Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday conceded in the presidential race against President-elect Donald Trump, officially closing the book on one of the most tumultuous elections in U.S. history.
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” Ms. Harris said. “The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people.”
Ms. Harris’ voice cracked and her eyes appeared watery as she spoke for roughly 12 minutes at Howard University, her alma mater in Washington. She told the crowd that she was “so proud of the race we ran, and the way we ran it.”
Howard is the location where Ms. Harris was planning to host a victory party on Tuesday evening if the results went her way. But as Mr. Trump began racking up swing-state victories and her path to election narrowed, she never made an appearance. Instead, she sent co-campaign Chair Cedric Richmond to tell supporters to go home around 1 a.m.
Mr. Trump, ultimately, declared victory shortly before 3 a.m. Wednesday, just prior to securing the 270 electoral votes needed to win.
In her remarks, Ms. Harris specifically addressed young people and urged them not to give up in the wake of defeat.
SEE ALSO: Call in the healers: Trump opponents struggle to cope with his second win
“It’s OK to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it is going to be OK,” she said. “Here’s the thing: sometimes the fight takes a while.”
Only a fraction of her supporters who attended Ms. Harris’ watch party returned to see her and listen to her concession speech. The Yard at Howard University, where the speech took place, was roughly less than one-third full than it was on Tuesday night.
Among those in attendance Wednesday, their election night enthusiasm had been transformed into despair. Several audience members were spotted tearing up or just outright sobbing.
“I’m upset,” said Janice Bonder, 19, a student at the school. “I thought she had this. I mean she had young people, Hispanics, women, Blacks, Republicans and others voting for her.”
She blamed Ms. Harris’ loss on racism and sexism.
Others remained defiant.
SEE ALSO: Muslim coalition celebrates Kamala Harris’ loss, says she chose ‘blood over humanity’
“I’m sad and I am distraught, but it was important for us to come back here today in the midst of defeat with her, heads still held high,” said Zuogwi-earl Reedes of the District of Columbia. “Through defeat, there is an opportunity for resurrection.”
The concession speech was a mere formality. Earlier Wednesday, Ms. Harris called Mr. Trump to congratulate him and conceded the election.
She urged Mr. Trump to be a president for all Americans and pledged to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.
Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung confirmed the call in a statement, saying the president-elect “acknowledged Vice President Harris on her strength, professionalism and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country.”
President Biden also spoke by phone Wednesday with Ms. Harris and congratulated her on her campaign, the White House said. He also spoke with Mr. Trump and congratulated him on his victory.
The White House said Mr. Biden “expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasized the importance of working to bring the country together.” He also invited Mr. Trump to meet with him in the White House.
Mr. Biden will address the nation on Thursday to discuss the election results and transition, the White House said.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.