On Monday, Hillary Clinton announced her next project: a political group called Onward Together. Clinton announced Onward Together on Twitter and in an email blast to her supporters. In the email, Clinton said, “From the Women’s March to airports across the country where communities are welcoming immigrants and refugees to town hall meetings in every community, Americans are speaking out like never before. I believe more fiercely than ever that citizen engagement at every level is central to a strong and vibrant democracy.”
Visiting the website for Onward Together allows supporters to sign up for updates, donate, and read the mission of the newly created group. The mission statement is below:
Onward Together is dedicated to advancing the vision that earned nearly 66 million votes in the last election. By encouraging people to organize, get involved, and run for office, Onward Together will advance progressive values and work to build a brighter future for generations to come.
Citizen engagement at every level is central to a strong and vibrant democracy. In recent months, we’ve seen what’s possible when people come together to resist bullying, hate, falsehoods, and divisiveness, and stand up for a fairer, more inclusive America.
From the Women’s March to airports where communities are welcoming immigrants and refugees to town hall meetings in every community, Americans are speaking up and speaking out like never before.
The challenges we face as a country are real. But there’s no telling what we can achieve if we approach the fights ahead with the passion and determination we feel today, and bring that energy into 2017, 2018, 2020, and beyond.
Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton attended the inauguration of Donald Trump today. After losing the electoral college vote to Trump in the general election, Clinton posted on Twitter this morning that she was attending the inauguration to “honor our democracy & its enduring values.” She and Bill were joined by two other former presidents and their wives: George W. and Laura Bush and Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.
I'm here today to honor our democracy & its enduring values. I will never stop believing in our country & its future. #Inauguration
Later, the Clintons attended the inaugural luncheon where Trump recognized them saying, “There is something that I wanted to say: Because I was very honored – very very honored – when I heard that President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton was coming today. And I think it’s appropriate to say… I’d like you to stand up. Honestly, there’s nothing more I can because I have a lot of respect for those two people.” Everyone in the room gave the Clintons a standing ovation before Trump continued his brief remarks.
Hillary Clinton delivered her concession speech this morning in New York City. In the speech, Clinton thanked Tim Kaine and Anne Holton, her family, and the Obamas for all their support on the campaign trail. She also thanked her staff, campaign volunteers, and everyone who has supported the campaign by voting or donating. Clinton asked that everyone not be discouraged by the results saying that she hopes Donald Trump will be “a successful president for all Americans.” She urged everyone to keep fighting for what they believe in saying, “This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it. It is, it is worth it. 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.” A video and transcript of Clinton’s speech is below.
TRANSCRIPT:
Thank you. Thank you all very much. Thank you so much. A very rowdy group. Thank you, my friends. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you so very much for being here. I love you all, too. Last night I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country.
I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans. This is not the outcome we wanted or we worked so hard for, and I’m sorry we did not win this election for the values we share and the vision we hold for our country.
But I feel pride and gratitude for this wonderful campaign that we built together. This vast, diverse, creative, unruly, energized campaign. You represent the best of America, and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
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. But I want you to remember this.
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. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future. Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead. Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power.
We don’t just respect that. We cherish it. It also enshrines the rule of law; the principle we are all equal in rights and dignity; freedom of worship and expression. We respect and cherish these values, too, and we must defend them.
Let me add: 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.
I am so grateful to stand with all of you. I want to thank Tim Kaine and Anne Holton for being our partners on this journey.
It has been a joy get to go know them better and gives me great hope and comfort to know that Tim will remain on the front lines of our democracy representing Virginia in the Senate.
To Barack and Michelle Obama, our country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude.
We thank you for your graceful, determined leadership that has meant so much to so many Americans and people across the world. And to Bill and Chelsea, Mark, Charlotte, Aidan, our brothers and our entire family, my love for you means more than I can ever express.
You crisscrossed this country, even 4-month-old Aidan, who traveled with his mom. I will always be grateful to the talented, dedicated men and women at our headquarters in Brooklyn and across our country.
You poured your hearts into this campaign. To some of you who are veterans, it was a campaign after you had done other campaigns. Some of you, it was your first campaign. I want each of you to know that you were the best campaign anybody could have ever expected or wanted.
And 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.
To anyone that sent contributions, even as small as $5, that kept us going, thank you. To all of us, and to the young people in particular, I hope you will hear this — I have, as Tim said, I have spent my entire life fighting for what I believe in.
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.
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.
Now, 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.
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.
Finally, finally, I am so grateful for our country and for all it has given to me.
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.
Because, you know, I believe we are stronger together and we will go forward together. And you should never, ever regret fighting for that. You know, scripture tells us, let us not grow weary of doing good, for in good season we shall reap. 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.
I am incredibly honored and grateful to have had this chance to represent all of you in this consequential election. May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America.
President Barack Obama also held a press conference today in which he congratulated Trump on his victory and committed to a smooth transition of power. Obama said that he will meet with Trump at the White House on Thursday. He said that he is dedicated to ensuring a successful transition of power because that is how American democracy works. Obama added, “We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country.” A video of his speech is below.
While the results of last night’s election are not final, the electoral vote was a shock for Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Most polls showed her leading going into Tuesday, so it was a surprise to many, including Republicans, when Donald Trump pulled of the victory. For Clinton, the loss has to be especially painful given that she appears to have won the popular vote. I’ll repeat, Clinton got more votes than Trump, yet he is president-elect. For years, members of both parties have questioned the need for the Electoral College, and last night’s results are sure to bring up those debates again. For the second time in the last two decades, the candidate to receive the most votes is not president. This is not American democracy.
Bill Clinton campaigned for Hillary Clinton today in Colorado. At his first event, Bill spoke to a group of supporters at Union Depot in Pueblo. He outlined key points of Hillary’s platform including her plans to create jobs and build and economy that works for everyone. Throughout his speech, Bill referred to Donald Trump, but never mentioned him by name. He criticized his temperament and lack of experience. He concluded the event by asking everyone to vote for Clinton on Tuesday saying, “If the people vote, she’ll win. I believe she’ll be the first woman president but even those things are not as important as what it will mean for you.”
He then spoke at the EXDO Event Center in Denver where he covered a number of the same topics as in Pueblo including her plans to make college more affordable and pass comprehensive immigration reform. The focus of Bill’s speech was about the type of America we want to build for future generations. Do we want a president who looks to the past or one who plans for the future. “This is a change election — I do agree with her opponent on that. The question is: Are you going to change forward, to build on what we are doing right? … Or are you going to change backward and go back to trickle down economics on steroids?,” he said. He concluded by asking everyone to get out and vote on Tuesday.
At his final stop of the day in Fort Collins, Bill focused on unity and how Hillary’s plans ensure that Americans are united in enjoying the prosperity offered in the United States. Unlike her opponent who is focused on dividing people to gain votes, Bill argued that Hillary aims to create a stronger and more united country. He urged everyone to vote for Hillary on Tuesday saying, “We’re the longest-lasting democracy in human history and that’s for a reason: We keep making progress toward our more perfect union.” Videos from today’s events will be added when/if available.
President Barack Obama campaigned on behalf of Hillary Clinton and local Democrats in Florida on Thursday. His first event was in Miami where he spoke to a crowd on the campus of Florida International University. While he spoke about the importance of the election and why Clinton is the right person for the job, Obama also touched on the state of politics and urged everyone to not get discouraged. “I know a lot of you are cynical about politics. There’s a lot about this election that gives you reason to be. But I’m here to tell you, right now, you have a chance to move history in a better direction. You have a chance to reject divisive politics and mean-spirited politics. If we win Florida, we will win this election.” He urged everyone to take advantage of early voting or get out and vote on Tuesday. A video of the president’s speech is below.
Obama then traveled to Jacksonville where he spoke about the importance of electing local Democrats to the Senate and House in addition to Clinton as president. Obama spoke about he dangers of electing Donald Trump president saying, “This is someone who would do damage to our democracy.” He said that Clinton has devoted her life to helping families and children and her plans will build on the progress the country has made during his administration. He praised Clinton’s experience and leadership saying, “She will be smart and steady. What’s at stake in this election is the character of the nation.” He concluded the event by encouraging everyone to have a voice in this election and vote. A video from the event is below.
Tim Kaine returned to Iowa where he spoke at an event in Dubuque. During the event, Kaine spoke about Hillary Clinton’s plan to build an economy that works for everyone and not just those at the top. He spoke about Clinton’s plans to raise the minimum wage, make college more affordable, and create new jobs by investing in infrastructure and manufacturing. Kaine said that America is stronger when it works together, and he criticized Donald Trump’s divisive message. He argued that the choice is clear, “Hillary Clinton has a 40-plus year focus on the needs of families and kids that is every bit as historic as having the first women president. Donald Trump’s passion is about himself.” He concluded by urging everyone to vote. A video from the event will be posted when/if available.
Meanwhile, Anne Holton spoke at four events for the campaign. She began in Iowa where she spoke at an early voting event in Fort Dodge. She then traveled to Ohio for events in Trotwood, Lima, and Findlay. At each event, Holton spoke about a number of Clinton’s platform including her plans to create jobs and build an equal economy. She spoke about the importance of the election urging everyone to vote saying, “Democracy works when people participate and what you are doing is helping people participate. You are the most important people in this campaign.” Videos from today’s events will be posted when/if available.
On Tuesday, Hillary for America released a series of ads targeting Donald Trump a week before the election on November 8th. The first three ads feature Republicans and one former Trump supporter who have vowed to support Hillary Clinton in light of Trump’s comments about women. The final video highlights a number of comment Trump has made about women over the decades. Next is a video titled “27 million Strong” about how the Latino immigrants in the United States can send Trump a message on election day. The ad is being released in both English and Spanish. Then, the Briefing has a video called “The Trump Effect” which looks at how Trump’s divisive statements affect Americans. Then, an ad that encourages African American voters to get out and reject Trump’s divisive platform. Next is an ad titled “We are America” and outlines the dangers a Trump presidency would present to the American democracy. Then, the next video features Katy Perry’s song Roar and outlines a number of reasons to vote for Clinton. The next video imagines what life in America will be like after a year of a Trump presidency. The final ad is a radio ad talking about Trump’s history of demeaning African Americans. Watch the videos below.
Hillary Clinton spent her birthday campaigning in Florida. Her first event was on the campus of Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth. During her speech, Clinton spoke about a number of plans including her proposals to grow the economy, create jobs, and make college more affordable. She also went after Republican Donald Trump and his rhetoric during the campaign cycle and for saying he will not accept the results of the election unless he wins. Clinton called this statement “horrifying” and called it an attack on American democracy. She then spoke about the importance of the election not only for the presidential race, but the down ballot races as well. She encouraged voters to send candidate Patrick Murphy to the U.S. Senate and kick out Senator Marco Rubio. Clinton then asked everyone to vote on November 8th or to take advantage of early voting adding, “Ten million people have already voted, and two million of them right here in Florida. That means Florida has already cast 20 percent of the votes that are in the ballot box. Don’t let anyone tell you they don’t have time to vote.” Watch a video of Clinton’s speech below.
Clinton then traveled to Tampa where she urged voters not to become complacent given current polling numbers. “With 13 days left in this election, we cannot stop for a minute. No complacency. Nobody flagging. We’ve got to get everybody out to vote,” she told supporters. Clinton spoke about a number of her platform points including her plans to raise the minimum wage, ensure equal pay for women, and guarantee paid time off for families. Clinton criticized Trump for his campaign rhetoric saying that she thinks that America’s diversity is one of it’s strongest assets. She said, “I am proud to have support from Republicans and independents here across Florida and across America who agree with me that we should reject hate and division. We have seen Donald Trump insult nearly every person in America, and I just find that so intolerable because — look at this diverse crowd, look at Tampa. It’s a cosmopolitan city.” She concluded by urging everyone to vote. A video from the event is below.
Hillary Clinton returned to North Carolina on Sunday where she spoke at a Sunday morning church service and two campaign events. At each of the events, she appeared with Mothers of the Movement, a group of women who have lost children as a the result of gun violence. She began this morning in Durham where spoke at Union Baptist Church. Clinton spoke about the importance of reducing violence, reforming the criminal justice system, and working to end the racial divide in our country. A video of Clinton’s remarks is below.
Clinton spoke to a crowd of supporters at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh about her plans as president, but she also turned the focus of her message away from herself and on candidates running for office down ballot. She spoke about the importance of electing Democratic Senate candidate Deborah Ross in North Carolina, and Clinton encouraged voters to support Ross in addition to supporting her and Tim Kaine on November 8th. While in Raleigh, Clinton also met with voters outside of an early voting center. Watch a video of Clinton’s speech from the rally below.
Clinton then traveled to Charlotte where she spoke to a group of supporters at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. During her speech, Clinton went after Donald Trump for his pledge to not accept the results of the election saying that he is a “direct threat to our democracy.” Clinton then spoke about a number of her key platform proposals including a plan to invest in the infrastructure, increasing investments in the economy, and her plan to make college affordable for everyone. Clinton said that she understands that not everyone supports her and there will be people that vote for Trump, but she wants to be a president for everyone. “I want to be the president for every American – Democrats, Republicans, independents. We have to bring this country together. We have to have everyone pulling in the same direction. I understand some people are angry, but anger is not a plan,” she said. Watch a video of her speech below.
Hillary Clinton Speeches 