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Capitol Hill Staffers, Supporters Sob as They Greet Hillary Clinton After Reid Farewell

Hillary Clinton greets crying supporter after giving concession speech, Nov. 9, 2016 / AP
December 8, 2016

Capitol Hill staffers working for Sen. Tim Kaine (D., Va.) and other supporters audibly sobbed on Thursday afternoon as they greeted Hillary Clinton after she gave a farewell address to honor retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.).

Clinton, who formerly served with Reid in the Senate, delivered remarks as a tribute to the Nevada lawmaker and his 30 years of service in the chamber.

"Today we are hanging Harry's portrait here in the Capitol, but the more fitting portrait of him will be the one that goes in the dictionary next to the word "fighter," Clinton said at the event. "Throughout his career, Harry has fought the good fight, on behalf of the working families of Nevada and of all Americans. Harry welcomed me as a new senator more than 15 years ago, and over the years he became both a trusted colleague as well as a friend."

Vice President Joe Biden, newly elected Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.), and the chamber's Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) also delivered speeches honoring Reid.

Following the event, Clinton shook hands with several young Capitol Hill staffers, some of whom work for Kaine, her former running mate during the presidential race, and other supporters. Many were noticeably sobbing as they thanked Clinton for her service and running for president, NBC News reported.

Many Clinton supporters are still upset from her election loss last month to President-elect Donald Trump, who upset the former Democratic nominee in a surprise victory on Nov. 8.