Politics

Kamala Harris Gives Message to Supporters in First Remarks Since Concession

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Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her first message to supporters three weeks after losing the presidential election to Donald Trump.

During a call with donors and volunteers Tuesday afternoon, Harris thanked her supporters for their work on her campaign despite coming up short in key battleground states in the race against Trump. She praised their work on an “unprecedented” campaign that saw volunteers knock on 19 million doors, make 215 million phone calls and raise more than $1.5 billion.

“The outcome of this election obviously is not what we wanted. It is not what we worked so hard for. But I am proud of the race we ran, and your role in this was critical. What we did in 107 days was unprecedented,” Harris said.

While she expressed gratitude to her supporters, Harris didn’t address critiques of her campaign from some Democrats that emerged following the election or weigh in on how the party should adjust moving forward. She spoke for just under 10 minutes.

Harris said she believes her campaigners’ work will have a “lasting effect,” noting that she received donations from four million first-time donors.

She acknowledged the feelings of many Democrats following the election but advised anyone feeling defeated by the results that there is still “a lot to fight for.”

“I know that this is an uncertain time,” Harris said. “I’m clear-eyed about that. I know you’re clear-eyed about it, and it feels heavy. I just have to remind you, don’t you ever let anybody take your power from you. You have the same power that you did before November 5, and you have the same purpose that you did. You have the same ability to engage and inspire, so don’t ever let anybody or any circumstances take your power from you.”

Harris’ defeat followed a turbulent campaign season for Democrats that left her in an unprecedented position. The vice president emerged as the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in July amid growing concerns about his age and ability to mount a successful campaign against Trump.

Harris was left with just over three months to run a campaign. On the campaign trail, she emphasized issues like reproductive rights, her plans to support small businesses, and her support from anti-Trump Republicans.

But concerns over the economy and immigration, as well as progressive outrage over her approach to the Israel-Hamas war, proved to be too much for Harris to overcome. Trump rode a wave of discontent with the Biden administration to victory in each key swing state.


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