Hillary Clinton at first appearance since election loss: "Believe in our country"

In her first formal public appearance since her presidential election loss to Republican Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton spoke in Washington, D.C., at an event for the Children's Defense Fund, and urged those in attendance to continue to "fight for our values, and never, ever give up," the Washington Post reported.

Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund, introduced Clinton, and referred to her as the "people's president."  

"I will admit, coming here tonight wasn't the easiest thing for me," Clinton said at the event held at the Newseum, acknowledging the painful election, but making no direct mention of Trump. "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's speech took on a tone of hope and reconciliation, and told advocates for children that there is "common ground to build upon":

I know over the past week a lot of people have asked themselves whether America is the country we thought it was. The divisions laid bare by this election run deep, but please listen to me when I say this: America is worth it, our children are worth it. Believe in our country, fight for our values, and never, ever give up.

The Washington Post reported that Clinton had agreed to speak at the event for the Children's Defense Fund — for which she started working after graduating law school and served on the board — prior to the election.

Following the election, the Post reported that Clinton had spoken to supporters on conference calls and apologized personally for her election loss. "No one is sorrier than me. Heartbreaks don't heal overnight, and this one won't," Clinton reportedly said.