US election 2024: Harris tells supporters ‘never give up’ and urges peaceful transfer of power

Harris said in Wednesday’s remarks from her alma mater, Howard University: “Hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright. As long as we never give up, and as long as we keep fighting.”

She took the stage to her campaign song Freedom by Beyoncé before thanking her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, her campaign staff, supporters, poll workers and election officials. Many in the audience wiped away tears during her remarks.

“I know folks are experiencing a range of emotions right now,” she said with a chuckle. “I get it. But we must respect the results of this election.”

Her supporters responded with loud boos when she noted that she had had a phone call with President-elect Trump, and “I told him we will help him and his team with his transition. And we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.”

“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign,” she added. Her speech referenced “fight” or “fighting” 19 times.

During the campaign the rivals often traded insults, with Harris calling Trump a “fascist” and a threat to American democracy.

Harris told her supporters on Wednesday: “I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time. But for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case.”

The former California senator was running to become the first woman, black woman and South Asian-American to win the presidency.