Clinton's Concession Speech Is How Everyone Feels

In her concession speech on the morning of Nov. 9, Hillary Clinton acknowledged that the days ahead will be difficult, telling her supporters that "This is painful, and it will be for a long time." The Democratic nominee for president spoke just before noon on Wednesday, thanking her supporters and acknowledging the bitter pill of defeat at the hands of an opponent who not only attacked her policies and ideas, but her character and identity.

Speaking at the New Yorker Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, Clinton said “I know how disappointed you feel, because I feel it too.” Surrounded by her family and standing next to her running mate Tim Kaine and his wife, the former Senator, Secretary of State, and First Lady attempted to strike a note of hope in her speech. “This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it,” she said.

“Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time,” Clinton continued. “So let's do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we all hold dear. Making our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top, protecting our country and protecting our planet.”

Bittersweet doesn’t begin to describe the emotion in Clinton’s speech. While she tried to strike a positive tone, and discussed the importance of the peaceful transition of power, she also got choked up in a few places, especially when talking about the role her campaign played in the history of women’s equality.

“To all the women and specially 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 said. “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.”

Clinton ended her speech with a reference to scripture, saying “You know, scripture tells us let us not go weary in doing good for in good season we shall reap.

“My friends, let us have faith in each other, let us not grow weary and lose heart for there are more seasons to come and there is more work to do.”

It might be the truest thing she’s ever said.