John Podesta, Hillary Clinton’s campaign chair, took the stage at the Democratic election night watch party in New York City alone and delivered a simple message: “Everybody should go home,” he said.
Hillary Clinton did not come to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center early Wednesday morning — and she has no plans to. At 2 am Eastern time after Election Day, Podesta announced that Clinton would not be addressing the crowd until tomorrow.
“I have to say this tonight: goodnight,” Podesta told an emotional crowd. “We will be back, and we will have more to say. Let's get those votes counted, and let's bring this home.”
The race has yet to be called — races in New Hampshire, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota were too close to call. However, unexpectedly, the election looks more favorable for a Donald Trump win, after he outperformed polling, predictions across the board Tuesday. At the time of Podesta’s speech, Trump had already claimed victory in Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, and Pennsylvania.
Here are Podesta’s remarks in full:
Well, folks, I know you've been here a long time, and it's been a long night, and it's been a long campaign. But I can say we can wait a little longer, can't we? They're still counting votes, and every vote should count.
Several states are too close to call. So we're not going to have anything more to say tonight. So listen — listen to me — everybody should head home. You should get some sleep. We'll have more to say tomorrow. I want you to know, I want every person in this hall to know, and I want every person across the country who supported Hillary to know that your voices and your enthusiasm mean so much to her and to Tim and to all of us. We are so proud of you.
[ Applause ]
And we are so proud of her! She's done an amazing job, and she is not done yet! So thank you for being with her. She has always been with you.
I have to say this tonight: goodnight. We will be back, and we will have more to say. Let's get those votes counted, and let's bring this home. Thank you so much for all that you have done, you are in all of our hearts, thank you!
