The results of the presidential election on November 8th came as a shock. Most sources predicted a Secretary Clinton win by a significant margin or had her winning the Electoral College while losing the popular vote.

The election was almost certain to go to Mr. Trump by early on the 9th. Despite this, Clinton did not give her concession speech until mid-morning on the day after the election. Similarly, Trump’s campaign seemed surprised to have to deliver an acceptance speech. An unusual candidate yielded unusual results; it was hard to predict a realistic outcome when Trump was able to energize voters who had not been part of the electorate in many years. This, paired with many who did not admit to supporting Trump, further skewed the polls.

Despite what people either hoped or feared, Trump’s acceptance speech was less radical than expected. Trump called for unity, stating, “Now it is time for America to bind the wounds of division, have to get together to all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation I say it is time for us to come together as one united people” (BBC Newsbeat, November 9, 2016). Trump also backed off from his harsh stance on Clinton, acknowledging, “we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country.” However, the moderate stance Trump took on his rival may have been a desire to protect his legacy by separating himself from a more radical persona; how genuine he was in his praises of Clinton will be shown in his future twitter rants.

Trump’s speech calmed, for a very brief moment, people’s fears for what his presidency might entail. Earlier in the campaign, Trump had insulted Senator John McCain’s military career, but in his acceptance speech declared that “[we] are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.” After a well-delivered and gracious speech, many Americans were ready to give Trump the benefit of the doubt. With its proclamations of unity and softened stance towards his opponent, Trump’s speech put him in a more favorable light. Along with backing away from his harsher critics of political figures, Trump also stated his plans to “double growth” and make the United States’s economy the “strongest in the world.” Trump finished his speech by thanking his supporters, his family, and his running mate, Mike Pence.

Like Trump, Clinton asked Americans to come together in the aftermath of the election, stating, “If we stand together and work together with respect for our differences, strength in our convictions and love for this nation…I believe we are stronger together” (CNN, December 8, 2016). Clinton asked her supporters to give Trump their support and gave her own hope for his success as president. Clinton also addressed the youth of the nation, saying, “Many of you are at the beginning of your professional public and political careers. You will have successes and setbacks, too…please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.” To the nation’s women, Clinton had an equally hopeful message: “I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but some day someone will…never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world.” Clinton finished her speech by addressing all Americans: “Let us have faith in each other, let us not grow weary, let us not lose heart, for there are more seasons to come. And there is more work to do.”

Clinton, in both her concession speech and the speech she made later to her campaign staff, expressed her sadness for the loss. In order to keep relative calm among her supporters, Clinton needed to call for unity and support of Trump. But however disappointed Clinton may have been at the election results, the sentiments given in her speeches were delivered with genuine emotion and desire to keep America together and moving forward. Clinton emphasized her desire for unity in the nation. Even though the Clinton campaign believed they would win, canceling a large order of fireworks after the race was called, their concession speech was delivered graciously and echoed the sentiments expressed by President Obama.

        The sentiments of unity in both Trump’s acceptance speech, reflected later by President Obama and Clinton, put him in what appeared to be a more moderate position. While Clinton’s delay in conceding was unusual, her showed a desire for unity in its words of support for President-Elect Trump. Both speeches urged Americans to come together for the good of the country. The future may be uncertain, but the worst course of action is to remain silent. Whatever your stance is on the political spectrum, both major-party candidates urge you to stand for your beliefs and work with others to improve the United States and move it ever forward.