As a journalist, it's hard to figure out how to work and feel simultaneously when an event cuts deeper than words can express. Thankfully, Hillary Clinton doesn't freeze up or walk out. Her concession speech isn't long - just about 12 minutes, and let's be honest, at this point we'd like to hear her speak forever - but it hits hard, it's graceful and important, and it gives us the advice, respect, and inspiration we need on a morning that fully emphasizes how deeply our lives will change over the next few years - the next few days, even. We have to listen to these words, and we have to be a part of building the stronger America. Watch Hillary's speech here:
And for those of you who maybe need to run and can't watch the whole video, here are some quotes to keep in your heart today and for a long time.
10. The realism, the acknowledgement of our mutual pain.
"I know how disappointed you feel, because I feel it too. And so do tens of millions of Americans who invested their hopes and dreams in this effort. This is painful, and it will be for a long time."
9. The reminder of our values as a party and the importance they still have.
"Our campaign was never about one person, or even one election. It was about the country we love and building an America that is hopeful, inclusive, and big-hearted. We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought. But I still believe in America, and I always will. "
8. The importance of maintaining our love for this country so that we can fight for the values the people in it deserve.
"I count my blessings every single day that I am an American, and I still believe, as deeply as I ever have, that if we stand together and work together with respect for our differences, strengthen our convictions, and love for this nation, our best days are still ahead of us."
7. The reminder that an election cycle isn't the only time we need to fight for what we believe in, and that we can and should keep going as hard as ever.
"Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time. 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. And breaking down all the barriers that hold any American back from achieving their dreams. We spent a year and a half bringing together millions of people from every corner of our country to say with one voice that we believe that the American dream is big enough for everyone. For people of all races, and religions, for men and women, for immigrants, for LGBT people, and people with disabilities. For everyone."
6. The subtle acknowledgment of secret groups like Pantsuit Nation, where millions continue to find solace and make game plans to help build a safe, strong America.
"To the millions of volunteers, community leaders, activists and union organizers who knocked on doors, talked to their neighbors, posted on Facebook — even in secret private Facebook sites. I want everybody coming out from behind that and make sure your voices are heard going forward."
5. A quiet, peaceful battle cry, inciting us to join forces and build the world our government won't give us ourselves.
"I believe we are stronger together and we will go forward together. And you should never, ever regret fighting for that...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."
4. Because if anyone knows how to recover gracefully after someone's tried to know her down down, it's Hillary Clinton, and we need to listen to her.
"I've had successes and setbacks and sometimes painful ones. Many of you are at the beginning of your professional, public, and political careers — you will have successes and setbacks too. This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it. It is, it is worth it."
3. This fight doesn't end for a single one of us, whether we want it to or not. We are in this together.
"And so we need — we need you to keep up these fights now and for the rest of your lives. And to all the women, and especially 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."
1. And for girls out there who are scared of what's ahead, Hillary says it best:
"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."
We've got to keep going high, America. Hillary's not going to stop, and we won't either.
