Kamala Harris took the stage to an outpouring of cheers, her face full of resolve despite her recent election loss to Donald Trump.
In her speech to thousands of supporters, Harris began with a message of gratitude and hope.
“My heart is full today,” she said. “Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve.”
Harris acknowledged the disappointment that she and her supporters felt about the election outcome but urged them to stay hopeful.
“Hear me when I say the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up,” she declared.
“And as long as we keep fighting,” she added, her voice rising with determination.
In a show of unity, Harris confirmed that she had called Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory.
She told the crowd that she assured Trump of her support for a smooth transition.
“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” Harris said.
“That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from tyranny.”
Turning to her family, Harris spoke warmly of her husband, Doug, and her family, expressing deep love and gratitude.
She thanked President Joe Biden and the first lady, Dr. Jill Biden, for their unwavering faith in her.
To her campaign team and the countless volunteers, she offered heartfelt thanks.
“I am so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it,” she said, reflecting on the community spirit they had built throughout the campaign.
“We brought people together from every walk of life because we believe we all have so much more in common than what separates us.”
Harris reminded Americans that their loyalty should not be to any single president or party but to the Constitution, their conscience, and to God.
“My allegiance to all three is why I am here to say: while I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled the campaign,” Harris declared passionately.
Her fight, she explained, was for ideals she believes are at the core of American values—freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all people.
“That is a fight I will never give up,” she vowed.
Harris shared a powerful line she called “a law of history,” saying, “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”
She acknowledged the uncertain and dark times that some Americans may feel they are entering.
“But if that’s the case, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion stars—the light of optimism, of faith, of truth, and of service.”
In an emotional moment, Harris addressed the young people in the crowd, telling them it was okay to feel sad and disappointed.
“But please know it’s going to be okay,” she said reassuringly.
Reflecting on her campaign motto, she told them, “When we fight, we win, but here’s the thing—sometimes the fight takes a while.”
She encouraged young voters to keep pushing for a better world and never give up, no matter the obstacles.
“Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place,” she urged.
“You have power. And don’t you ever listen when anyone tells you something is impossible because it has never been done before.”
Harris’s message to young voters was clear: they have the power to make a positive difference in the world.
She told them not to despair but to recognize their capacity to do extraordinary good.
As she neared the end of her speech, Harris promised that she would continue to fight for a future where all Americans have the freedom to pursue their dreams.
She pledged to keep advocating for women’s rights, especially the right to make personal decisions about their own bodies.
Harris also vowed never to give up the fight against gun violence and to stand firm for democracy, the rule of law, and equal justice.
“For every one of us, no matter who we are or where we start, certain fundamental rights and freedoms must be respected and upheld,” she said.
