9 Nov, 2016 19:03

#ImStillWithHer: Clinton backers praise 'gracious' concession speech

Hillary Clinton signed off on her bid to become US president by reminding supporters “not to lose heart” in a speech which many social media commentators ironically described as the best of her campaign.

As the former secretary of state took to the stage in the New Yorker Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, messages of thanks and sorrow had already poured in from her supporters across social media, with the hashtags #ImStillWithHer and #NotMyPresident, referring to Trump, trending on Twitter.

Clinton 1 - Curated tweets by RT_com

The Democratic candidate spoke of her pain at the defeat to Republican Donald Trump and to call on women to continue the push to shatter the “highest and hardest glass ceiling”.

"To all the women...who put their faith in this campaign and in me...nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion." —Hillary
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 9, 2016

"We have still have not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling. But some day, someone will." —Hillary
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 9, 2016

"Our campaign was... about the country we love, and building an America that is hopeful, inclusive, and big-hearted." —Hillary Clinton
— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) November 9, 2016

"To little girls:never doubt who you are and how strong you are!" @HillaryClinton @CBSNews pic.twitter.com/bzkXPY6o0p
— Liza Donnelly (@lizadonnelly) November 9, 2016

As Clinton wrapped up her second unsuccessful run for the Oval Office, a number of celebrity endorsers and supporters conveyed their sadness at the shock defeat.

Clinton 2 - Curated tweets by RT_com

British Labour MP Harriet Harman labeled the defeat “tragic” and described Clinton as the “best President the USA never had.”

Tragic. What a loss! @HillaryClinton the best President the USA never had.
— Harriet Harman (@HarrietHarman) November 9, 2016

At times Clinton had struggled to galvanize followers through her campaign speeches – something which many said was not a problem with her concession address.

A number of political commentators took to Twitter to praise the former first lady for giving her best speech of the campaign.

Clinton speech - Curated tweets by RT_com

Clinton’s final address did, however, bring out a small number of detractors.

Clearing the field for Hillary Clinton is going to go down as one of the most boneheaded moves in American political history.
— Josh Barro (@jbarro) November 9, 2016

CNBC’s Carl Quintanilla reported that a number of traders on the New York Stock Exchange floor yelled “lock her up” during her downcast appearance alongside running mate Senator Tim Kaine.