Singer Miley Cyrus and female comedy writers on NBC's "The Tonight Show" reminded Hillary Clinton of her defeat and the pain it caused many of her supporters during her appearance on the program Wednesday.
Cyrus and the writers spoke aloud their thank-you notes to Clinton for achievements besides becoming president, such as "transcending first ladyhood" and "all the work you’ve done for public health care." But they focused on her surprise loss to Donald Trump and the psychological pain they associate with it, and Cyrus was unable to contain her sobs.
"Thank you, Hillary, for being a constant beacon of strength, hope, and determination for me and millions of other young women," Cyrus said. "You’ve been a role model and an inspiration and a voice of reason in uncertain times."
"I could go on and on, but I’d like to get to the point," she concluded. "Could I give you a hug?"
Fallon's writers focused on Clinton’s defeat and their mournful response.
"Thank you, Hillary Clinton, for handling this difficult transition with more grace than I ever could have imagined," one writer said. "That being said, call me day or night and I’ll be there with a gallon of ice cream and two spoons to tell you, ‘Girl you are so much better than him.’"
It is unclear whether the man referenced was Trump or Clinton's husband Bill.
Other guests discussed the drastic measures they have had to take following Clinton’s defeat.
"You taught me that when dealing with a difficult defeat, it’s OK to take some time to reflect, set your focus on a new path forward, and maybe find a cave in the woods to scream into," one guest said.
"Nothing wrong with a good cave in the woods," host Jimmy Fallon added as he sat off to the side.
"Ever since the election, I’ve really depended on my government-subsidized anti-anxiety medication," one guest said, thanking Clinton for her work on health care. Clinton tried to enact some kind of universal health care legislation while she was first lady, but an overhaul did not come until her Democratic primary rival Barack Obama was elected.
One guest who did try to comfort Clinton brought up the fact that having a greater popular vote total is politically pointless but does qualify as winning a "popularity contest."
At the end of the segment, Clinton got the chance to speak for herself and focus on something besides her shocking defeat.
"Thank you, Miley, the ‘Tonight Show’ writers, and all the women and young girls out there—you are smart, strong, and deserving of every opportunity," Clinton said. "Together, we’ve made our voices heard, we’ve done great things, and we’ve come a long way. But as Miley would say, we can’t stop, and we won’t stop."