Tuesday was a night of celebration for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who finally took home the Democratic nomination eight years after she initially hoped it would happen.
Clinton struck an excited tone before supporters in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she enjoyed the historic night in which she became the first female nominee from a major political party in American history. Taking the stage soon after 10 p.m., Clinton kicked off her address by invoking the “glass ceiling” she spoke of during her 2008 concession speech.
“It may be hard to see tonight, but we are all standing under a glass ceiling right now,” Clinton said opening her speech. “But don’t worry, we’re not smashing this one.”
“Thanks to you, we’ve reached a milestone — first time in our nation’s history that a woman will be a major party’s nominee,” Clinton said, before paying homage to those who blazed the trail to Tuesday.
Clinton also began the courting process of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ supporters as she looks to unify the Democratic Party. Her message was teased right before her speech by campaign chairman John Podesta, who made it known that the top goal at the moment is to coalesce the party and bring over Sanders supporters who have been hostile to her candidacy.
“I want to congratulate Sen. Sanders for the extraordinary campaign he has run. He has spent his long career in public service,” Clinton said. “Let there be no mistake — Sen. Sanders, his campaign, and the vigorous debate we’ve had … have been very good for the Democratic Party and for America.”
“This has been a hard-fought, deeply felt campaign, but whether you supported me or Sen. Sanders or one of the Republicans, we all need to keep working toward a better, fairer, strong America,” Clinton said.
“Now I know it never feels good to put your heart into a cause or a candidate you believe in and come up short. I know that feeling well. But as we look ahead, to the battle awaits, let’s remember all that unites us,” Clinton said before rattling off a laundry list of progressive ideals.
With the speech, Clinton also began her pivot to the general election after the Associated Press named her the presumptive Democratic nominee. She went on to bash presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump for the next few minutes, particularly for his divisiveness and recent comments about Judge Gonzalo Curiel. She said he lacked the temperment to be president.
Toward the end, Clinton lamented that her mother, who would have been closing in on her 97th birthday, wasn’t around to enjoy the moment before referencing the famed glass ceiling she mentioned from the outset.
“There are still ceilings to break for women and men — for all of us. Don’t let anyone tell you that great things can’t happen in America. Barriers can come down. Justice and equality can win,” Clinton said. “This campaign is about making sure there are no ceilings, no limits on any of us, and this is our moment to come together.”
