As the reality of a Donald Trump presidency sets in across the U.S. and around the world, Hillary Clinton finally took the stage to address supporters assembled at the New Yorker Hotel in New York City on Wednesday morning for her first public appearance since her unexpected defeat.
The democratic candidate had hoped to deliver a victory speech at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in the city’s west side the night before, but cancelled the address when the vote tally pointed to a Trump win.
In his speech to supporters, Trump said Clinton had called him to concede the electoral contest and congratulate the Republican president-elect on his win.
Clinton apologized to a room full of supporters for losing the election to Trump and said she hopes he will be a successful president for all Americans.
She also said the election outcome wasn’t what she wanted, but she nevertheless feels proud of the campaign.
“You represent the best of America and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” Clinton said.
The democratic candidate choked up when she acknowledged the defeat was painful and that it would be for a long time.
"This loss hurts," Clinton declared. "But please, never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it."
She stressed that the democrats’ campaign wasn’t about one candidate or even one election – it was about improving the country and “building an America that’s hopeful, inclusive and big hearted.”
Clinton recognized that the nation was more deeply divided than she or her team had originally thought, but she said she remained hopeful for the future.
“I still believe in America and I always will,” Clinton said.
Clinton encouraged her audience to accept Trump’s impending presidency. She underlined the importance of respecting the country’s constitutional democracy and a smooth transition of power.
“We owe him (Trump) an open mind and the chance to lead,” Clinton stated.
Clinton urged her supporters to continue participating in the political process and advancing the causes they believe in.
“Making our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top, protecting our planet and breaking down all the barriers that hold any American back from achieving their dreams,” Clinton said.
She spoke of inclusivity in the American dream for people of all races, religions, genders, sexual orientations and abilities.
After thanking her running mate Tim Kaine, President Barack and Michelle Obama, her family and the millions of supporters, Clinton delivered a special message to women.
“To all the women, and especially the young women, who put their faith in this campaign and in me, I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion,” she announced to a standing ovation.
Clinton acknowledged that she had been unable to break the glass ceiling and expressed her confidence that another woman would be able to do so in the near future.
She ended her address by telling the crowd how grateful she is to be American.
“I still believe, as deeply as I ever have, that if we stand together and work together with respect for our differences, strengthen our convictions, and love for this nation, our best days are still ahead of us,” Clinton said.
