Biden Praises Harris After Concession Speech: “Best Decision I Made”

Following Vice President Kamala Harris’s concession speech on Wednesday, acknowledging her loss to President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden released a statement commending her efforts in the 2024 race. Biden described selecting Harris as his running mate in 2020 as the “best decision” of his presidency.

In a written statement, Biden praised Harris’s leadership, calling her campaign “historic” and noting the “extraordinary circumstances” under which she ran. He credited Harris with embodying a vision of America that is “more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all.”

“It was the best decision I made. Her story represents the best of America’s story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story,” Biden said. 

Biden recalled that choosing Harris as his vice-presidential candidate was his first major decision after winning the Democratic nomination in 2020. “It was the best decision I made,” he stated. “Her story represents the best of America’s story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story.”

Harris delivered her concession speech at her alma mater, Howard University, where she addressed a crowd of supporters, reflecting on the campaign’s outcome. “The result is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for,” she said.

“But hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright, as long as we never give up and keep fighting.”

The speech, intended initially as a celebratory message on Election Night, took a more somber tone. As Harris looked out at the audience, framed by a display of 30 American flags, she acknowledged the disappointment but urged supporters to stay committed to their ideals.