Vice President Kamala Harris makes a public statement after 2024 presidential loss
WASHINGTON D.C. (KION-TV) -- Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage Wednesday afternoon to address the public after her 2024 presidential loss against President-Elect Donald Trump.
Reporters described the atmosphere among the crowd as they waited for Harris to take the stage as "grim."
As Harris took the stage, cheers erupted from the audience. She smiled and waved as she approached the podium and greeted the audience.
"And I love you back. My heart is full today," said Harris.
She led with a positive note for the future of America. "The light of America's promise will always burn bright," she said. "As long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting."
After greeting and thanking her family, she sent over praise to President Biden and his family, among others. She continued to thank volunteers, poll workers and elected officials.
"I am so proud of the race we ran, and the way we ran it over the 107 days of this campaign. We have been intentional about brining people together from every walk of life with enthusiasm and joy in our fight for America's future."
Harris said that she spoke with President-Elect Trump and said that her team is committed to a "peaceful transition of power."
Harris also spoke about the distinction between tyranny and monarchy in light of the peaceful transition of power. "I am here to say, while I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign: Freedom, opportunity, fairness and dignity for all people."
A few other of Harris' main points:
- Women will be able to make decisions for their own bodies
- Protecting streets and schools from gun violence
- Fighting for democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights and freedoms
Harris promoted kindness and respect, in addition to getting out and using voices. "The fight for our freedom will take hard work, but like I always say, we like hard work," she said. "The fight for our country is always worth it."
The crowd erupted once more as Harris addressed the youth viewing:
"Sometimes the fight takes a while, that doesn't mean we won't win. The important thing is don't ever give up. Don't ever stop trying to make the world a better place! Don't you listen when someone tells you that something is impossible because it has never been done before. You have the capacity to do extraordinary good in the world."
Harris began wrapping up her speech with: "This is the time to roll up our sleeves," before relating back to her time as a prosecutor.
"True of every society across the ages; the adage is only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. Many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope this isn't the case," she said. "But if it is, America, let us fill the sky with billions and billions of stars; optimism, truth, faith and service.
"May that work guide us even in the face of setbacks toward the extraordinary promise of the United States of America," she concluded.
