Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared teary-eyed as she waited for Vice President Kamala Harris to give her concession speech at Howard University in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, saying on social media that she prayed for America’s success.
As seen in footage broadcast by cable network C-SPAN, she also engaged in what appeared to be a heated discussion with Democratic Party strategist Donna Brazile, sparking social media speculation that the pair were arguing.
On Tuesday, Donald Trump pulled off a dramatic presidential election victory, picking up 295 Electoral College votes, according to The Associated Press (AP), 25 more than the 270 needed for victory.
As of 3 a.m. ET on Thursday, AP also reported Trump had a strong lead in the swing states of Nevada and Arizona, which have yet to declare, and the president-elect appears on course for a popular vote win for the first time.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday, Pelosi said: “We all pray for America’s success under the next administration. The peaceful transfer of power is the cornerstone of our democracy. After every election, we all have a responsibility to come together and find common ground.”
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi looks distraught while waiting for Kamala Harris to concede the election at Howard University on November 6, 2024, in Washington D.C. In a post on social media, news outlet The Blaze claimed Pelosi appeared to be arguing with Democratic strategist Donna Brazile.
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Kevin Dietsch/GETTY
Harris delivered her concession speech on Wednesday afternoon to disappointed supporters at Howard University, which she attended as a student, where she said American’s “must accept” the election result.
Among those in attendance was Pelosi, who on Tuesday was reelected as representative for California’s 11th Congressional District. In an image captured by photographer Kevin Dietsch, Pelosi appeared distraught, with Fox News describing her appearance as “somber and teary-eyed.”
Pelosi was also filmed in what appeared to be an animated conversation with Brazile, who twice served as acting chair of the Democratic National Committee. In a post on X, news outlet The Blaze shared the C-SPAN footage, adding: “Nancy Pelosi and Donna Brazile appear to be arguing with each other at Kamala’s concession speech.”
Steve Cortes, a former Trump aide and a Fox News contributor, also posted the video commenting: “Nancy Pelosi is arguing with Donna Brazile at the Kamala Harris defeat speech.”
It is unclear from the clip what the pair were discussing during their encounter.
Newsweek contacted Pelosi and Brazile for comment via email on Thursday outside of regular office hours.
During her Howard University address, Harris sought to reassure supporters, commenting: “I know many people feel like we’re entering a dark time. But for the benefit of us all, I hope that’s not the case.”
The current vice president said her “heart is full today, full of gratitude” for the backing she received during the campaign adding: “Hear me when I say the light of America’s promise will always burn bright.”
Addressing one of the main themes of her presidential campaign, Harris commented: “We will never give up the fight for our democracy, the rule of law, of the rule of justice and the sacred idea that everyone of us, no matter who we are or where we start out, have certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be upheld.”
Trump delivered a victory address to supporters at 2:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday in Florida, where he described his presidential election win as the “greatest political movement of all time.”
He said: “We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly. We’re going to fix our borders, we’re going to fix everything about our country and we’ve made history for a reason tonight.”
“I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe and prosperous America that our children deserve and that you deserve. This will truly be the golden age of America, that’s what we have to have.”
