Introduction: Honoring Kamala’s Vision for America
A way to honor the tremendous efforts Kamala Harris made in her campaign and the many American that supported her is to increase the number of times you hear her concession speech. I recorded her and so instead of all the video of the podcast being about me, at one point I will stop the video and provide the audio so her speech.
The League of Women Voters—The State of Women Is Unclear
I want to start out with what I feel. I feel angry with gender discrimination. I feel disgusted that Trump got support due to people taping into his anger, and their fear. I feel disgusted that so many could not see the value Kamala Harris provides. Most of those who voted for him have no idea the implications support Trump to be the next President.
I am sharing the League’s remarks to contextualize the broader implications of this election on women, marginalized groups, and American values and the need to continue the ongoing fight for democracy.
“As we reflect on the election, we hold multiple truths.
- It was a fair, secure election marked by integrity, transparency, and high turnout. This is thanks to the dedication of election workers and civic volunteers nationwide; and
- Women’s future is unclear.”
“Given the sexist, racist rhetoric heard through this season, we are deeply concerned about the challenges women, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, and other communities will fact in the next administration.”
“Like you, we are still processing. Yet as we move forward, we are holding on to two more truths:
- We’re thankful for the people who empowered millions of voters to make their voices heard, including the League members nationwide; and
- We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for both women and our democracy.”
The Pain of Defeat: Lessons from the Election Outcome
“Harris defeat is a stinging verdict for the left,” in The Washington Post, by Peter Jamison and Cleve R. Wootson, Jr, November 6, 2024, at 11:09 am EST gave some statements for all of us to consider. For Democrats, those lessons are likely to be somber.
Harris is an ardent supporter of America’s democratic institutions, is a brilliant woman, and many resources say that people liked her more than Trump; however, they are so angry and fearful about what is happening in our country that were drawn to Trump’s attacks on our society and country.
“But in the end, she (Harris) came up short against a 78-years-old felon and former reality television star who assailed those same institutions as corrupt” that Harris praised and believes in. “She was the second woman to lead a major party’s presidential ticket—and the second to lose to Trump, a White man who ran a campaign marked by brazen appeals to nativism, racism and misogyny.”
Ask yourself, what is the message from this defeat. No matter how talented a woman, Americans are not ready to support a woman as President of the United States. Sadly, enough, the feeding of racism, sexism, and Trump’s misogynist views attracted men from all over the country in different racial groups. They got what they wanted. They prevent another woman from being President, and they sure as hell were not going to elect a multiracial woman.
His supporters have said to him, “no more talk, we want results.” In another podcast, I will go into all the details of what we can expect from Trump. There are multiple sources from the media that are describing all the actions he has described that he will take.
Realities About Trump Supporters and Their Chosen Path
I have friends that have told me that they made a bad mistake in voting for Trump the first time. They are the Republicans that would not vote for him this time. I feel great sadness, since I think a major of the people that voted for Trump this time have no idea what they voted for. Tom Nichols with The Atlantic Daily, Wednesday November 6, 2024, 5:18 pm in “The Promise of Revenge” gave exactly what these voters do not know about Trump.
Nichols says that all the explanation we give for Trump winning this election none of the explanations we give have merit, “they miss the point. Yes, some voters still stubbornly believe that presidents magically control the price of basic goods. Others have genuine concerns about immigration and gave in to Trump’s booming call of fascism and nativism. And some of them were just never going to vote for a woman, much less a Black woman.”
“And so it came to pass: Last night, a gaggle of millionaires and billionaires grinned and applauded for Trump. They were part of an alliance with the very people another Trump term would hurt—the young, minorities, and working families among them. “
“Trump, as he has shown repeatedly over the years, couldn’t care less about any of these groups. He ran for office to seize control of the apparatus of government and to evade judicial accountability for his previous actions as president. Once he is safe, he will embark on the other projects he seems to truly care about: the destruction of the rule of law and any other impediments to enlarging his power.
Those who voted for him will have their day of reckoning. In the next four years, they will see hatred, vengeance, and actions that they will regret that their racism, sexism and fear prevented them from supporting Kamala Harris to be the next President of the United States.
Kamala Harris’s Concession Speech: A Testament to Resilience
I think it is important you hear her speech again or if you have not heard it you need to hear her speech.
Hear Kamala Harris’s speech– https://www.nbcnewyork.com/decision-2024/kamala-harris-full-concession-speech-presidential-election/5962136/
What I hear in her message is the following things:
She states that “her heart is full. Full of gratitude for the trust that each of us placed in her, full of love for our country, and full of resolve.”
“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted. And it is not what we fought for. But the light of America’s promise will always burn bright—as long as we never give up and keep fighting.”
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign.”
“The fight for the ideals that reflect America at its best: Freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity. That is a fight I will never give up.”
“I will never give up the fight for a future where every American can pursue their dreams. Where the women of America have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies. The fight to protect our students and our streets from gun violence. The fight for our democracy.”
“Because the fight for our country is always worth it. And we cannot give up now.”
“This is not the time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves.”
Conclusion:
Kamala Harris’s concession may mark the end of one campaign, but it signifies the beginning of a larger movement to protect the very heart of American democracy. Her speech reminds us that the real work of safeguarding freedom and dignity remains. In honoring her words, we must confront the challenges ahead with renewed vigor, resilience, and unity. This is not the time to yield; it is the moment to double down, to stay vigilant, and to keep fighting for a vision of America where every citizen, every voice, and every ideal of freedom is not just defended, but celebrated. Let us continue this journey together rolling up our sleeves for the work ahead, just as Harris implored us to do.”
References for Podcast 105:
- The Washington Post, “Harris defeat is a slinging verdict for the left,” https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/11/06/kamala-harris-loses-presidential-election/?utm_campaign=wp_post_most&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&carta-url=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.washingtonpost.com%2Fcar-ln-tr%2F3f8c52b%2F672ba53ae57bc003e586edff%2F662802ed36fb6553111a990f%2F24%2F54%2F672ba53ae57bc003e586edff
- The Atlantic, “The Promise of Revenge,” Tom Nichols, the Atlantic Daily, Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 5:18 PM. https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/11/trump-voters-got-what-they-wanted/680564/
- Hear Kamala Harris’s speech– https://www.nbcnewyork.com/decision-2024/kamala-harris-full-concession-speech-presidential-election/5962136/