Kamala Harris is preparing to address the American public later today after conceding the presidential election to her opponent, Donald Trump. Harris, who has served as vice president under President Joe Biden, made a congratulatory call to Trump on Wednesday afternoon, formally acknowledging his victory and pledging support for a peaceful transfer of power.
The exchange was brief yet significant, with Harris recognizing Trump’s win and discussing the importance of unity and cooperation in America’s future. According to a Harris aide, the conversation included a focus on “being a president for all Americans” and maintaining the values of the democratic process, despite the divisive nature of the campaign. The aide noted that Harris emphasized the importance of moving forward in a way that prioritizes the needs of the entire nation.
This call marked a turning point in the closely watched election, which saw Harris trailing in crucial battleground states that eventually tipped in favor of Trump. Key states like Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, all pivotal in determining the final outcome, swung towards Trump, enabling him to secure the necessary votes to clinch the presidency. While several states remain to declare official results, the decisive wins in these regions have ensured Trump’s path to the White House.
Harris, who did not concede on election night, initially held off on making a formal statement as her team awaited final tallies in several states. By the early hours of Wednesday morning, however, it was clear that the path to victory had become unlikely, leading Harris to cancel her planned appearance at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She is now scheduled to address supporters and the nation from the same venue at 4:00 p.m. EST.
Harris’ defeat follows an unexpectedly high turnout and strong performance by Trump in both traditional conservative strongholds and swing states. According to early reports, Trump is also leading in the popular vote, the first Republican candidate to do so since George W. Bush in 2004. While Harris managed to win in traditionally liberal states such as New York and California, Trump’s edge in key regions allowed him to pull ahead and secure the victory.
Throughout the campaign, Trump focused on a message of restoring what he described as the “golden age of America.” In a statement released after the election results were declared, Trump pledged to “unlock America’s glorious destiny,” promising to work tirelessly for every American family. “Every single day, I will be fighting for you with every breath in my body,” he declared, positioning his presidency as a new era for the country.
Harris, meanwhile, emphasized a different vision, one focused on social justice, expanded healthcare access, and the protection of reproductive rights. Despite her rising popularity following her nomination in June, her message ultimately did not resonate with enough voters in swing states to propel her to victory. Harris sought to present a positive future vision, contrasting sharply with Trump’s narrative, but her campaign struggled to overcome the president’s relentless personal attacks. Trump frequently disparaged Harris with accusations of incompetence, using terms like “stupid,” “lazy,” and “dumb as a rock,” and casting doubt on her racial identity early in the campaign.
In the wake of her defeat, Harris’ campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, issued a message to staff, acknowledging the emotional toll of the loss. “Losing this election is unfathomably hard and will take a long time to process,” she wrote in an email obtained by CBS News. However, Dillon maintained that the fight for America’s values would continue. “The work of protecting America from the impacts of a Trump presidency starts now,” she wrote, expressing her faith that Harris and the campaign’s dedicated team members would remain involved in the national mission.
While the outcome was a disappointment for Harris and her supporters, the vice president is expected to emphasize resilience, unity, and continued activism in her speech later today. Although her bid for the presidency was unsuccessful, she has become an influential figure in the Democratic Party and a key voice on issues central to her campaign, from healthcare to women’s rights.
As Harris addresses the nation, many will be watching for signs of her future plans. Whether she continues in her political career or transitions to another role, her dedication to progressive causes and her role in breaking barriers remain deeply significant in American politics. This concession, while marking the end of one chapter, may well lay the groundwork for another, as she continues to shape her legacy and her impact on the national stage.
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