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In a speech filled with her characteristic meandering statements, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed young voters at Prince George’s County Community College in Maryland, making her first substantial public appearance since conceding defeat in last month’s election.

During her address, Harris, 60, challenged her audience’s resolve in the face of political setbacks. “The true test of our commitment is whether in the face of an obstacle: Do we throw up our hands — or do we roll up our sleeves?” she said, with subtle references to President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming return to office.

Demonstrating her distinctive speaking style, the Vice President made a self-aware comment about context, followed by a characteristic laugh, saying, “And I ask you to remember the context in which you exist… Yeah, I did that. Uh-huh.”

Her speech featured several meandering statements, including a reflection on public service: “You know, I do believe that public service is a noble calling. It is noble work and is — it is an expression of optimism which is, you know, and believe and it is being verified to each of you every day that the work you do that can lift people up has effect, it matters.”

The Vice President shared wisdom from her mother, recalling, “My mother gave me a long time ago, she would say to me, Kamala, don’t just complain about what is wrong. Do something about it, make it right. That’s a life you all are living.”

Having previously labeled Trump, 78, as a “fascist” comparable to Hitler during the campaign, Harris urged students to embrace traditional American values of “dignity and decency, fairness, freedom.”

Her appearance, which concluded with TLC’s “No Scrubs” playing as she left the stage, suggested her continued political aspirations, aligning with President Biden’s recent assertion at a Democratic National Committee holiday reception that she was “not going anywhere.”

Looking ahead, Harris faces potential competition for Democratic Party leadership should she pursue the 2028 presidential nomination. Among possible contenders is Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who attended the event, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose term limit in 2026 could create an opportunity for Harris to seek the California governorship.

Throughout her address, Harris emphasized resilience in American politics, drawing parallels to historical struggles dating back to Lexington and Concord, while encouraging sustained political engagement among her young audience.