As dust settles on the news that Donald Trump has been elected as the 45th President of the United States, eyes turn to Hillary Clinton to deliver her concession speech.
Clinton had been scheduled to speak last night at the Javits Center. Her campaign team had chosen the steel and glass structure for its symbolism in anticipation of Clinton becoming the first woman to “shatter the highest, hardest glass ceiling.”
In the early hours of this morning, when it became apparent that those anticipations would not be realised, Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta told voters to go home.
Democratic Candidate Vice President Tim Kaine introduced Clinton.
“I’m proud of Hillary because she loves this country… She knows our country for what it is… She is deeply in love with it. That love of country is something that is obvious to everyone,” Kaine said.
He thanked Clinton for selecting him as her running mate and commended her on her family values and welcoming nature.
“They killed us, but they ain’t whooped us yet,” said Kaine quoting William Faulkner.
“The dreams of empowering families and children remain. In that important work that we have to do as a nation, it’s comforting to know that Hillary Clinton will be fighting for those values,” said Kaine as he welcomed Clinton to stage.
Clinton took to the stage, evidently distraught.
As the crowd cheered, she thanked “friends” and supporters.
“This is not the outcome we wanted, and I’m sorry that we did not win this election for the values we share and the vision we hold for our country,” said Clinton.
“Being your candidate has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” she said emotionally.
“I know how disappointed you feel, because I feel it too… This is painful and it will be for a long time.”
“We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided that we thought, but I still believe in America and always will.”
“We must accept this result and look to our future,” continued Clinton.
The senator called for the peaceful transfer of power.
“Our consitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time.”
“The American dream is big enough for everyone,” said Clinton, passionately.
“Our responsibility as citizens is to keep doing our part, to build that better, stronger, fairer America.”
Clinton thanked her campaign team, saying it gives her great hope and comfort knowing that Kaine will represent Virgina in the Senate.
“To Barrack and Michelle Obama, our country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude,” continued Clinton.
“We thank you for your graceful determined leadership.”
Clinton continued to thank her family, her volunteers and the dedicated team that supported her.
“You poured your hearts into this campaign,” she said.
“You were the best campaign anyone could ever have had.”
“To the young people in particular, I hope you will hear this. I have spent my entire adult life fighting for what I believe in… many of you are at the beginning of your professional, public and political careers… This loss hurts but please never stop believing that fighting for what is right is worth it,” said Clinton emotionally.
“To all the women, who put their faith in me, I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion,” she continued.
“To all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable, powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams”
“I know we have still not shattered that highest, hardest glass ceiling, but someday someone will.”
“Finally,” said Clinton, “I am so grateful for our country.”
“I believe we are stronger together. You should never regret fighting for that.”
“Let us have faith in each other, let us not grow weary. For there are more seasons to come and there is more work to do.”
“May God bless you, and my God bless the United States of America,” concluded Clinton.
