Christopher Graham

Left: me in 2015 Right: me as 2017 finishes

Our race, should it be fortunate enough not to destroy itself, has a long way to go.

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Dear Secretary Clinton:

I have never lost a presidential election to a racist demagogue, so I shan’t insult you by saying that I know how you must feel, because I cannot possibly imagine the depths of your despair at this difficult time. History will record that 65,853,516 people wanted you to be the President of the United States and I hope that brings you a measure of comfort, however small.

I am just a small business owner from Scotland, but I have been a liberal, progressive - you might say big-hearted person - for all of my life. It is you and your husband I have to thank for that. When President Clinton was elected, I was 7 years of age. I remember so clearly that November morning - I woke up to find my parents watching the news, and they were delighted that he had prevailed. I couldn’t understand why they were so happy or what it was all about. They explained - in the manner one would to a child - that President-elect Clinton meant a chance for social and economic progress for “normal people like us, but in America. And it means an America everyone in the world might look up to. It’s a historic day, Christopher.” I have vague memories of watching his inauguration on the news the following January.

As I got older, I started researching global political history while following current affairs. I have actively campaigned here at home, and I was privileged to work for most of my 20s promoting renewable energy to the public, government and parliament. I was very pleased when renewables and the low carbon economy were mentioned several times during your recent campaign because it is still a matter very close to my heart and is going to be a key issue for all of humanity in the coming years.

I want you to know that your entire career as well as your campaign has been an inspiration to people all over the world. I have not always agreed with all your views, but I have always been impressed by your determination to help families and young people. For a brief time I considered joining the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office because I was so inspired by your work and masterful command of foreign policy as Secretary of State. I was also very impressed by your working with a previous rival to serve your country. Your contribution to the Obama Administration was exceptional and your expertise and hard work was, in my view, critical to restoring America’s tarnished reputation globally.

I don’t have the words to describe how angry I was at the vitriol directed towards you during the campaign, and I am fearful about what lies ahead not only for America, but for the world. A person who threatens to jail political opponents is not fit to hold that job In particular, I am worried about the LGBT community. It has been in the news that two suicide hotlines were inundated with calls after the result was announced. I am filled with an anxiety I have never known before.

On Tuesday, I stayed up all night to watch the results and since then I have done little but console devastated friends - Americans who live in Scotland as well as Scots and Europeans and Australians and Malaysians - who feel that you were robbed of a victory you had earned, and ultimately, one that would have eased global tension and worry. Even more galling is the fact that more Americans voted for you to be president than your opponent yet he has prevailed. “It’s like a loved one has died” a Californian friend said to me today. I am more convinced than ever it is time for electoral reform in the United States.

Another thing that impressed me was your poise and grace during your concession speech. I know that if the roles had been reversed, your opponent would have been utterly incapable of putting such a dignified end to the campaign.

During your campaign kickoff you said “I’ve spent my life fighting for children, families and our country, and I’m not stopping now.” I realise that you fully expected to win the presidency, but it is my sincere hope that you continue to fight for normal, everyday people and families in some way. The world needs more Hillary Clintons.

I will be seeing my goddaughter tomorrow, who is the same age today as I was when your husband was elected. She will want me to explain why there isn’t “a girl President” like I said there would be. I don’t have any answer she will find satisfactory. However, you can be certain that I will be telling her that one day, a woman will be President of The United States and when that election victory is announced, it will be thanks to your extraordinary hard work and the road you have paved over the last few decades.

My very best wishes and fondest regards to you, Madam Secretary, and your family,