Hillary Clinton delivered a dignified and emotional concession speech at the New Yorker Hotel’s Grand Ballroom on Wednesday, November 9, telling Americans that her presidential loss to Donald Trump was “painful.”
“Last night I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country,” Clinton, 69, began her speech, delivered to a glum crowd. “I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans. This is not the outcome we wanted or we worked so hard for, and I’m sorry we did not win this election for the values we share and the vision we hold for our country.”
The Democratic presidential nominee then touched on the ethos of the campaign, which was “never about one person, or even one election,” and encouraged her supporters to give Trump “an open mind and the chance to lead.”
“Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power,” she said. “We don’t just respect that. We cherish it. It also enshrines the rule of law; the principle we are all equal in rights and dignity; freedom of worship and expression. We respect and cherish these values, too, and we must defend them.”
After thanking her vice presidential running mate, Tim Kaine, her husband, Bill Clinton, daughter, Chelsea Clinton, son-in-law, Marc Mezvinsky and grandchildren, Charlotte and Aiden, in addition to her tireless staff and supporters, Clinton had a special message for young women and little girls who have followed her campaign.
“And to all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams,” she said.
See how celebs and supporters — including Gigi Hadid, Ellen DeGeneres and Katy Perry — reacted to Clinton’s moving speech.
Fight for what is RIGHT.
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) November 9, 2016
Deeply disappointed..But may we not lose heart. “If we stand together despite our differences … our best days are yet to come” -HC 11/9/16
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) November 9, 2016
I really needed to cry. @HillaryClinton, what a speech ???♥️♥️♥️
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 9, 2016
Thank you @HillaryClinton for your speech and for your endless bravery. We are stronger together.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) November 9, 2016
That’s called CLASS. ??
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) November 9, 2016
Hilary’s concession speech! Damn I know she had some tears last night. Rem day after a lost game. That what it feels like. But worst.
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) November 9, 2016
May we hold Mrs Clinton in our prayers and our hearts. She stepped into the arena. She tried. She did her best. Hold her in your heart.
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) November 9, 2016
“Young people, never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.” Hillary Clinton
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) November 9, 2016