Seeking to heal the national rift, an emotional Hillary Clinton offered to work with Donald Trump but added a note of caution saying that her supporters should be ready to defend American values.
As she began her speech to her supporters here on Wednesday, she appeared to wipe a tear from her eyes and fight back tears while her lips quivered during pauses. "I hope he will be a successful president for all Americans," she said. "We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead."
She was responding to Trump's call to bind the wounds inflicted on the nation by the harsh campaign and heal them, with a graciousness that matched his.
But she tempered that with a veiled warning to Trump against acting on what were seen as his aggressive stances towards some people like Muslims and immigrants. Important American values were the rule of law, freedom of worship and equality and respect for all, she said. "We cherish these values and must defend them," she commanded her supporters.
Before her defeat, she had been expected to make history by becoming the first woman to be elected president. "I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday, someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think right now," she said.
"And 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 world to pursue and to achieve your own dreams," she added.
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