Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has long been an inspirational figure for me. She fought a courageous battle to serve as America's 'Commander In Chief' - and first woman President. She suspended her race for the White House today with grace and dignity during an address to supporters at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
I'm one her 18 million supporters. I'm thankful for all that she has done and confident that she will continue to make a difference. I share part of Senator Clinton's speech because it gives me hope, courage, and conviction to continue pursuing my dreams with patience, passion, and perseverance . . .
". . .To those of you who are disappointed that we couldn't go all of the way, especially the young people who put so much into this campaign, it would break my heart, if in falling short of my goal, I in any way discouraged any of you from pursuing yours.
Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you're knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on.
As we gather here today in this historic, magnificent building, the 50th woman to leave this Earth is orbiting overhead. If we can blast 50 women into space, we will someday launch a woman into the White House.
Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it . . .
. . . And the light is shining through like never before, filling us with the hope and sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time.
That has always been the history of progress in America. Think of the suffragists who gathered at Seneca Falls in 1848 and those who kept fighting until women could cast their votes.
Think of the abolitionists who struggled and died to see the end of slavery. Think of the civil rights heroes and foot soldiers who marched, protested, and risked their lives to bring about the end of segregation and Jim Crow.
Because of them, I grew up taking for granted that women could vote and, because of them, my daughter grew up taking for granted that children of all colors could go to school together.
Because of them, Barack Obama and I could wage a hard-fought campaign for the Democratic nomination. Because of them and because of you, children today will grow up taking for granted that an African-American or a woman can, yes, become President of the United States. And so . . .
. . . When that day arrives, and a woman takes the oath of office as our President, we will all stand taller, proud of the values of our nation, proud that every little girl can dream big and that her dreams can come true in America.
And all of you will know that, because of your passion and hard work, you helped pave the way for that day. So I want to say to my supporters: When you hear people saying or think to yourself, "If only", or "What if", I say, please don't go there. Every moment wasted looking back keeps us from moving forward.
Life is too short, time is too precious, and the stakes are too high to dwell on what might have been. We have to work together for what still can be. And that is why I will work my heart out to make sure that Senator Obama is our next President.
And I hope and pray that all of you will join me in that effort."
Speech Excerpt - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton - June 7, 2008
