Kamala Harris Finally Concedes Defeat, Calls Trump to Offer Congratulations
Harris acknowledges loss and emphasizes the need for a peaceful transition of power following a hard-fought election battle
- Harris calls Trump to formally concede and discuss a peaceful transfer of power
- Despite a strong campaign, Harris faced significant challenges, trailing in every key battleground state
- Democrats now face the prospect of regrouping under a second Trump presidency, with Harris' role in the party's future uncertain
Kamala Harris made a phone call to President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday to concede the election and extend her congratulations, according to a senior adviser.
The call, which was described as a private conversation, included a message about the importance of ensuring a peaceful transition of power.
Harris, once seen as the Democratic Party’s hopeful comeback figure after President Biden’s reelection campaign stalled, now grapples with a significant electoral loss.
Despite her efforts, she trailed Trump in every battleground state, facing a major setback after describing him as a direct threat to the nation’s democratic institutions.
Trump, having previously lost the popular vote in his first two campaigns, appeared on track to secure it for the first time, even after his impeachments, felony convictions, and controversial actions surrounding his 2020 loss.
Later in the day, Harris planned to deliver a concession speech at Howard University, her alma mater, where she had watched election returns with supporters.
Meanwhile, President Biden, who also spoke with both Harris and Trump on Wednesday, is scheduled to address the election outcome on Thursday and has invited Trump for a meeting.
Campaign adviser David Plouffe expressed sorrow over the loss, acknowledging the hard-fought nature of their campaign but ultimately deeming it a “devastating loss.”
In a bittersweet twist, Harris, as the sitting vice president, is expected to oversee Congress’ ceremonial certification of the election results a role she shares with Mike Pence, who was involved in the Capitol insurrection four years earlier under Trump’s direction.
Harris, who had originally entered the presidential race after Biden’s departure, faced steep challenges throughout the election.
With limited time and a restless electorate, her campaign struggled to carve out a distinct identity from Biden, leaving Democrats uncertain of her future role in the party.
Nonetheless, Harris has vowed to continue the fight against the “impacts of a Trump Presidency,” with her campaign chair expressing confidence in her continued leadership in the struggle ahead.
