US Vice President Kamala Harris vowed in a concession speech on Wednesday, the 6th of November, to keep fighting for the ideals that powered her campaign, acknowledging President-elect Donald Trump’s sweeping victory as tens of millions of Americans looked beyond his criminal convictions and divisive rhetoric in Tuesday’s election to embrace a leader who, if he delivers on his campaign promises, will test the limits of presidential power, reports Reuters.
Trump, after surviving two assassination attempts, will become the 47th US president.
In a speech at Howard University on Wednesday afternoon, Harris sought to reassure voters who hoped she would become the first woman US president.
“To all who are listening, please do not fall into despair,” she said. “This is not a moment to throw up your hands. This is a moment to roll up our sleeves.”
Harris said she had called Trump to congratulate him and urged everyone to have a peaceful presidential transition. But she was not ready to accept his vision for the country.
“While I conceded this election, I did not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign,” she said, vowing to continue the fight for women’s rights and against gun violence, while some supporters in the crowd burst into tears. “To fight for freedom, for opportunity, for justice and for dignity for all people.”
“It is a fundamental principle of American democracy that when we lose an election, we accept the results. This principle, like any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks the public trust must respect it,” said Harris, pointing to Trump’s efforts before his victory to sow doubts about the legitimacy of the elections.
Harris urged her supporters, especially young people, not to give up even in the face of disappointment and said: “Sometimes the fight takes time. That doesn’t mean we won’t win.”
After Biden withdrew in July, Harris took over the leadership of the Democratic Party, giving the campaign new enthusiasm and funding. However, she struggled to allay voters’ concerns about the economy and immigration.
At least 200 people gathered outside Trump’s international hotel and tower in Chicago to protest against his election. One of the placards read “Trump out!” and demonstrators also called for an end to the Israeli invasion of Gaza.
Biden planned to address the nation on Thursday, promising to ensure a smooth transition to the presidency until Trump’s inauguration on the 20th of January; Biden reportedly called Trump to congratulate him and invite him to the White House.
Trump’s landslide victory demonstrated Americans’ dissatisfaction with the economy, border security and the direction of the country and its culture.
Voters demanded change, even if the change agent is a twice-convicted felon who was twice impeached and who is no longer the Washington “outsider” he was during the 2016 campaign.
Economists have warned that Trump’s proposed tariffs could exacerbate trade tensions with China and allies, while his promised corporate tax cuts could increase US debt. He has also promised mass deportations of illegal immigrants, wants powers to fire “disloyal” officials and opponents fear he will use federal law enforcement to target political enemies.
Trump has promised positions in his administration to Tesla CEO and the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, and former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The Republicans took control of the US Senate from the Democrats and increased their majority in the US House of Representatives, although the outcome there could still change.
Trump’s victory will have major implications for US trade and climate change policy, American taxation and immigration, and US foreign policy, including in the Middle East and Ukraine.