Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a virtual National Grassroots Call last week, joined by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who thanked supporters for their work throughout the campaign. Both leaders acknowledged the emotional toll the election results had on their supporters.
Harris, speaking from her office in Washington D.C., appeared calm yet resolute. She wore a black suit, her warmth evident in the way she smiled and engaged with the live audience.
In her usual engaging style, she radiated empathy and determination, telling the audience: “I am so grateful for you, and I’m so thankful to you. I’m thankful for your love of our country and your willingness to put the work into it.”
Harris acknowledged the disappointment of election results but reminded the audience that their efforts had made a real impact.
“Your character is such that you’re not going to get knocked down,” she said. “You’re in this fight for all the right reasons.”
Walz echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of grassroots.
“I’m thankful for your love of our country and your willingness to put the work into it,” he said.
This call marks one of Harris’ first public addresses since the election results in which she earned 226 electoral votes compared to President-elect Donald Trump’s 312 electoral votes. Despite her loss, Harris highlighted the remarkable achievements of the campaign, noting that they raised a historic $1.4 billion during their 107-day campaign, which was hailed as one of the most aggressive grassroots efforts in recent political history.
Meanwhile, in the backdrop of Harris’ address, Trump has been making waves with his cabinet appointments, including a promise to abolish the Department of Education and his ongoing push to dismantle DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs government-wide.
Even in the face of the election results, both leaders urged their supporters to remain committed to the ongoing fight for justice, empowerment and unity.
Walz emphasized the importance of the work that was done, despite the outcome.
“Each of you did the work… and it makes a difference on the campaign trail,” he said.
“There will be a day of reckoning when it will be asked, ‘What did you do during the 2024 campaign?’ I know the people on this call can say everything they possibly could.”
In the wake of the election, Democratic leaders and allies have been vocal about Harris’ loss, stressing the importance of the campaign’s larger vision. Former President Barack Obama praised Harris’ tireless dedication and expressed admiration for the way she brought people across divides.
“Michelle and I could not be prouder of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz—two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign,” Obama said.
He said they will always be grateful to the staff and volunteers “who poured their heart and soul into electing public servants they truly believed in.”
Obama also took the opportunity to offer a measured response, congratulating Trump on his victory while also emphasizing the importance of democratic norms.
“This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a host of issues,” he said. “But living in a democracy means recognizing that our point of view won’t always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.”
On the other hand, Trump’s victory has received support from various conservative figures and foreign leaders, many of whom have been quick to praise his continued push for an agenda that challenges the core of liberal policy.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who has been vocal about his support for Trump, took to social media to applaud Trump’s win, by posting Trump’s 69.9 percent lead in the Polymarket 2024.
In the re-post, he wrote, “The prophecy has been fulfilled!”
Meanwhile, world leaders such as Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban have congratulated Trump, aligning with his stance on limiting governmental influence in education and promoting nationalistic policies.
Despite the polarized response, Harris underscored the critical role of grassroots supporters – whether they were knocking on doors or making phone calls— she said they had laid the groundwork for lasting change.
Throughout the call, both leaders stressed the importance of staying optimistic even in the face of adversity.
The call was interactive, with audience members submitting opinions, emojis and questions via the chat.
While no questions or comments were acknowledged directly during the live session, comments varied widely, running from words of support for Harris and Walz to expressions of frustration and even blame.
Many voiced their disappointments over the results, urging the leaders to stay the course and continue the fight for a more just and equitable future.
However, some participants criticized Harris’ leadership, questioning whether the loss reflected her campaign’s direction and strategy.
Harris, acknowledging the anger and frustration many are feeling, encouraged supporters to keep faith in the promise of America.
“The fight for freedom and opportunity didn’t end on November 5th,” she said. “We will continue to fight for the dignity of all people, and for a future where every American has the chance to pursue their dreams.”
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
