A somber Hillary Clinton blamed her presidential election loss on a variety of factors Saturday, including FBI Director James B. Comey's announcement last month that newfound emails possibly linked to her private server were being reviewed.
In a 20-minute phone call with donors, Clinton said Comey's Oct. 28 letter to lawmakers about the investigation had halted some of her momentum near the end of the race, according to a person on the call.
"She was pretty clear there was a lot going on in this campaign, and that this was a factor, but not the only factor," the person, who would not be named discussing the private call, said of Comey's letter.
Comey's letter sent shock waves throughout the presidential campaign in its final days, and Donald Trump and Republicans used it to rally supporters and fuel speculation that Clinton was under investigation. Clinton's campaign called for more transparency from Comey.
Just two days before the election, Comey sent a follow-up letter to say that the new emails turned up nothing that would cause the bureau to change its recommendation not to prosecute Clinton.
During the call, Clinton also said she was determined to see that country has a prosperous future, echoing comments she delivered in her concession speech.
Clinton said that "our constitutional democracy demands our participation not just every four years, but all the time. So let's do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we all hold dear: making our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top; protecting our country and protecting our planet; and breaking down all the barriers that hold any American back from achieving their dreams ... ."
Meanwhile, Trump is on the verge of naming his White House chief of staff, and he's weighing whether to take a victory tour next week, a senior advisor said Saturday.
The president-elect spent the day inside Trump Tower as thousands of protesters gathered outside the Midtown skyscraper where he lives and works.
"He's enjoying time with his family," said Kellyanne Conway, who managed Trump's campaign and now serves as senior advisor to his transition team. "He's receiving many visitors. He's receiving many phone calls. The senior team has been with him almost nonstop."
Among those visiting Trump Tower on Saturday was Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee and a top candidate for the White House chief of staff job.
"Chairman Priebus has expressed an interest in the position," Conway said. "There are several people being considered. And it's Mr. Trump's decision, ultimately."
Announcement of his choice, she said, was "imminent."
