[US Election 2024]
"We must accept the results of this election. I spoke with President-elect Donald Trump this morning and congratulated him." Kamala Harris, the U.S. Democratic vice presidential candidate, officially conceded the election defeat and accepted the results on the 6th (local time). She also urged her supporters to accept the election results for a peaceful transfer of power.
In her concession speech held at her alma mater, Howard University in Washington D.C., Harris stated, "The fundamental principle is that when you lose an election, you accept the results." She added, "This principle distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny as much as anything else," and said, "Anyone who seeks the trust of the people must respect this principle." She also emphasized that she stood here according to the U.S. Constitution, conscience, and her conscience before God, saying, "I concede defeat in this election. But I will not concede the fight that fueled this election."
In particular, Vice President Harris asked her supporters to accept the election results but not to stop fighting for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity, just as she would not. She said, "I know people are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now. I understand that. But we must accept the results of this election." Referring to her phone call with President-elect Trump, she added, "I will help him and his team to peacefully take over the administration and ensure that the people can participate in a peaceful transfer of power." This was a request to her supporters to prevent a repeat of the January 6 Capitol riot caused by refusal to accept the 2020 election results.
At the same time, she raised her voice, saying, "I will fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all, for the ideals of our nation, for the ideals that reflect the best America," and "This is a fight that will never be given up." Harris also mentioned, "I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams and ambitions, and where women have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies." She urged everyone to continue this fight at the polls, in courts, and in the streets, while treating each other with kindness and respect throughout the process.
During the approximately 13-minute concession speech, Harris’s voice was noticeably more hoarse compared to previous rallies. She smiled throughout the speech but occasionally paused and composed herself as if choked up. Among the audience at Howard University, where the speech took place, was Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota and a former vice presidential candidate. Harris specifically addressed young supporters, saying, "Dear young people, it’s okay to be sad and disappointed. Please know that it will be okay." She emphasized, "I have often said that if we fight, we will win. But the important thing is here: sometimes fights take time. That doesn’t mean we cannot win." She added, "Never give up. Keep striving to make the world a better place. You have power."
Finally, Harris referenced the old saying, "It must be dark enough to see the stars," saying, "I know many feel we are entering a dark time. I hope that is not true, but if it is, America, let us fill the sky with billions of shining stars." She concluded her speech by saying, "Let us move toward America’s amazing potential with the light of optimism, faith, truth, and service, the light that will guide us through adversity. Thank you all."
The 47th U.S. presidential election held the previous day ended in a landslide victory for the Republican candidate, former President Trump, defying expectations of a razor-thin race. Former President Trump secured victory in Michigan (15 electoral votes), a Rust Belt battleground state, sweeping all three former Democratic strongholds known as the ‘Blue Wall,’ just as he did in 2016. As a result, the number of electoral votes secured by former President Trump increased to 292. Early that morning, he also won Wisconsin (10 electoral votes), another Blue Wall battleground state, securing 276 electoral votes, surpassing the magic number of 270 needed for election. Once all votes are counted, it is expected that former President Trump will have 312 electoral votes, while Vice President Harris will have 226.
According to the Harris campaign, Vice President Harris called President-elect Trump during the day to congratulate him and discuss the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans. President Joe Biden also spoke with President-elect Trump on the same day and expressed his intention to invite him to the White House. President Biden is scheduled to deliver a national address on the 7th.
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