Kamala Harris faces mounting calls to concede after the Associated Press called the 2024 presidential election for Donald Trump early Wednesday morning.
The vice president’s silence has stirred criticism, particularly as she trails in Electoral College votes, on track to perform worse than Hillary Clinton’s 2016 outcome.
Harris currently holds 224 Electoral College votes, just shy of Clinton’s 227 in her loss to Trump.
Scheduled Speech at Howard University After Delays
Harris’s team announced she will address the public on Wednesday evening at her alma mater, Howard University in Washington, D.C., nearly 12 hours after the election results were finalized.
Originally, she had planned a brief appearance at Howard on Tuesday evening, but she opted to stay at her vice-presidential residence as projections showed Trump pulling ahead.
The delay has sparked disappointment among supporters and Howard alumni who were hoping for a timely response from Harris.
Frustration Among Harris Supporters
Barbara Heineback, a former White House staffer and Howard University alumna, voiced her frustration with Harris’s delay, calling it a missed opportunity for respect toward her alma mater and the nation.
Heineback expressed disappointment, suggesting that Harris’s silence was a reflection of poor sportsmanship.
“It shows us how classless she actually is, a sore loser,” Heineback commented.
Venture capitalist David Sacks, a GOP donor, added that waiting even a day to make a concession speech risks making Harris “yesterday’s news” as public interest wanes.
President Biden’s Uncharacteristic Silence
President Joe Biden has also refrained from commenting on the election outcome, reportedly watching results with close family and friends at the White House.
Fox News reported that lights at the executive mansion were gradually turned off around 11 p.m. ET, signaling that Biden and his inner circle had turned in before the race was formally called for Trump.
This silence from both Biden and Harris stands in stark contrast to the fallout from the 2020 election, when former President Trump delayed his concession to Biden.
Harris Campaign’s Final Stand and Hopeful Address
Shortly after midnight, campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond addressed Harris supporters gathered at Howard University, assuring them that the campaign would continue pushing for all votes to be counted.
Richmond’s remarks provided a glimmer of hope, though it was increasingly apparent that Harris would not make history as the first female president.
He promised supporters that they would hear from Harris directly on Wednesday.
A Stunning Comeback for Trump
Trump’s victory marks a dramatic return to the White House for the 78-year-old, who surpasses Biden as the oldest president to assume office.
His successful comeback mirrors his 2016 win, with key victories in swing states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.
The Associated Press called the race at 5:34 a.m. ET on Wednesday after Trump’s performance in solid red states cemented his lead.
This victory is especially remarkable for a candidate twice impeached and recently convicted on fraud charges.
The Path Forward After a Long Campaign Season
As the dust settles, Democrats and Republicans alike are contemplating the next steps.
Harris’s impending speech at Howard University may signal her acknowledgment of the election results, but the campaign’s silence until now has left supporters wondering about the party’s direction.
Biden’s absence from the conversation and the unexpected surge in Trump’s support have set the stage for ongoing discussions about the future of American leadership and party dynamics.
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