Kamala Harris was widely criticized following her video message to backers after her 2024 presidential election defeat by Donald Trump. The timing and content of her statement raised numerous questions.
“I understand this is a time filled with uncertainty. I’m fully aware of that,” Harris said in a virtual interaction with her grassroots supporters, looking visibly upset. “I know you’re aware of it as well, and it weighs heavily,” she added, in her first public words since her concession speech at Howard University earlier that 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.”
Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, who spoke prior to Harris on the call, labeled Trump’s victory as “a bit scary.” Neither Harris nor her team offered any clarification for losing in every swing state, the Electoral College, and the popular vote, despite having raised over $1.5 billion.
The video was uploaded on the Democratic Party’s official X account on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, and quickly sparked controversy. An emotion analysis by Storyful showed that 76% of over 16,000 early reactions were adverse, with only 12% positive.
Harris and her team were criticized by Democratic officials and voters for what they referred to as a “self-congratulatory” analysis of the election loss. Her advisers’ participation on the Pod Save America podcast was specifically scrutinized for allegedly blaming others rather than recognizing campaign errors.
Critics highlighted the campaign’s inability to develop clear economic messaging and Harris’ unwillingness to separate herself from the policies of the Biden administration. The campaign was also criticized for not taking advantage of newer media platforms, including refusing invitations to appear on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
Exit polls indicated that Harris performed poorly among key demographics, including women, Black, and Latino voters, compared to Biden’s 2020 performance.
Following the election loss, Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, chose to vacation in Hawaii instead of attending customary White House events. Critics on social media suggested she should maintain a low profile after the defeat.
