Kamala Harris called Donald Trump to congratulate him on his U.S. election victory ahead of her concession speech. In addition to winning every swing state that had been predicted, Trump also won the Senate.
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris later addressed the public from Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Vice President Harris said: “Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you all. Thank you. So let me say, my heart is full today. My heart is full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve. The outcome of this election is not what we wanted. Not what we fought for. Not what we voted for.
"But 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.”
Harris thanked her family and her election team.
"Look, I am so proud of the race we ran, and the way we ran it. Over the 107 days of this campaign, we have been intentional about building community and building coalitions, bringing people together from every walk of life and background, united by love of country with enthusiasm and joy in our fight for America's future.
"And we did it with the knowledge that we have so much more in common than what separates us.
“Now I know, folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now. I get it. But we must accept the results of this election. Earlier today, I spoke with president-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I also told him that we would help him and his team with their transition. And that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.
“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results. That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny. And anyone who seeks the public trust must honour it. At the same time, in our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president, or a party, but to the Constitution of the Unites States. And loyalty to our conscience and to our 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 this campaign.
"The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness, and the dignity of all people; A fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation, the ideals that reflect America at our best - that is a fight I will never give up.
"I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations, where the women of America have the freedom to make decisions about their own body and not have their government telling them what to do. We will never give up the fight to protect our schools and our streets from gun violence. And America, we will never give up the fight for our democracy, for the rule of law, for equal justice, and for the sacred idea that every one of us no matter who we are or where we start out, has certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld.
"And we will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square. And we will also wage it in quieter ways: in how we live our lives, by treating one another with kindness and respect, by looking in the face of a stranger and seeing a neighbour. By always using our strength to lift people up, to fight for the dignity that all people deserve.
“The fight for our freedom will take hard work. But like I always say, we like hard work. Hard work is good work. Hard work can be joyful work. And the fight for our country is always worth it. It is always worth it.
"To the young people who are watching, it is okay to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it is going to be okay.
"On the campaign, I would often say, when we fight, we win. But here's the thing: sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn't mean we won't win. That doesn't mean we won't win. The important thing is don't ever give up! Don't ever give up. Don't ever stop trying to make the world a better place. You have power! You have power! And don't you ever listen when anyone tells you something is impossible because it has never been done before. You have the capacity to do extraordinary good in the world.
“And so to everyone who is watching, do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organise, to mobilise, and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice and the future that we all know we can build together.
"Look, many of you know, I started out as a prosecutor and throughout my career I saw people at some of the worst times of their lives. People who had suffered great harm and great pain. And yet, found within themselves the strength and the courage and the resolve to take the stand, to take a stand. To fight for justice. To fight for themselves. To fight for others. So let their courage be our inspiration. Let their determination be our charge.
“And I'll close with this, There's an adage an historian once called a ‘law of history’, true of every society across the ages. The adage is: ‘Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars’. 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, but here's the thing: America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars, the light of optimism, of faith, of truth, and service. And may that work guide us even in the face of setbacks toward the extraordinary promise of the United States of America. I thank you all, may God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America. Thank you all."
On the call with Trump, Vice President Harris discussed a peaceful power transfer and being president for all Americans, a White House aide confirmed.
“President Trump acknowledged Vice President Harris on her strength, professionalism, and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country,” said Trump campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung.
US President Joe Biden has also invited President-elect Trump to the White House for a transition meeting after calling to congratulate Trump on his election victory, Sky News reported.
As quoted by the White House, Biden emphasised the importance of working to bring the country together and expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition.
In addition to addressing the nation tomorrow, Biden will discuss the results as well as the transition process.
During the next few days, his staff will coordinate a specific date for a meeting with Trump.
The Democratic Party was taken by surprise and expressed deep concern over the election results.
Many party members called for a thorough analysis of their campaign strategies and voter outreach efforts. There was also an urgent push to strengthen grassroots movements and prepare for future elections.