Vice President Kamala Harris faced widespread criticism following a brief video message to supporters after her 2024 presidential election loss to Donald Trump. Many questioned both the timing and content of her remarks.
“I understand this is a time filled with uncertainty. I’m fully aware of that,” Harris said during a virtual meeting with her grassroots supporters, appearing visibly downcast. “I know you’re aware of it as well, and it weighs heavily,” she added in her first public comments since her concession speech at Howard University earlier this month. “I just want to remind you, don’t ever let anyone take your power away from you,” Harris continued. “You still have the same power as you did before November 5th, the same purpose, and the same ability to engage and inspire.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who spoke before Harris on the call, described Trump’s win as “a bit scary.” Neither Harris nor her team offered explanations for losing every swing state, the Electoral College, and the popular vote despite raising over $1.5 billion.
The video, posted on the Democratic Party’s official X account on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, drew immediate backlash. A sentiment analysis by Storyful revealed that 76% of over 16,000 early responses were negative, with only 12% positive.
Democratic officials and voters criticized Harris and her team for what they termed a “self-congratulatory” review of the election defeat. Her advisers’ appearance on the Pod Save America podcast drew particular scrutiny for allegedly seeking scapegoats rather than acknowledging campaign missteps.
Critics pointed to the campaign’s failure to expand on clear economic messaging and Harris’ reluctance to distance herself from the Biden administration’s policies. The campaign also faced criticism for avoiding newer media platforms, including declining opportunities to appear on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
Exit polls suggested Harris underperformed among key demographic groups, including women, Black, and Latino voters, compared to Biden’s 2020 numbers.
Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, opted to vacation in Hawaii following the election loss rather than attend traditional White House gatherings. Social media critics suggested she should “lay low” after the defeat.
