Kamala Harris calls for unity and peace after her election defeat to Donald Trump, highlighting the importance of an orderly power transition.
At a Glance
- Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the 2024 presidential election to Trump 12 hours after the race was called.
- Harris was at Howard University on election night but remained silent as results unfolded.
- Both Harris and Trump agreed on the necessity for national unity.
- President Joe Biden also congratulated Trump and offered a White House meeting to discuss the transition.
The Concession Phone Call
Kicking off the essential task of peaceful power transition, Vice President Kamala Harris called President-elect Donald Trump some 12 hours after the presidential race was called at 1:22 a.m. ET. During this pivotal phone call, Harris congratulated Trump and emphasized the importance of a peaceful power transfer. This exchange set the tone for the coming months as the nation’s political gears begin to shift towards the next administration.
Harris spent election night at Howard University, choosing to remain away from the public eye as results trickled in. This symbolic gesture allowed her to focus on underlying responsibilities crucial for democracy’s health, valuing unity over campaign rhetoric. Harris is expected to deliver a formal concession speech in the coming days to reinforce her dedication to a peaceful transition.
We must accept the results of this election.
Earlier today, I spoke with President Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I told him that we will help him and his team with that transition, and we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 6, 2024
Trump and Harris’s Agreement on Unity
Uniting amidst their political differences, both Trump and Harris highlighted the necessity of unifying the country in their post-election conversations. Trump commended Harris on her campaign by toasting her strength, professionalism, and tenacity. This reciprocal acknowledgment paves the way for a smoother transition, reflecting the shared belief in the importance of mending the country’s political divide.
Preserving democratic core values, Trump amassed 292 electoral votes against Harris’s 224, with a total of 72 million popular votes. In response, Harris commended Trump for his remarkable victory and promised her cooperative assistance during the transition, striving for a seamless changeover in governance.
“We must accept the results of this election,” VP Kamala Harris said, citing her call to Trump earlier today. Boos in the crowd accompanied her note that she conceded to his victory. Harris received an applause when she said, "we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power."
— annmarie hordern (@annmarie) November 6, 2024
Biden’s Role in the Transition
President Joe Biden also played an integral part in these post-election proceedings by reaching out to Trump. Biden congratulated Trump and extended an invitation to the White House, allowing both leaders to engage in a strategic dialogue about the impending transition. Biden’s actions signify an effort to uphold democratic principles and maintain stability during this politically sensitive period.
With Harris and Biden showcasing readiness to support Trump’s custody of the next administration, the collective efforts firmly demonstrate commitment to enduring democratic processes. Through these gestures of goodwill, the leaders intend to harmonize an oftentimes fractious political atmosphere, a step lauded by politicos advocating for civility and cooperation.
