WORLD | Hillary Clinton says she wanted to curl up after election loss

Hillary Clinton is honored by the Children's Defense Fund at the Newseum in Washington DC

- with reports from BBC World

WASHINGTON - Hillary Clinton has laid bare her disappointment at her election defeat to Donald Trump in her first public appearance since she lost a week ago.

The Democratic candidate said in a speech in Washington D.C. that she had never wanted to leave the house again.

She told a children's charity that the election had prompted soul-searching for many Americans.
Clinton won the popular vote but was beaten to the presidency in the all-important US electoral college.

"Now I will admit coming here tonight wasn't the easiest thing for me," she said as she was honoured by the Children's Defense Fund.

"There have been a few times this past week when all I wanted to do was to curl up with a good book and never leave the house again."

She continued: "I know many of you are deeply disappointed about the results of the election. I am, too, more than I can ever express.

"I know this isn't easy. I know that 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."