Harris speaks of Howard after defeat by Trump: ‘I concede this election, I don’t concede the fight’

WASHINGTON – Vice President Kamala Harris spoke from Howard University, her alma mater, after the presidential election was called for former President Donald Trump early Wednesday.

Harris called Trump on Wednesday afternoon to concede and congratulate him. She also invited Trump to the White House to discuss the transition, the Associated Press reports, and to emphasize the importance of a peaceful transfer of power.

Harris addressed the crowd at Howard and said she fully accepts the election results.

“The result of this election is not what we wanted. Not what we fought for. Not what we voted for,” Harris said. “But when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright.”

“Today I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I also told him that we will help him and his team in their transition and engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” she added.

The White House also said a date would be set in the “near future” for Biden to address the nation following the election results.

Trump was first declared the winner of the presidential election by FOX News at 1:46 a.m. With his victory in Wisconsin, announced shortly after 5:30 a.m., he secured the 270 electoral votes needed to retake the White House

Harris did not comment on her wake party at the university Tuesday night. As Trump collected votes Tuesday night, Cedric Richmond, Harris’ campaign co-chair, addressed her rally at Howard.

“You won’t hear from the vice president tonight, but you will hear from her tomorrow. “She will be here again tomorrow to address not only the HU family, not only her supporters, but also the nation,” Richmond said.

But as Harris spoke to the crowd on Wednesday, she came out enthusiastic and smiled at the crowd, which maintained high energy for the vice president despite the defeat.

“While I concede this election, I do not admit the fight that fueled this campaign,” Harris said to loud cheers. “I will never give up the fight for one America.”

She then spoke directly to the many young Americans who flooded Howard’s campus on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“For the young people watching, it’s OK to be sad and disappointed, but please know that everything will be okay,” Harris said.

And then she spoke to her millions of fans watching elsewhere.

“To everyone watching, do not despair. This is not the time to throw up your hands, this is the time to roll up your sleeves. This is the time to organize, mobilize and stay engaged. For the sake of freedom, justice, for the future we can build together,” she said.

Harris ended her speech with a positive message, encouraging her supporters to remain hopeful in “the extraordinary promise of the United States of America.”

Trump gave a powerful victory speech at the Palm Beach Convention Center

“I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th President,” Trump said. “This will truly be the golden age of America. We have to have that. This is a great victory for the American people that will allow us to Make America Great Again.”

Trump’s victory marks an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, faced dozens of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts. He will be supported in the new administration by his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.

At 40, Vance will become the highest-ranking member of the Millennial generation in government.

“He proved to be a good choice. I was a little nervous at first, but he was. I knew, I knew the brain was good. As good as it gets,” Trump said. “We’re going to have a great four years and we’re going to transform our country and make it very special.”

Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC