President-elect Donald Trump after a resounding defeat for the Democrats.
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Vice President Kamala Harris gestures as she delivers a concession speech for the 2024 presidential election, Wednesday, November 6, 2024, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. (AP)
US Vice President Kamala Harris addressed her supporters at Howard University on Wednesday night, conceding the 2024 presidential election to President-elect Donald Trump.
Representing the Democratic Party in the election, Harris expressed gratitude to her supporters and emphasized the ongoing fight for "freedom, opportunity, and justice," despite the disappointing outcome.
"The outcome of this election is not what we wanted. Not what we fought for, not what we voted for," Harris said, addressing the crowd with a smile, dressed in all black. She thanked her supporters for their trust and reassured them of her dedication to the values that propelled her campaign.
"While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign—the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness, and the dignity of all people, a fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation," Harris stated.
She urged her supporters, especially young Americans, to accept the election results and remain steadfast in the pursuit of these ideals. "To the young people who are watching: it is OK to feel saddened and disappointed, but, please, know it’s going to be OK," she said, adding that while the journey might be long, the fight is far from over.
"Do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands, this is a time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organize, to mobilize, and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice," Harris added.
The vice president also noted that she had spoken with Trump, offering her assistance to his team and pledging a peaceful transition of power. The Biden administration, she assured, would fully cooperate with the President-elect to ensure stability in the transition.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden watched Harris's concession speech from the West Wing of the White House, according to a statement released by the White House.
Trump elected as president
Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States in a remarkable political comeback that has sent shockwaves across the nation and internationally. Several world leaders swiftly offered their congratulations, with many expressing hope for continued or strengthened cooperation with the United States under his renewed leadership.
At 78, Trump becomes both the oldest person and the first convicted criminal to win the White House. He defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, who was vying to make history as the first woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian American president in the US.
As the votes rolled in, Trump secured North Carolina early, the first key battleground to be called. Later, he clinched Georgia and Pennsylvania, signaling a strong path to victory. Shortly after 2 a.m., he addressed supporters at his campaign headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida, flanked by family, key aides, and his vice-presidential choice, Ohio Senator JD Vance.
