Kamala Harris addresses Americans for the first time after her election defeat: key messages
US Vice President Kamala Harris, who represented the Democrats in the presidential election, addressed the public for the first time since her defeat. She said that she had spoken to her rival Donald Trump, congratulated him on his victory and promised to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power.
In her speech, Harris expressed her gratitude to all those who supported her in the election, as well as to incumbent President Joe Biden for his ‘faith and support’. She also thanked the Democratic vice presidential candidate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Confirming her conversation with Trump, Harris said she was ready to help him and his team in the transition of power.
‘I also said I would help him and his team with the transition. And it will be a peaceful transfer of power, the main principle of any American democracy,’ she stressed.
Harris added that the loyalty of Democrats is not personal loyalty to the president or the party, but loyalty to the US Constitution. She also noted that she accepted the election results, emphasising that this is the principle that distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny.
She also stated that although the campaign is over, her fight for the key issues she championed will continue.
‘I’m calling it quits, but I’m not calling it quits on this campaign, and that fight, the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and dignity for all people, the fight for the ideals that are the essence of our nation, that reflect the best of Americans, I will never stop fighting. Never,’ she stressed.
Harris appealed to Americans, urging them not to give up: ‘Never give up, never stop trying to make a difference in the world. You have enough strength, don’t let others convince you that something is impossible.’
Harris concluded her speech by quoting a writer who said that ‘only in the darkness can you see the stars’ and emphasised that while America may be facing difficult times, ‘billions of stars will shine on the horizon, lighting the way for optimism’.
