– Kamala Harris concedes defeat as she promises continued Fight for Justice and Equality
By Jerromie S. Walters
In an address following the recent election, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her gratitude and resolve, acknowledging both the trust placed in her by the American people and the challenges ahead. The election results, which did not align with the aspirations of her campaign, prompted Harris to deliver a message of hope and determination, emphasizing the enduring promise of America.
“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,” Harris stated, addressing supporters and the nation at large. “The outcome of this election is not what we wanted or what we fought for, 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.”
Earlier in the day, Harris confirmed her commitment to a peaceful transition of power, having spoken with President Trump. “I told him that we will help him and his team with the transition, and we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” she said and underscored her allegiance to the Constitution and democratic principles.
Harris highlighted that loyalty in the nation should not be confined to a president or political party but rather to the Constitution, personal conscience, and a higher moral calling. “My allegiance to all three is why, while I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign: the fight for freedom, opportunity, and fairness and the dignity of all people,” she declared. “That is a fight I will never give up.”
The Vice President articulated her vision for an America where citizens can pursue their dreams without governmental interference, particularly emphasizing women’s rights to make decisions about their bodies. “We will never give up the fight for the rule of law, equal justice, and for the sacred idea that every one of us, no matter who we are or where we start, has certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld,” she asserted.
Addressing the nation’s youth, Harris acknowledged feelings of sadness and disappointment in the wake of the election results. “On the campaign, I would often say: When we fight, we win. Sometimes, the fight takes a while, but that doesn’t mean we won’t win. The important thing is to never stop trying to make the world a better place,” she encouraged.
Harris invoked a familiar adage: “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars,” acknowledging that many Americans may feel apprehensive about the future. “For the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case. But, America, if it is: Let us fill the sky with the light of a billion brilliant stars,” she urged, calling for unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
In July of this year, Vice President Kamala Harris was endorsed to face former President Donald Trump in the US presidential election, following the withdrawal of current US President Joe Biden. The United States has yet to have a female president. The closest the country has come was in 2016 when Hillary Clinton won the Democratic nomination but ultimately lost to Donald Trump in the general election. Again, Trump confronted a female even though there was still not much certainty that the United States may have finally seen a woman in the Oval Office.
The 2024 United States presidential election marked the 60th quadrennial presidential election, set to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Throughout the history of the United States, there have been several notable female presidential candidates who have made significant strides in their campaigns. From Shirley Chisholm, who became the first African American woman to run for president in 1972, to Hillary Clinton, who became the first female nominee of a major party in 2016, women have been steadily making progress in their pursuit of the highest office in the land.
Many argued that Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, already made history as the first woman, first black woman, and first Asian American woman to hold that position. Her endorsement by President Biden appeared to solidify her position as a formidable candidate for the presidency.
Biden withdrawal:
President Biden abandoned his campaign for a second term under intense pressure from fellow Democrats on Sunday, July 21, 2024, ahead of the race for the White House in a dramatic last-minute bid to find a new candidate who could stop former President Donald J. Trump from returning to the White House.
“My first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” he said in a subsequent online post. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today, I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be our party’s nominee this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Mr. Biden, 81, announced his withdrawal after a disastrous debate performance against Mr. Trump, cemented public concerns about his age and touched off widespread panic among Democrats about his ability to prevent the former president from reclaiming power. Democratic congressional leaders, petrified by dismal poll numbers, pressed Mr. Biden to gracefully exit, angry donors threatened to withhold their money, and down-ballot candidates feared he would take down the whole ticket.
