Kamala Harris took the stage at Howard University to concede the US election on Wednesday – hours after congratulating her rival Donald Trump. Harris was accompanied by her second husband Doug Emhoff as well as her running mate Tim Walz and his wife. Joe Biden did not make an appearance — opting to watch Harris’ concession speech from the West Wing of the White House.

“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, nor what we fought for, nor what we voted for. But listen to me when I say that the light of America’s promise will always shine as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting… I am so proud of the campaign we ran and how which we carried out,” she said. said.

The US vice president thanked Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for their “faith and support” and reiterated her love for her husband and his family during her speech.

“I know your service to our nation will continue,” she told her running mate Tim Walz.

“And to my extraordinary team, to the volunteers who gave so much of themselves, to the poll workers and local elections officials – I thank you, I thank you all,” Harris added.

Harris had called and congratulated Trump earlier Wednesday and reiterated her commitment to a peaceful transfer of power. She called this a distinguishing factor between democracy and “tyranny” — a veiled reference to the 2020 polls and Donald Trump’s refusal to fully accept the results to date.

“I also told him that we would help him and his team with their transition and commit to a peaceful transfer of power. A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results. This principle, like any other, distinguishes democracy from tyranny,” she added.

• “Now is not the time to give up. It’s time to roll up our sleeves. Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.

Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls)” was played by speakers at Howard University as supporters, members of Congress and other Democratic notables awaited the Democratic nominee. The popular singer appeared with Harris last month at a campaign rally and her song “Freedom” became something of an anthem for Harris’ campaign. The music playing before his speech also included rap and R&B tunes – including a nod to the fact that Harris would have been the second black president of the United States. And just as she walked in, Harris walked out to the sound of Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” leaving the stage with her family.

(With contribution from agencies)