About last night

It was a disappointing night in Ohio and Texas, but we have to look at the long picture and the fact that we are still ahead in the delegate count.

We were behind by 20 points a month ago and had no chance. But now we have people believing in an America that can be a symbol of opportunity and hope in the 21st century, and young people have never been more excited about this country and its future under the leadership of Barack Obama. That cannot be denied.

A few people are waking up feeling like losers, but this is the time to redouble our energy to keep fighting. We have been down, but not out, throughout our lifetimes and this morning is no different. I encourage you to get up, keep fighting and look forward. Be ready to fight, not defensively, but offensively, letting no issue go unanswered and talking to those who disagree with us, who believe that nostalgia for the past is the way to go forward. It is not and we will not go back.
 
The Clinton campaign will, no doubt, try to seat the disputed delegates from the nonbinding Michigan and Florida contests.  We need to develop a strategy to direct this issue rather than respond in a defensive posture.  We also need to hold our heads high, keep moving forward, and understand that true victory will be ours. We are not only ahead, but we also have many young people who will need us--the elders--to help them keep the faith.

I'm still fired up knowing that Barack Obama is the best candidate to lead America.  We need to be strong and confident and lift our candidate up as we move forward.

This is not the time to get off the bus. This is the time to roll up our sleeves, talk to those who disagree and try to persuade, not disparage them.  It's the time to get ready to work harder that we ever have to make America better.

Think about those who came over on slave ships but kept their heads up. Think of those who worked day in and day out with no pay who kept their heads up. Think of those who were not allowed to vote but kept their heads up.

They are looking down at us, asking if we are giving up when the battle is still going on, and when victory, if we really look close, is in sight. We aren't tired, we are just taking a deep breath to fight on.

So get up, speak out and be heard. We are still fired up and ready, more than ever, to move on to victory. Together we will. Victory is still ours!