Democrat Kamala Harris urged unity in a concession speech at Howard University following her defeat to Republican Donald Trump. The election results prompted foreign leaders and President Joe Biden to congratulate Trump and left Democrats downtrodden after the former president scored victories in swing states.
Trump’s victory was felt down ballot, with the GOP reclaiming control of the Senate by flipping seats in Montana, West Virginia and Ohio. House Republicans hold the upper hand to retain control though the lower chamber’s Democratic leaders insist the potential for their majority is still in play.
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Harris wraps concession speech at Howard University
“This is not a time to throw up our hands,” said Harris. “This is a time to roll up our sleeves.”
“Only when it is dark enough,” she said, “can you see the stars.”
Just as she walked in, Harris made her exit to the strains of Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” filing off the stage with her family.
Harris acknowledges loss in concession speech
Harris told supporters gathered at Howard University that she had lost her race against Trump, conceding to the Republican president who is now empowered by a sweeping mandate.
“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for,” Harris said. “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.”
Harris had planned to address an audience like this at Howard on election night and had hoped she would have a more upbeat message to deliver. Instead, when Harris took the stage at her alma mater, she looked out at a sea of America flags and notably forlorn faces. She was flanked by 30 American flags.
Harris’ playlist
The hype music ahead of Harris’ remarks has been an eclectic mix of rap and R&B, including a nod toward what Harris would have been — America’s second Black president.
Ahead of her walk on to Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” a mix included Jeezy’s “My President,” which includes the lyric, “My president is Black.”
Walz attends Harris concession speech
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, drew cheers from Democrats when he arrived at the vice president’s concession speech.
He was joined by his wife, Gwen.
Beyoncé‘s ‘Run the World (Girls)’ plays at Harris’ concession speech
Beyoncé‘s “Freedom” became a mainstay of Harris’ presidential campaign, and some of the artist’s other music is providing the soundtrack of the event expected to include her concession speech.
“Run the World (Girls)” played through speakers at Howard University as supporters, members of Congress and other Democratic notables awaited the Democratic nominee.
Harris’ presidential campaign took on Beyoncé’s 2016 track “Freedom” as its anthem, with Harris walking out to it at dozens of events, including her acceptance speech at this summer’s Democratic National Convention.
The singer appeared with Harris last month during a campaign rally in her hometown of Houston, bringing a high level of star power to what had become a key theme of the Democratic nominee’s bid: freedom.