Harris concedes, Biden congratulates Trump on win

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris delivered a concession speech yesterday at Howard University in Washington, D.C., expressing pride in her campaign and emphasizing that "when we lose an election, we accept the results."

U.S. President Joe Biden also called President-elect Donald Trump yesterday to congratulate him on election victory, according to the White House.

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris delivers a concession speech at Howard University in Washington, D.C. yesterday. CCTV4

"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 all have so much more in common than what separates us," Harris said in the speech at her alma mater.

"While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign," Harris added. "Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn't mean we won't win."

In her speech, Harris highlighted Democrats' key issues such as abortion, gun violence and equal justice, vowing that "we will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts and in the public square."

The vice president underscored the importance of accepting the election results. She confirmed that she had spoken with President-elect Donald Trump and congratulated him on his victory, and noted that her administration would facilitate a peaceful transfer of power.

In a statement, the White House affirmed that Biden will address the nation today to discuss the election results and the transition.

"President Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasized the importance of working to bring the country together," according to the statement.

Biden also invited Trump to meet in the White House, the statement said, adding that the staff will coordinate a specific date in the near future.

Biden also spoke by phone with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, and congratulated her on her "historic campaign," the statement said.

Early yesterday morning, Fox News first projected Trump would win more than 270 Electoral College votes, the threshold needed to clinch the presidency.

Speaking at his election headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump quickly declared victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, calling it "a political victory that our country has never seen before." (Xinhua)