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Clinton Speaks For The First Time Since Conceding: 'Never, Ever Give Up'

by Hope Schreiber
Reuters

Hillary Clinton made her first public appearance since conceding the election at a charity gala in Washington, DC on Wednesday night.

Fittingly enough, it was for a cause that Clinton has fought hard for over her entire political career: protecting and helping children thrive.

Clinton has been a voice for children's rights since 1977, when she co-founded Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

As first lady of Arkansas, she reformed Arkansas's public schools and in 1997 and 1999, she helped to create the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

And that was just the beginning.

On Wednesday night, she spoke to a crowed at a Children's Defense Fund gala.

She acknowledged that many were disappointed by the results of the election, and then admitted that she was as well.

In fact, appearing in public was not easy for the politician. She said,

There have been a few times this past week when all I wanted to do is just to curl up with a good book or our dogs and never leave the house again.

But Clinton has never been one to give up, and she owes this inspiration to the Children's Defense Fund's cofounder Marian Wright Edelman.

If there's anyone who knows how to pick yourself up, and get back on your feet and back to work, it is Marian.
Reuters

She shared a quote by Martin Luther King Jr., one that President Barack Obama often quotes:

The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

Clinton went on to say that no matter race, religion or immigration status, she believes that "America is worth it. Our children are worth it. Believe in our country, fight for our values and never, ever give up."

At the event, Clinton was honored by the Children's Defense Fund for a "lifetime of service."

She fittingly said in her speech,

Service is the rent we pay for living. You don't get to stop paying rent just because things didn't go your way.

There's still more work to be done, as Clinton stated, as over 31 million children continue to live at or near the poverty line.

Clinton has no future public events at this time.

Citations: Hillary Clinton: I wanted to curl up with book after election loss (BBC)