Kamala Harris has spoken out for the first time following the result of the 2024 US presidential election.
As election day came to an end on November 5, it became clear that Harris was in a tough spot as her opponent Donald Trump took the win in the majority of US states, including Texas, Florida, Georgia, and the key swing state of Pennsylvania.
Harris planned to celebrate the night at her alma mater, Howard University in Washington, DC, but ultimately chose not to speak as the news of Trump's success continued to arrive.
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Harris was declared the winner in states including Washington, Oregon, New York, and California, but was left trailing behind the 270 votes needed to secure the win as Trump edged closer.
The Vice President continued to encourage people to get out and vote right into the final hours, posting on Twitter: "Today, we have the chance to vote for a future of freedom, opportunity, and justice—not just for some, but for all."
"If you are in line before the polls close, stay in line," she added in a later post.
Following the final result, Harris delivered a concession speech at Howard University on November 6 sharing, "Let me say, my heart is full today. Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve."
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"The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for," Harris continued. "But hear me when I say the light of America's promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting."
"While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign," the vice president added. "The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people."
"To the young people who are watching," Harris continued. "It is okay to feel sad and disappointed. But please know it’s going to be okay. On the campaign, I’d often say when we fight, we win. Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win. The important thing is don’t ever give up."
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"Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place."
Harris joined the race after the current president, Joe Biden, announced his decision to drop out on July 21, saying it was 'in the best interest' of the Democratic party for him to step down and 'focus solely on fulfilling [his] duties as President for the remainder of [his] term'.
Trump was formally named as the Republican presidential nominee in July, but first voiced his hopes to become POTUS again in November 2022.
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He declared his victory in the 2024 race before actually securing the 270 votes needed to win, when he was just a handful of votes away.
Speaking at the West Palm Beach, Florida, Convention Center, Trump said: "I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president and your 45th president."
Topics: Donald Trump, Election, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Politics, US News
Emily Brown