At just past 2 a.m. on a very long election night, Hillary Clinton campaign chair John Podesta arrived at a very demoralized Clinton gathering at the Javitz Center in New York City that was originally intended to serve as her victory party. With Donald Trump holding a commanding but not yet definitive lead in the election, Podesta asked for patience from the crowd, and said that the campaign needed more time for votes to be counted in some close races.
"I know you've been here a long time, and it's been a long night, and it's been a long campaign," he said.
But I would 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. Everybody should head home, you should get some sleep. We'll have more to say tomorrow. 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 means so much to her and to to Tim [Kaine] and to all of us. We are so proud of you. 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. Good night. We'll be back, we'll have more to say. Let's get those votes counted, and let's bring this home. Thank you for all that you've done, and you are in all of our hearts. Thank you.
Podesta left behind an emotional and unsure gathering.
Donald Trump was expected to take the stage at his own party shortly after Podesta's announcement.
