Hello Democrats! Thank you all for coming together to represent our party at its best. United, energized and ready to wage and win the battles ahead. Now as Democrats we have diverse views and backgrounds, we are Democrats after all. But we're bound together by the values and hopes we share for our country.
I'm grateful for all your support and hard work during the election. Being your candidate was an honor of a lifetime. And I was inspired to see women and men from all walks of life and every corner of our country coming together on behalf of our shared values. And while we didn't get the outcome we worked so hard for, I'll always be proud of the campaign we ran, a campaign that was better and stronger thanks to each of you.
After the primaries we came together as a primary to write the most progressive platform in history. Ideas we championed are now inspiring leaders and activists across our country. Nearly 66 million votes are fueling grass roots energy and activism and everywhere people are marching, protesting, tweeting, speaking out and working for an America that's hopeful, inclusive and big-hearted.
From the Women's March to airports where communities are welcoming immigrants, refugees and people of every faith, to town hall meetings where people are speaking up for healthcare, the environment, good jobs and all the other issues that deserve our passionate support.
Among those millions making their voices heard are future mayors, city and state officials, governors, members of Congress, even future presidents. The challenges we face as a party and a country are real, so now more than ever we need to stay engaged, in the field and online, reaching out to new voters, young people and everyone who wants a better, stronger, fairer America.
We as Democrats must move forward with courage, confidence and optimism. And stay focused on the elections we must win this year and next. Let resistance plus persistence equal progress for our party and our country. Thank you to the leaders who've already done so much beginning with Barack and Michelle Obama. Thanks as well to Donna and the DNC leadership and to the outstanding bench of Democrats stepping up to lead us forward.
As long as we stand together and work together with respect for our differences, strength in our convictions and love for our country our best days are still ahead, so keep fighting and keep the faith and I'll be there right with you every step of the way. God bless you and God bless America.