Tim Walz was seen weeping as Kamala Harris delivered an emotional concession speech after losing the election decisively to Donald Trump.
Dozens in the crowd were spotted in tears as the Democrat hopeful spoke to supporters outside Howard University in Washington DC. The 60-year-old Minnesota governor stood next to his wife, Gwen, and daughter, Hope, both wearing sunglasses.
Harris told supporters that she had lost her race against Trump, conceding to the Republican president who is now empowered by a sweeping mandate.
Despite polls suggesting the race was neck and neck, Trump swept to victory, securing all of the swing states including the so-called ‘Blue Wall’ that Biden retook in 2020.
LIVE: ‘Do not despair – Mobilize, organize’ suggests Kamala Harris in concession speech
From criminal con to Teflon Don – How Trump election win could see trial and charges swerved
The Republicans appear set to gain a majority in the Senate but the House of Representatives is at this stage too early to call.
Walz’ tears evoked memories of his son Gus’ tears during the DNC. Gus, 17, couldn’t contain his emotions as he broke down in tears during his father’s heart-wrenching speech.
The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for, Harris said. But hear me when I say, the light of Americas promise will always burn bright, as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.
Harris had planned to address an audience like this at Howard on election night and had hoped she would have a more upbeat message to deliver. Instead, when Harris took the stage at her alma mater, she looked out at a sea of America flags and notably forlorn faces. She was flanked by 30 American flags.
Harris urged her supporters to accept her loss in the 2024 presidential election and touted how she would help Trump with his transition.
DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.
Folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now, I get it. But we must accept the results of this election, she said.
Earlier today I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory, Harris said to a smattering of boos from the audience. I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.
The vice president used what she called a law of history, recalling an adage that 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, she said. America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, billion stars. The light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service.
