ClintonHilaryWASHINGTON (AP) — Hillary Clinton  delivered what her final remarks of the presidential election, to her supporters, Wednesday morning after a devastating loss to Donald Trump.

Clinton took the stage to sustained applause.

Hillary Clinton says she’s “sorry” she didn’t win the election, adding “this is painful, and it will be for a long time.”

The Democratic presidential candidate was delivering what her campaign billed as a concession speech to Republican Donald Trump after his upset victory in Tuesday’s election. She spoke at a New York hotel.

With her onstage are husband Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea Clinton.

She’s urging her supporters to accept the results, saying they owe Trump an “open mind” and a “chance to lead.” She says 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 describes the outcome as “painful,” but says the effort was not about her but “the country we love.”

 

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

Hillary Clinton is acknowledging that America has not “shattered that highest and hardest ceiling” with her failed bid for the White House. But she says, “someday, somebody will.”

The defeated Democratic candidate gave a somber address to supporters and staffers in New York, Wednesday. She directed comments to the “little girls who are watching.” She said, “you are valuable and powerful and deserving” of every opportunity in the world.

She urged them to strive to pursue their dreams, whatever they may be.