Jill Biden tells Americans to feel joy despite election loss
- Following a tough election loss, President Biden and Vice President Harris encouraged Democratic donors at a DNC holiday reception to remain involved in party politics.
- Both leaders highlighted the achievements of the party and expressed appreciation for the contributions of major financial supporters.
- The event served as a rallying point for the party to regroup and strategize for upcoming political challenges.
In Washington, on December 15, 2024, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris addressed Democratic National Committee donors at a holiday party following the loss in the recent elections to Donald Trump. They sought to lift the spirits of donors who had invested significant resources into the campaign, emphasizing the importance of resilience in politics. Biden recalled his father's advice about getting back up after being knocked down, reinforcing the message that Democrats should remain united and focused on future endeavors. The Democratic party faced a considerable political setback, losing the presidency, the Senate, and maintaining only a minority in the House. Biden acknowledged the fundraising efforts of the party, noting that they raised approximately $2.9 billion compared to the Republicans' $1.8 billion. Despite this, the outcome highlighted challenges within the party, including the struggle to connect with voters on key issues. Biden defended his administration's achievements, including significant bipartisan legislation on infrastructure and other areas, arguing that these accomplishments were made possible by the commitment and efforts of the donors present. Vice President Harris, who took over as the Democratic presidential nominee after Biden ended his campaign earlier in the year, expressed gratitude to the donors for their unwavering support. She emphasized the strength of the party's spirit and the continuing belief in the promise of America, despite the electoral defeat. Harris also hinted at her future in politics, indicating she might consider another presidential run. During the event, both Biden and Harris reassured their ongoing commitment to the Democratic party and its core values. Compounding these sentiments, CNN's Van Jones later remarked that Democrats could use the loss as an opportunity for self-reflection and internal discussion, with some critics suggesting that Kamala Harris' campaign faltered as it became overly polished and disconnected from voter sentiments. Overall, the atmosphere at the DNC holiday event was a mix of disappointment and determination, as party leaders encouraged continued engagement and preparation for future electoral challenges.