Hope, Unity & Going Forward After the 2016 Election: Messages From Secretary Clinton & President Obama Opinion

On November 9, 2016, Secretary Clinton addressed her supporters and President Obama addressed the American people. Both offered messages of hope and unity. Secretary Clinton recognized that the loss of the election was a painful one but urged her supporters to remember that her campaign was never about one person or even one election, but rather “about the country we love - and about building an America that’s hopeful, inclusive and big heart-ed.” 

Later the same day, President Obama told the American people that “we are now all rooting for [Donald Trump’s] success in uniting and leading the country. The peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of our democracy. And over the next few months, we are going to show that to the world.” 

I suspect many of us have lost sight of this during the past few days and weeks, as we championed our candidate, debated family and friends on social media, responded to the result of the election, and commiserated with others who shared our views. Thank you, Secretary Clinton and President Obama, for your service to our country and for your inspiring words.

Watch Secretary Clinton's concession speech here, and President Obama's speech here.