WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Thursday Times) — Kamala Harris took the stage at Howard University in Washington, D.C., greeted by a wave of applause as Beyoncé’s Freedom filled the air—a fitting anthem for her campaign’s final moment. Clad in resolve and gratitude, the Vice-President stood before supporters, her voice carrying both disappointment and unwavering patriotism. “My heart is full today,” she began, before delivering a speech acknowledging a hard-fought campaign, one that ended in the loss to Donald Trump. “Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country and full of resolve.”
Beyoncé opens a sombre rally
With the energy of Freedom reverberating through the crowd, Harris embraced the moment, capturing the spirit of resilience that her campaign symbolised. The song choice was apt, a rallying call that many supporters had embraced as a theme for her bid to lead the nation. Harris’s campaign had aimed to resonate with young, diverse voters, and this final moment with her supporters seemed to echo that mission.
Gratitude to supporters and family
Harris’s speech turned to appreciation, recognising the many people who propelled her forward throughout the campaign. “The outcome of this election is not what we hoped or fought for,” she admitted, her tone solemn but resolute. She offered thanks to her family, her “beloved Doug,” and her running mate Tim Walz. She also extended gratitude to Joe and Jill Biden, her campaign team, volunteers, and the election workers who dedicated themselves to this process.
Standing before the crowd, she emphasised that she was proud of the “race we ran and the way we ran it,” applauding the values and integrity that defined her approach. “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 continued, a sentiment that connected her campaign’s ideals to those of her audience.
Defeat with resilience
In her first address since the election results, Harris spoke to a nation awaiting her response to Trump’s decisive win. She called for acceptance of the results, emphasising the importance of the democratic process and the resilience of America’s institutions. “We must accept the results of this election,” she affirmed, with a tone that reflected both her commitment to democracy and the bitter reality of her campaign’s outcome.
Harris had earlier made a call to Donald Trump to formally concede, marking a pivotal moment in the campaign’s closure. Her words conveyed the weight of the concession, but they also looked forward, hinting at the ongoing struggle for the values she championed. “The light of America’s promise,” she reiterated, “will always burn bright.”
Emotions
“I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now,” Harris acknowledged to the crowd, her words reaching those grappling with the sting of defeat. “I get it,” she continued, nodding to the frustration felt by her supporters. Yet, Harris made it clear that respecting democratic principles was essential, declaring, “we must accept the results of this election.” She confirmed she had spoken with Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory, extending an olive branch to a divided nation.
Harris further emphasised the commitment to a peaceful transition, stating that she would personally ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. “A fundamental principle of democracy is to accept the results,” she added, underlining a conviction that democracy’s strength lies in respecting electoral outcomes, distinguishing it from tyranny. Her words echoed through the hall, underscoring a shared commitment to the rule of law and democratic values.
Community, unity
Harris took a moment to reflect on the ethos of her campaign, expressing pride in the work done by her team to foster unity across communities. She described her campaign as one intentionally centred on “building communities and building coalitions.” Her team, she said, was driven by a deep-seated love for America and an unwavering enthusiasm for shaping the nation’s future. The camaraderie they fostered extended beyond the election, a testament to the solidarity built throughout their journey. Harris spoke of a common bond that transcends partisan divides. “Americans have much more in common than that which separates them,” she affirmed.
Conceding the election
“I concede this election. I do not concede the fight,” Harris stated firmly, her voice carrying a renewed conviction. Reflecting on her guiding principles, she reminded her supporters that in America, loyalty is owed not to a president or party, but “to the Constitution of the United States, to our conscience, and to our God.” This triad of loyalty, she explained, was the foundation of her decision to step back from the presidential race yet remain steadfast in her pursuit of the ideals she championed throughout her campaign.
Harris emphasised that her continued fight was rooted in “freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all people.” These values, she asserted, are what “reflect America at our best.” Her words served as a rallying call for her supporters to carry forward the torch of the ideals that defined her campaign.
Fighting for women’s rights
Despite her defeat, Harris vowed not to abandon the causes she championed throughout her campaign. Addressing the crowd with resolve, she declared, “I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations.” Central to this commitment was her dedication to women’s rights. “The women of America,” she continued, “must have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies, without government intervention.” Her words struck a chord with supporters who saw her as a voice for women’s autonomy and agency in a challenging political landscape.
Harris expanded her message to encompass broader democratic ideals, asserting that “America will never give up the fight for democracy, for the rule of law, for equal justice, and the rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld.” She assured her supporters that her advocacy would continue beyond the election, making clear that these principles would guide her ongoing work in public life. “We will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts, and the public square,” she pledged, underscoring a steadfast commitment to advancing the values she holds dear.
‘Quieter ways’ of working
Harris expressed a commitment to ongoing efforts that would carry forward her campaign’s spirit, albeit in “quieter ways.” As her formal campaign came to a close, she emphasised that her team’s dedication would persist behind the scenes, quietly influencing communities and fostering unity. This approach, she explained, involves the small, daily acts of kindness, respect, and integrity in how “Americans treat each other” and how they conduct themselves within their neighbourhoods.
Reflecting on one of her campaign’s guiding principles, Harris reiterated the importance of dedication to meaningful action. She affirmed, “We will continue to do the hard work, because hard work is good work.”
For young supporters
Speaking directly to her young supporters, Harris delivered a message of hope and resilience. “The fight for our country is always worth it,” she declared, her words met with enthusiastic cheers. To those feeling the sting of disappointment, she offered reassurance: “It’s okay to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s gonna be okay.” Her empathy resonated with the crowd, as she acknowledged the emotional toll of the campaign’s outcome.
Harris emphasised the importance of patience and persistence, reminding them, “Sometimes the fight takes a while—that doesn’t mean we won’t win.” She encouraged her audience not to give up, underscoring the power each of them holds in shaping the future. “Don’t give up,” she urged, “You have power.”
Persistence, active engagement
Harris encouraged her supporters to stay determined in the face of setbacks, urging, “Do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands; this is a time to roll up our sleeves.” With this call to action, she reinforced the importance of resilience, stating that now is the moment “to organise, to mobilise, and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice, and the future that we all know that we can build together.” Her words rallied the audience to remain focused on the collective vision they had championed throughout her campaign.
Uncertainty?
As she concluded her address, Harris offered an uplifting reminder to the crowd gathered at Howard University. “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars,” she shared, evoking a sense of hope amidst uncertainty. Acknowledging the pervasive feeling of dread, she said, “I know people feel like we are entering a dark time. I hope that is not the case.” Harris urged her supporters to “fill the sky” with optimism, envisioning it as a guiding force toward America’s promise. “May that guide us toward the extraordinary promise of the United States,” she said, leaving her audience with a vision of resilience and unity as they looked to the future.
Curtains down
As Kamala Harris concluded her address, she exited the stage arm-in-arm with her husband, Doug Emhoff, both waving to the crowd as Beyoncé’s Freedom echoed through the venue. The song, which had become synonymous with her campaign, bookended the event with a powerful sense of resilience and purpose. As she walked off stage, the crowd’s applause followed her.