The first time I spoke to a group this large was at my college commencement in 1969.

When my hair was shorter, I used to get it done every couple of days... but I got tired of that.

There is no doubt that the increasing numbers of women in the economy has helped fuel significant growth everywhere. And economies that are making the shift more effectively and rapidly are dramatically outperforming those that have not.

It is past time for women to take their rightful place, side by side with men, in the rooms where the fates of peoples, where their children's and grandchildren's fates, are decided.

My brand of leadership, which is very focused on bringing people together, solving problems - it's what I have always tried to do - just had a hard time being as powerfully compelling in the campaign as I think it has been in previous years for other candidates.

There has never been more at stake for women's health and rights.

To Barack and Michelle Obama - America owes you an enormous debt of gratitude.