Kamala Harris concedes election but vows to fight on
· RTE.ieUS Vice President Kamala Harris has delivered a televised concession speech after a whirlwind campaign that failed to stop Republican Donald Trump's return to the White House.
"While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign," Ms Harris told supporters at her alma mater Howard University, a historically black college.
Ms Harris pledged to continue fighting for women's rights and against gun violence and to "fight for the dignity that all people deserve."
"The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for, but hear me when I say that the light of America's promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting," she said.
She said she had called President-elect Trump, congratulated him on his triumph and promised to engage in a peaceful transfer of power.
Ms Harris told the crowd that "we must accept the results" of the election and also promised to help Mr Trump as he heads back to the White House.
She said: "We must accept the results of this election. Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory,"
"I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition, and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power."
Ms Harris addressed a crowd that included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, aides in President Joe Biden's White House and thousands of fans who listened to a soundtrack that included Beyonce's "Run the World (Girls)" and Tye Tribbett's "We Gon' Be Alright."
Her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, joined the crowd.
Ms Harris rose to the top of the Democratic ticket in July after Mr Biden stepped aside and brought new-found enthusiasm and cash to the Democratic ticket, but struggled to overcome voters' concerns about the economy and immigration.
US Election Live: Outcome 'not what we fought for', Harris says in speech
She was handed a resounding loss, with Mr Trump winning a greater share of votes across most of the country compared with his performance in 2020 and Democrats failing to secure key battleground states that decide elections.
Thousands had gathered at Howard University last night for what they hoped would be a historic victory for the first woman to become president.
They came back today to show their support after her loss.