Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to speak at Howard University in Washington, D.C., after her defeat by former President Donald Trump in the race for the White House. CBS News projects that Harris secured 222 electoral votes, falling short of the 276 amassed by Trump. Trump reached the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the presidency after securing battleground states such as Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Harris, who graduated from Howard in 1986, was expected to address supporters from her alma mater on election night but postponed her speech as the results came in.
The chaotic and historic presidential election cycle saw two assassination attempts against Trump and was highlighted by President Biden’s sudden announcement in July that he would exit the race following a disastrous debate performance in late June. Harris swiftly announced her candidacy for the White House, becoming the Democratic nominee for the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket. Her nomination was solidified at the Democratic National Committee in Chicago in August, with Democrats rallying around her as the candidate to challenge Trump.
Harris’ upcoming remarks are anticipated to address the outcome of the election, her defeat to Trump, and possible plans for the future. The event is significant as it marks Harris’ return to her alma mater and the historic moment of being the first woman of color to top a major party ticket. Viewers can watch Harris’ remarks live on CBS News 24/7 on various platforms. Melissa Quinn, a politics reporter for CBSNews.com, will be covering the event and providing updates on Harris’ speech and other related developments.
The outcome of the election, with Trump securing the presidency, has brought an end to a tumultuous campaign season that saw significant events such as assassination attempts and unexpected announcements from key figures. Harris’ defeat in the race for the White House marks a setback for her political aspirations but also represents a historical moment in American politics. As the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket, Harris has broken barriers and set a precedent for future generations of women and people of color in politics.
The significance of Harris’ candidacy and campaign, particularly in the context of her defeat to Trump, raises important questions about the future of American politics and the role of women and people of color in leadership positions. Harris’ return to Howard University, where she graduated, underscores the importance of education and the impact of historically Black colleges and universities in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. As Harris prepares to address the public and reflect on the outcome of the election, her words are expected to resonate with supporters, Democrats, and Americans across the country, as they come to terms with the results and look towards the future of the nation.
