Harris speaks from Howard after loss to Trump: 'I concede this election, I do not concede the fight'
WASHINGTON - Vice President Kamala Harris spoke from Howard University, her alma mater, after the presidential race was called for former President Donald Trump early Wednesday.
Harris called Trump to concede and congratulate him Wednesday afternoon. She also invited Trump to the White House to discuss the transition, the Associated Press reports, and to highlight the importance of a peaceful transfer of power.
Addressing the crowd at Howard, Harris said she fully accepts the results of the election.
"The outcome of this election is not what we wanted. Not what we fought for. Not what we voted for," Harris said. "But here me when I say, the light of America's promise will always burn bright."
"Earlier today, I spoke with president-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power," she added.
READ MORE: VP Kamala Harris expected to speak Wednesday following election loss to Donald Trump
The White House also said that a date would be set for the "near future" for Biden to address the nation following the results of the election.
Trump was declared the winner of the presidential election first by FOX News at 1:46 a.m. He cleared the 270 electoral votes needed to take back the White House with his win in Wisconsin, called just after 5:30 a.m.
Harris did not speak from her watch party at the university Tuesday night. As Trump racked up electoral votes Tuesday night, Cedric Richmond, Harris’ campaign co-chair, addressed her rally at Howard.
"You won't hear from the vice president tonight, but you will hear from her tomorrow. She will be back here tomorrow, to addresses not only the HU family, not only to address her supporters, but to address the nation," Richmond said.
Howard Alumni and students talk Vice President Harris ahead of election night watch party
"Where else should she be on election night?" it’s a rhetorical question. One that associate professor at Howard University, Jennifer Thomas, believes only has one answer.
Live blog updates: Trump wins the White House in political comeback
But when Harris spoke to the crowd Wednesday, she came out fired up, smiling to a crowd that maintained a high energy for the vice president despite the loss.
"While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign," Harris said to raucous cheers. "I will never give up on the fight for an America."
She then spoke directly to the many young Americans that flooded Howard's campus Tuesday and Wednesday.
"To the young people who are watching, it is ok to feel sad and disappointed but please know, it's going to be ok," Harris said.
And then she spoke to her millions of supporters watching elsewhere.
"To everyone watching, do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands, this is a time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organize, mobilize, to stay engaged. For the sake of freedom, of justice, for the future we can build together," she said.
Harris concluded her speech on a message of positivity, encouraging supporters to remain hopeful in "the extraordinary promise of the United States of America."
Trump delivered a forceful victory speech from the Palm Beach Convention Center
Full Speech: Trump speaks to supporters at election watch party
"I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president," Trump said. "This will truly be the golden age of America. That's what we have to have. This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again."
Trump's victory marks an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, faced dozens of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts. He will be joined in the new administration by his vice president, Ohio Sen. JD Vance.
At 40, Vance will become the highest-ranking member of the millennial generation in government.
"He's turned out to be a good choice. I took a little heat at the beginning, but he was. I knew, I knew the brain was a good one. About as good as it gets," Trump said. "We're going to have a great four years and we're going to turn our country around, make us something very special."
Trump's inauguration as the 47th president of the United States will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.