Harris shares message ahead of Jan. 6 certification: ‘Our democracy can be fragile’
Vice President Harris on Monday shared a video message before she presides over a joint session of Congress to certify the 2024 presidential election, which she lost to president-elect Trump.
In a pre-recorded video message, the vice president stressed the importance of a peaceful transition of power four years after Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to oppose the certification of President Biden's 2020 win.
"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," according to a transcript a White House official shared with The Hill.
"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 added. "As we have seen, our democracy can be fragile. And it is up to each of us to stand up for our most cherished principles."
The speech echoes her concession speech the day after the election when she encouraged the peaceful transfer of power.
Harris is one of three vice presidents in recent history to certify their election loss—following President Richard Nixon when he lost to President John F. Kennedy while he was sitting vice president and former Vice President Al Gore when he lost to President George W. Bush.
Four years ago, Harris, as vice president-elect at the time, was inside the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., when a pipe bomb was discovered near a park bench outside the building. She was evacuated within minutes.
The riots that day became a staple of Biden's re-election run and later Harris's stump speeches. Both continuously argued that Trump was a threat to democracy and shouldn't be qualified to return to office.
While at the Capitol on Monday, Harris will also ceremonially swear-in new Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), who Harris recruited to work for her when she was San Francisco attorney general.