After conceding the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a crowd at her alma mater, Howard University, in a moment that felt more like a farewell to a dwindling base than a rousing call to action. With the Republican Party reclaiming the White House, the event was marked by visible displays of emotion from some of Harris’s key supporters.

Among them were Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who both appeared to wipe away tears as Harris acknowledged the hard-fought, yet ultimately fruitless, campaign.

In her speech, Harris attempted to cast a hopeful vision for her supporters, with some platitudes aimed at instilling a sense of resilience. “The light of America’s promise will always burn bright,” she declared. “As long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.”

The Vice President’s words to her supporters, though hopeful in tone, came off as wishful thinking to many, particularly as she referenced her family and political allies. Addressing Emhoff, who had been a consistent presence by her side, she said, “To my beloved Doug and our family, I love you so very much.” She also extended gratitude to outgoing President Joe Biden and his wife, stating, “To President Biden and Dr. Biden, thank you for your faith and support.”

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Perhaps most notably, Harris had a specific message for Governor Walz and his family, a nod to his backing throughout her tenure. “To Governor Walz and the Walz family, I know your service to our nation will continue,” she said, evoking another emotional reaction from the Minnesota governor.

While Harris continued to thank her campaign team and volunteers, her words felt almost like a requiem for her political aspirations, which now face an uncertain future. The speech, however, did little to placate those who viewed the last four years as a departure from the progress they had hoped for.

On Tuesday night, President-elect Donald Trump clinched a decisive victory in swing states, notably Wisconsin and Michigan, breaking the Democrats’ so-called “blue wall” and giving the GOP control of both the White House and the Senate. With Trump poised to take office once more, his administration is expected to undo many of the policies set in place by Harris and her Democratic colleagues.

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