A tearful Kamala Harris spoke at her former university, Howard University, in the capital Washington, where she told that she had spoken to the USA's incoming president Donald Trump earlier in the day and that she had then congratulated him on his victory.
I told him that we will help him and his staff with the transition, says Harris.
A fundamental part of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the result. This principle, just as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and all those who seek the public's trust must honor it.
"Will never give up"
But even though she acknowledges her defeat, she will not give up the "fight that drove" her election campaign, she says.
I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can fulfill their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations. Where women in America have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies, says Harris.
She then turns to the many young people gathered in the audience.
It's okay to feel sad and disappointed, but it will be okay, she says.
During my campaign, I often said that when we fight, we win. But so it is, sometimes the fight takes a while.
Trump praised Harris
Trump's staff reports that he and Harris agreed on the importance of uniting the country after the election.
"President Trump praised Vice President Harris for her strength, professionalism, and perseverance throughout the campaign", says Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung.
Even the outgoing President Joe Biden has called Trump and congratulated him on his victory. In the conversation, Trump was invited to the White House for a meeting on the transfer of power.
