Hillary Clinton was beaten by Donald Trump twice: once, in a stunning outcome, the effects of which continue to reverberate globally, and again in a less surprising result when she came second to him as Time’s Person of the Year.
But there was one thing she did beat him at, and it will sting: Twitter.
His mastery of Twitter is something the President-elect prides himself on. His “personal newspaper” and mouthpiece, Mr Trump has 17 million followers, almost six million more than Ms Clinton. He has the ability to whip up controversy, move markets and send the value of share stocks plummeting in less than 140 characters.
But the most popular political tweet of 2016 was not one of his attacks, retorts or blithe remarks. It was one from Ms Clinton, a quote shared by more than a million from the concession speech she gave after her speech. It was one that spoke to and comforted millions of women worldwide who watched a man known for making lewd, sexist remarks about women be elected.
She said: “And to all the women, and especially the young women, who put their faith in this campaign and in me: I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion.
“Now, I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday someone will — and hopefully sooner than we might think right now.”
Her campaign staff shared the final part of her message on their Twitter page, and that tweet has been liked and retweeted almost two million times. The resonance it holds is palpable.
“And to all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.”
