NEW YORK, Nov. 9 (UPI) — Hillary Clinton publicly conceded the presidential election Wednesday in a brief speech to her supporters and campaign workers, saying she hoped Donald Trump would “be a successful president for all Americans.”
Clinton was gracious toward Trump, her bitter rival who upended the expectations in the political world Tuesday, defeating her to become the president-elect of the United States.
“Last night I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope he will be a successful president for all Americans,” she said. “I’m sorry we did not win this election for the values we share and we hold for our country. I feel pride and gratitude for this wonderful campaign that we built together.”
Addressing the historic nature of her candidacy as what would have been the first female president of the United States, Clinton addressed women and young girls directly, saying it was an honor.
“To all the women and especially the young women who put their faith in this campaign and me, I want you to know nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion,” she said. “Now, I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday someone will and hopefully sooner than we might think right now. To all the little girls that are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and every opportunity in the world to pursue your own dreams.”
Reflecting on the constitutional tradition of the transfer of power between political enemies, Clinton called on supporters to be accepting of Trump as president and allow him the chance to succeed.
“We have seen our nation is more deeply divided than we thought, but I still believe in America and I know you do. We must accept this result and then look to the future. Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead. Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power and we don’t just respect that, we cherish it.”
Trump won the Electoral College with at least 284 votes, though by mid-morning Clinton had pulled ahead in the popular vote as precincts in California continued to trickle in.
