In Concession Speech, Clinton Tells Backers They Must Accept Outcome

Hillary Clinton has delivered what are expected to be her final remarks of the presidential election after a devastating loss to Republican Donald Trump.

She’s urging her supporters to accept the results, saying they owe Trump an “open mind” and a “chance to lead.” She said American democracy depends on “peaceful transition of power.”

Speaking to supporters Wednesday at a New York hotel, Clinton said the campaign has been “one of the greatest honors” of her life. She described the outcome as “painful,” but said the effort was not about her but “the country we love.”

Clinton took the stage to sustained applause.

Ashen-faced aides sat in the front row as supporters in the audience sobbed at the emotional event.

“Nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion,” Clinton said addressing young women specifically.

At times, the defeated Democrat held back tears, her voice cracking.

“To all the little girls who are watching this: Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the word to pursue and achieve your own dreams,” she said.

She urged the country to not give up and keep pushing forward for the things Americans believe in.

“This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it,” she said.

Her running mate, Tim Kaine, said Clinton made history by paving the way for women to run for president.

Speaking ahead of Clinton to the room of supporters and aides, Kaine prompted a standing ovation when he noted Clinton is leading in the popular vote in the race against Trump.

Kaine hailed Clinton and former President Bill Clinton’s loyalty to their staff, and praised their dedication.

Kaine’s voice shaking, he said Clinton “knows the system we have. She’s deeply in love with it and she accepts it.”

In the early morning hours Wednesday, Clinton’s campaign chairman John Podesta said her campaign had nothing to say about the state of the presidential race when Trump was closing in on a victory and sent people home from what could have been her victory rally in New York. Clinton shortly after Podesta’s announcement called Trump and conceded.

Despite losing Tuesday’s presidential election, Clinton has a narrow lead in the popular vote, with several million votes still to be counted.

As more votes are counted, Clinton isn’t guaranteed to keep that lead. However, most of the outstanding votes appear to be in Democratic-leaning states. The biggest chunk is in California. Washington State, New York, Oregon and Maryland also have large numbers of uncounted votes. Clinton won all those states.

With nearly 125 million votes counted, The Associated Press tally has Clinton with 47.7 percent and President-elect Trump with 47.5 percent.