Teary Hillary Clinton on US election defeat: 'This is painful and will be for a long time'.

HILLARY Clinton has made an emotional first speech since losing to Donald Trump in the 2016 US election, apologising for losing and saying the pain of defeat would go on for a long time to come.

The Democratic candidate said she hoped Donald Trump would make a good President despite the "painful" loss.

Her voice cracking, she said: “I know how disappointed you feel because I feel it too. This is painful and it will be for a long time."

Speaking today in New York, she said: "Last night I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful President on behalf of all Americans. I am sorry we did not win this election for the values we share and the vision we hold for this country but I feel pride and gratitude for this campaign. You represent the best of America."

She added: "Being your candidate has been one of the greatest honours of my life."

Mrs Clinton went on to describe America as "hopeful, inclusive and big hearted" but added: "we have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought".

Speaking on the same stage where Mr Trump made his victory speech a few hours earlier, a clearly tired and emotional Mrs Clinton said she still believes in America and that voters owed Mr Trump "an open mind and the chance to lead."

Mrs Clinton's supporters looked on, visibly still devastated from the stunning defeat, while her husband Bill and Vice Presidential running candidate Tim Kaine fought back tears as she spoke.

Her comments come after Mrs Clinton accepted defeat early this morning, ringing Donald Trump to congratulate him on his historic victory.

A humbled Mrs Clinton called for a "peaceful transfer of power", indirectly addressing Clinton supporters who have been rioting on the streets of Oregon and California.

In Eugene, Oregan, protestors set American flags on fire and threw bins across the street.Outgoing President Barack Obama echoed her comments in a speech moments later saying he too will work towards a "successful and peaceful" transition towards the new Donald Trump administration.Speaking to Democrat supporters just blocks away from Trump Tower, Mrs Clinton said: "I am so grateful to stand with all of you.

"Mrs Clinton, 69, performed her last act as a presidential candidate giving the emotional concession speech from a hastily set up stage at a hotel just blocks away from place she had planned to celebrate with her supporters the evening before.Mrs Clinton's running mate for Vice President Tim Kaine said she would remain someone battling for justice to "her last breath" and praised her belief she could become the first female President of the United States.His voice trembling with emotion, he described Mrs Clinton as "a great history-maker" as he listed her achievements "as a woman".

He added: “It is no secret that the president-elect and I have some pretty significant differences. But remember that eight years ago, President Bush and I had some pretty significant differences" and said “the presidency and vice presidency is bigger than any of us."The Democratic candidate went on to commend the legacy of the outgoing President Barack Obama and his wife for leading with "grace", saying "our country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude".She thanked her husband, daughter Chelsea and grandson for lifting her up “when i needed it most” and called on her supporters to "never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it".Becoming emotional once again, with tears welling up in her eyes, the political veteran directed her remarks towards the women who joined her on the campaign trail.She said: "To all the women who have been involved in this campaign nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion."She added: "To all the little girls who are watching, never doubt that you are valuable."Mrs Clinton began her speech to rapturous applause from her supporters, having to wait several moments to begin and clearing her throat as she gathered herself together to deliver the speech she had hoped she would never have to make.

Mrs Clinton left it to her campaign chair John Podesta to make the first speech on her defeat and tell her supporters to go home after she cancelled her appearance at the Democrats' rally last night. In Oakland, California, they set fire to an effigy of Mr Trump, smashed store front windows and set rubbish bins and tires on fire in downtown Oakland.One protestor was struck by a vehicle, according to local police.

A few miles away, University of California, Berkeley students protested on campus, blocking streets as they marched. She made no comment on Mr Trump's pre-election promise to arrange a special prosecutor for Mrs Clinton if he was elected in her concession speech. Mrs Clinton echoed Mr Trump’s congratulatory remarks earlier in the day saying she had been honoured to run in the presidential race.The election result has sent shockwaves across the world, after Mr Trump's shock election success that saw him win 48 per cent of the popular vote and at least 279 votes in the electoral college system so far.The billionaire businessman won the key states of Florida, Ohio and North Carolina, pulling off the biggest American political upset in decades. Mr Trump said in his victory speech: "I have just received a call from Secretary Clinton. She congratulated us on our victory and I congratulated her and her family on a very, very hard fought campaign. She fought very hard.

"Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country." Mrs Clinton’s comments came as world leaders flocked to offer their congratulations to her now former rival Mr Trump.Theresa May said Britain and the United States would remain "strong and close partners on trade, security and defence" while the Queen invited him to visit Britain once in office.Angela Merkel carefully referred to America’s democracy as “old and honourable” while Benjamin Netanyahu described Mr Trump as "a real friend of Israel".

Russia has welcomed the news with parties being thrown in Moscow and President Putin sending the new President a telegram of ecstatic congratulations.The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund welcomed the news and said iMr Trump’s victory would reduce global tension and provide new trade opportunities.Polls have swung in both directions over the last fortnight with both camps taking last minute hits - Mrs Clinton over an FBI investigation into her e-mails and Mr Trump for allegations of sexism. However her camp remained confident she would comfortably win late into last night.Mr Trump successfully secured 289 electoral college votes, easily surpassing the required 270 to win the White House, while Mrs Clinton won 228.

Trump crossed the 270 electoral vote threshold at 2:31 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) with a victory in WisconsinThe popular vote told a divided story - as of 10 am ET, Mrs Clinton stood at 47.7 per cent and Trump at 47.5 per cent. Mrs Clinton made no reference to her share of the popular vote in her speech though her running mate Tim Kaine was keen to point out: "She won the popular vote".

Pablo JG Marin- The Mariana DAngelo Editorial Group-

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