Kamala Harris Calls on Supporters to ‘stay in the fight’
In her initial significant comments following the election, the vice president did not address her political future.
TroibNews 
On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris aimed to motivate Americans feeling disheartened by her electoral defeat, encouraging them to “stay in the fight” in light of President-elect Donald Trump’s impending return to the Oval Office.
“In moments like this, the true test of our character is how resilient and persistent we are to pursue the future that we all can see,” she expressed during a speech directed at young voters in Maryland, avoiding direct mention of Trump. “Do we throw up our hands, or do we roll up our sleeves?”
This speech marked Harris' first significant public comments following her concession in the November election, a loss that had a profound impact on the Democratic Party and placed her own political future in a state of uncertainty.
While she did not provide any indications regarding a potential run for California governor in 2026 or the presidency in 2028—positions she has been rumored to be considering—Harris made it clear that she intends to remain politically engaged. She emphasized that it is everyone’s duty to defend their values.
“No one can walk away,” she stated. “We must stay in the fight because that is the responsibility, in my opinion, that comes with the privilege of being an American.”
Since her concession on November 5, Harris has largely maintained a low profile, taking a week off to vacation in Hawaii with family before resuming her vice presidential responsibilities.
Earlier this week, she joined President Joe Biden at the Democratic National Committee’s holiday reception, where she expressed gratitude to staffers and motivated them to stay active in political pursuits.
On Tuesday, Harris aimed to provide a similar boost of encouragement to younger voters, whom she described as the “heirs” to the legacy of Americans striving for their political principles, including civil rights, workers' rights, and women’s rights.
“This struggle is not new: It goes back nearly 250 years ago to Lexington and Concord, generation after generation,” she remarked. “It has been driven by those who love our country, cherish its ideals and refuse to sit passive while our ideals are under assault.”
She was accompanied by Sen.-elect Angela Alsobrooks and Gov. Wes Moore, both from Maryland, during her address.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
“In moments like this, the true test of our character is how resilient and persistent we are to pursue the future that we all can see,” she expressed during a speech directed at young voters in Maryland, avoiding direct mention of Trump. “Do we throw up our hands, or do we roll up our sleeves?”
This speech marked Harris' first significant public comments following her concession in the November election, a loss that had a profound impact on the Democratic Party and placed her own political future in a state of uncertainty.
While she did not provide any indications regarding a potential run for California governor in 2026 or the presidency in 2028—positions she has been rumored to be considering—Harris made it clear that she intends to remain politically engaged. She emphasized that it is everyone’s duty to defend their values.
“No one can walk away,” she stated. “We must stay in the fight because that is the responsibility, in my opinion, that comes with the privilege of being an American.”
Since her concession on November 5, Harris has largely maintained a low profile, taking a week off to vacation in Hawaii with family before resuming her vice presidential responsibilities.
Earlier this week, she joined President Joe Biden at the Democratic National Committee’s holiday reception, where she expressed gratitude to staffers and motivated them to stay active in political pursuits.
On Tuesday, Harris aimed to provide a similar boost of encouragement to younger voters, whom she described as the “heirs” to the legacy of Americans striving for their political principles, including civil rights, workers' rights, and women’s rights.
“This struggle is not new: It goes back nearly 250 years ago to Lexington and Concord, generation after generation,” she remarked. “It has been driven by those who love our country, cherish its ideals and refuse to sit passive while our ideals are under assault.”
She was accompanied by Sen.-elect Angela Alsobrooks and Gov. Wes Moore, both from Maryland, during her address.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
