Kamala Harris certifies election, proving how a gracious loser wins

After losing the presidential election to Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris made a concession speech that demonstrated just how much better she understands what it means to be an American than does Trump.

She said in part, “A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results. That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny. And anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it.”

She said that she “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.”

And today, that is exactly what she is doing.

Harris fulfills her constitutional duty, unlike Trump

When the two houses of Congress meet to formally count the Electoral College votes for president, Vice President Harris will be the presiding officer.

However, she will not use her role to dismiss or reject the votes Trump received, something that Trump tried to get Vice President Mike Pence to do in 2021. She will not incite a mob to storm the U.S. Capitol.

Instead, Harris released a video laying out exactly how and why she will fulfill her duties.

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In it, she says, “The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy. As much as any other principle, it is what distinguishes our system of government from monarchy or tyranny.”

She says, “Today, at the United States Capitol, I will perform my constitutional duty as vice president of the United States to certify the results of the 2024 election. This duty is a sacred obligation — one I will uphold guided by love of country, loyalty to our Constitution and my unwavering faith in the American people.”

She says, “As we have seen, our democracy can be fragile. And it is up to each one of us to stand up for our most cherished principles and to make sure that in America, our government always remains of the people, by the people and for the people.”

We may also be the only country where a person with grace, faithfulness and hope can lose an election … and still win.

Reach Montini at [email protected].

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kamala Harris wins in explaining certification of election | Opinion