Hillary Clinton encouraged Americans to “keep going” as she talked about the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris being elected as the first female president on Monday night.
After receiving enthusiastic applause that she described as a shift in “energy” throughout the country, the former Secretary of State addressed the crowd at the Democratic National Convention, noting that the “future is here” and referencing the “glass ceiling” she mentioned in her 2016 election concession speech.
“Together, we have made a lot of progress in breaking the highest, toughest glass ceiling, and tonight, we are so close to finally shattering it,” Clinton stated. “And you know what? On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris, raising her hand and taking the oath of office as our 47th President of the United States.”
On Thursday, Harris will officially accept the party’s nomination for president, becoming the second woman to do so after Clinton, who made history with her nomination in 2016.
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Despite losing the election to former President Donald Trump in 2016, Clinton emphasized during her DNC speech that “progress is possible” based on the “story of my life and the history of our country.”
“But it is not guaranteed. We must fight for it and never give up,” Clinton asserted. “There is always a choice. Do we push forward or step back? Come together as ‘We The People’ or divide into ‘us versus them’? That is the choice we are facing in this election.”
After losing the Democratic presidential primary to President Obama in 2008, Clinton won the nomination in 2016 and was leading in the polls until Election Day. She won the popular vote by over 2.8 million votes, the largest margin for a losing presidential candidate in U.S. history, but fell short in the Electoral College, securing only 227 votes compared to Trump’s 304.
“I know we have not yet shattered that highest and toughest glass ceiling, but someday, someone will—hopefully sooner than we think right now,” Clinton remarked in her concession speech at that time.
In 2020, Clinton campaigned for President Biden, endorsing his re-election bid alongside her husband, former President Bill Clinton, until Biden withdrew and endorsed Harris in late July. The Clintons were among the first party leaders to endorse Harris’ presidential campaign that same day.
In a joint statement, they thanked President Biden for his service and leadership, endorsing Harris and expressing their support for her goals.
On Monday, Clinton expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden for his service before highlighting the “new chapter in America’s story” following the efforts of women like Shirley Chisholm, whose determination allowed millions to dream bigger.
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Clinton also emphasized her and Harris’ shared history as lawyers, aiding abused or neglected children.
“That kind of work changes you. Those kids stay with you. Kamala carries the hopes of every child she defended, every family she assisted, every community she served,” Clinton stated. “As President, she will always have our support. She will strive to lower costs for working families, create more job opportunities, and protect abortion rights nationwide.”
Clinton did not hold back from criticizing her former opponent, pointing out that he “only cares about himself.”
“On her first day in court, Kamala declared five words that still guide her: ‘Kamala Harris for the people.’ That is something that Donald Trump will never understand. So it is no surprise that he is spreading lies about Kamala’s record, mocking her name and laugh. But we have him on the run now,” Clinton stated.
In a reference to Trump’s unexpected victory over her, Clinton urged voters to “work harder than we ever have” in the coming days and to avoid distractions or complacency.
“I want my grandchildren and their grandchildren to know that I was here at this moment. That we were here and stood with Kamala Harris every step of the way,” Clinton concluded her speech. “This is our time America. This is when we rise up. This is when we break through. The future is here. It’s within our reach. Let’s go win it.”
