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In a historic joint session of Congress on Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris officially certified her electoral defeat to President-elect Donald Trump, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary election cycle that saw her assume the presidency following Biden’s departure, raise an unprecedented $1 billion in campaign funds, yet ultimately fail to secure victory in any key battleground states.
The ceremony contained a moment of unintended symbolism when Harris was addressed as “Madam President” – a title bestowed due to her role presiding over the Senate rather than any electoral achievement.
The Democratic campaign’s massive spending efforts proved insufficient as the party suffered losses across the board, surrendering both the White House and Senate while failing to recapture the House from Republican control.
There is nothing better than watching Kamala Harris announce Donald Trump as the official President of the United States
Drink it in pic.twitter.com/45rbCTgnXw
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) January 6, 2025
Harris’s electoral performance fell short of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 showing, with Trump claiming Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin en route to a decisive 312-226 Electoral College victory. Her electoral vote tally represented the lowest for any Democratic candidate since Michael Dukakis’s 1988 campaign.
The certification proceeded smoothly over roughly 30 minutes with full attendance from both chambers, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi who attended despite recovering from a hip injury. Speaker Mike Johnson joined Harris in presiding over the session.
A bipartisan group of four tellers – Senators Fischer and Klobuchar alongside Representatives Steil and Morelle – methodically validated each state’s results. Harris maintained composure throughout, adhering strictly to procedural requirements.
“You certifying your own loss is the best birthday present one could ever wish for,” posted Eric Trump on X, exemplifying Republican celebrations of the outcome.
Harris’s earlier campaign confidence now appeared misplaced. During an October appearance on “The Late Show,” she had mockingly called Trump a “loser,” sharing laughs with host Stephen Colbert while drinking beer. “This is what happens when I drink beer!” she had declared, displaying optimism that internal polling never supported.
Trump achieved a notable milestone as the first Republican in 20 years to win the popular vote, securing 49.9% (77,301,997) to Harris’s 48.4% (75,017,626). He expanded his rural white base while making unprecedented gains among minority voters.
Despite speculation about Trump’s eligibility due to January 6-related charges, no objections were raised during certification. This stood in contrast to Democratic challenges to previous Republican victories since 2000, though House Minority Leader Jeffries had recently claimed, “There are no election deniers on our side of the aisle.”
Make no mistake, the reason why Democrats are accepting this result FEAR. Fear of being exposed as hypocrites and fear that a Trump DOJ might pull a 'Jack Smith' on their asses and they wouldn't be able to cry Banana Republic because they paved the way for such prosecutions. https://t.co/jQ35TLOw3Y
— Justine Anifowose (@Tp_drg) January 6, 2025
The Biden-Harris campaign had consistently labeled Trump a “fascist” and “convicted felon,” with Biden even disparaging Trump supporters as “garbage” in the campaign’s final week. However, Biden later welcomed his successor cordially to the White House following the November 5 result.
Harris struggled to distance herself from the administration’s economic challenges, including 20% cumulative inflation, and immigration issues. Post-election analysis revealed voter uncertainty about her positions on key issues like fracking and border policy.
Prior to certification, Harris emphasized democratic principles, stating: “The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy. As we have seen, our democracy can be fragile, and it is up to, then, 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.”
