Harris' Concession Speech at Howard University
Two days ago, I attended Kamala Harris’ concession speech at Howard University. It was emotional to be there with thousands of campaign supporters, volunteers and staff. She delivered an inspirational speech, full of grace and empathy.
She would have been such a great President - and she may still become one someday.
A few quotes from her speech:
"Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn't mean we won't win. The important thing is don't ever give up, don't ever stop trying to make the world a better place.”
“You have power and don’t you ever listen when anyone tells you something is impossible because it has never been done before. Do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves."
“There’s an adage a historian once called a law of history, true of every society across the ages. The adage is: Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case. But here’s the thing, America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant, billion of stars — the light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service.”
There’s still a lot to unpack and analyze, but I believe it was economic anxiety that drove many voters to the polls to support a salesman who cares about no one but himself. We need to provide economic opportunities for all and ensure no one is left behind. At the same time, we also need to provide better information to the public, so they won’t be so easily misled and vote against their own interests, as conservative, pro-corporate policies will worsen, not alleviate, their economic woes.
Above all, this is a time to strategize and develop long term solutions, not a time to point fingers. President Biden demonstrated grace by stepping aside, and VP Harris unified the party and led a historic campaign in a very short time. She ran against the current in a year marked by discontent and did so with joy and hope. In the process, she has inspired so many.
No, we will not go back. We will continue our fight for freedom and democracy with as much enthusiasm and commitment as we had when we started in 2020.
Thank you, Kamala Harris, for answering the call to service and running a great campaign! And thank you to the Blue Wave volunteers and writers for continuing to stick with us on this journey of optimism, faith, truth and service.
Ning Mosberger-Tang, Founder & President, Blue Wave Postcards