Hillary Clinton urged people to “keep fighting for what’s right” as she spoke publicly for the first time after losing to Donald Trump.
Clinton took the stage at 11:41 a.m. Eastern and immediately got choked up. She was clearing her throat and wiping her eyes as the room full of supporters cheered.
"This is painful and it will be for a long time. But our campaign was never about one person or about one election,” she said.
Clinton was joined onstage by family and campaign partners, including Bill and Chelsea Clinton, as well as running mate Tim Kaine and his wife Anne Holton.
"I'm sorry that we did not win this election, for the values we share and vision we hold for our country," Clinton said to her supporters. "You represent the best of America and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honors of my life."
Five moments from Hillary Clinton's concession speech that will break her supporters' hearts. pic.twitter.com/FjDLpaAwto
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 9, 2016
Before Clinton took the stage, Kaine spoke about his experience working with her during the campaign season. "My wife Anne and I are so proud of Hillary Clinton," Kaine said.
Hillary Clinton's concession speech delivered a powerful message to young women across America. pic.twitter.com/ktpq0GQXkP
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 9, 2016
Many people reacted to Trump's victory with stunned silence but none more notably than Clinton in the moments immediately following his win. She did not give a concession speech after the election results were announced overnight but she did call Trump to congratulate him on winning the race.
"Last night, I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country," Clinton said on Wednesday. "We owe [Trump] an open mind and a chance to lead."
Following her speech, President Obama addressed the nation and assured Americans that everything would be “OK.”
"We are now all rooting for [Donald Trump's] success in uniting and leading the country," says Obama https://t.co/qd5BSK2zRS pic.twitter.com/gPT0KJcFkq
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 9, 2016
"We have to remember that we're all actually on one team," Obama said. "This is an intramural scrimmage ... We all want what's best for this country."
MORE: Obama calms nation after 2016 election, Trump victory: 'It's OK'
He went on to praise Clinton, saying "I could not be prouder of [Hillary Clinton.] ... A lot of Americans look up to her. Her nomination was historic," Obama said, referencing the fact that Clinton was the first woman to ever be nominated for president by one of the major parties. "I am confident that she and President [Bill] Clinton will continue to do great work.”
Clinton joined a list of candidates who found out the hard way that the presidential election is not a popularity contest. More: Hillary Clinton joins list of presidential losers who won popular vote
After Tuesday's election, popular vote tallies show Clinton got 59.8 million votes while Donald Trump got 59.6 million votes, with some ballots still left to be counted.
