Kamala Harris addressed a group of young Democratic leaders in Prince George’s County, Maryland, on Monday, urging her party not to give up hope following last month’s loss to President-elect Donald Trump.

The event, attended by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, and Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks, focused on rallying Democrats who expressed fatigue and disappointment after their defeat.

“As we approach the end of this year, many people have come up to me telling me they feel tired, maybe even resigned,” Harris said. “Folks have said to me that they’re not sure whether they have the strength, much less the desire to stay in the fight.”

Harris acknowledged the frustration felt by Democrats but encouraged the crowd to remain engaged. “But let me be very clear, no one can’t walk away,” she continued.

“We must stay in the fight. Every one of us. Including the fight for an economy that works not just for those at the very top but for working people — for all Americans.”

The speech came on the same day the Electoral College formally certified Trump’s victory, solidifying his return to the White House.

Once Trump is inaugurated on January 20, Republicans will hold control of the White House and Congress and maintain a 6-3 conservative majority on the Supreme Court.

Harris did not mention Trump by name but referenced the need for unity and resilience moving forward. “You reflect the best of the America I have seen, be it during the campaign, during my four years as vice president, and throughout my life,” Harris said.

She then took a subtle swipe at the president-elect. “An America where we are guided by the ideals that have always defined us when we are at our best: dignity and decency, fairness, freedom, and opportunity for all. An America where we recognize that the true measure of the strength of a leader is not based on who you beat down. It’s based on who you lift up.”

The crowd erupted in applause in response to her remarks.

Harris also took the opportunity to energize Democrats for what she called the “next fight,” reminding them to take a moment to rest during the holiday season but to return ready to reengage. “Get some rest over the holidays, and spend time with the people you love,” Harris said. “I challenge you to come back ready. Ready to chart our path to the future. Chin up, shoulders back, forever impatient for change.”

Kamala also referenced one of her more well-known phrases, one that generated mixed responses during the campaign. “As we close out this year, I ask of you this, that those here and anyone watching that you will not walk away, that you will stay true to your spirit and your sense of purpose, that you will continue to fight for the promise of America. And I ask you to remember the context in which you exist,” Harris said.

Pausing, she then quipped, “Yeah, I did that,” drawing laughter from the crowd.

Harris placed particular emphasis on younger leaders, calling them “heirs” to the work of generations past. “I ask you to remember that this struggle is not new. It goes back to nearly 250 years to Lexington and Concord,” she said. “The fight belongs to young leaders.”

Kamala’s future plans remain unclear following the Democratic defeat.

Reports have suggested that Harris could consider running for governor of California in 2026, mounting another White House bid in 2028, or stepping back into private life.

For now, Harris urged Democrats to remain focused. “We all have so much more in common than what separates us,” she said. “Get some rest over the holidays, but come back ready.”

The event closed with Harris reiterating her call to action, urging Democrats not to disengage despite their recent setback.

Watch the video:

.@VP Harris: “I ask of you this…that you you will not walk away. That you will stay true to your spirit and your sense of purpose. That you will continue to fight for the promise of America. And I ask you to remember the context in which you exist. Yeah, I did that. Uh huh.” pic.twitter.com/tzu2TovJTM

— CSPAN (@cspan) December 17, 2024

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