"This is painful and it will be for a long time. But our campaign was never about one person or about one election."
Hillary Clinton spoke publicly on Wednesday morning for the first time since her presidential election loss 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.
"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."
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 know how disappointed you feel because I feel it too," Clinton said. She had tears in her eyes as she urged people to "keep fighting for what's right."
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.
"I'm proud of Hillary Clinton because she is and has been a great history maker in everything she has done," he said. Kaine also referenced the fact that Clinton won the popular vote over Trump. Clinton's running mate got choked up while addressing the audience.
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."
"Our nation is more deeply divided than we thought, but I still believe in America," Clinton added. She spoke for about 12 minutes total.
Kaine quoted author William Faulkner's 1936 novel "Absalom Absolom!," saying, "They kilt us, but they ain't whupped us yet."
Clint Davis covers trending news topics for the Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.
