Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama released a statement Wednesday evening following Kamala Harris’s loss in the 2024 presidential election, underscoring the value of democracy’s core principles even amid a challenging defeat. “This is not the outcome we had hoped for,” they stated, but they emphasized the importance of “accepting the peaceful transfer of power.”
Despite Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, facing an uphill battle in a turbulent political landscape, the Obamas expressed their pride in the Democratic team and gratitude for the campaign staff and volunteers who “poured their heart and soul” into the effort. “We couldn’t be prouder,” they added, calling Harris and Walz “two extraordinary public servants” who fought for a “remarkable campaign.”
As they congratulated President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, the Obamas invoked a spirit of civility, echoing their gracious welcome of the Trumps to the White House in 2016. They emphasized the need for “good faith” dialogue, reminding Americans that progress requires an openness to listen, even when views differ sharply.
Reflecting on Harris’s campaign challenges, Obama pointed to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left many voters feeling financially strained. “Those conditions have created headwinds for democratic incumbents around the world,” he noted, adding that the 2024 election results reflect a broader global trend of demand for change.
The Obamas closed their message with optimism, noting that the issues facing America are “solvable.” However, they urged Americans to stay committed to the democratic process and to continue working toward a “fairer, more equal, and freer nation.”
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