Barack Obama officially becomes the Democrats’ presidential nominee

"Campaign - Presidential"

08/27/2008

Former President Clinton follows Hillary Clinton in enthusiastically upholding the history-making nomination of the first African American major-party nominee.


By Peter Nicholas and Michael Muskal,
Los Angeles Times
August 27, 2008


DENVER -- Democrats made history today when they chose Barack Obama as the first African American presidential nominee of a major political party.

It was the highlight of the third day of the party's effort to heal itself after a bruising primary season. In his speech, former President Clinton joined the unity chorus with a full-throated shout of support for Obama, with whom he had sparred in the past.

Obama and his onetime principal rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, were both nominated today, paving the way for the traditional roll call of state delegations.

In a bit of careful political choreography, after more than half of the delegations had announced their votes, the delegation from Obama's home state of Illinois yielded to New York's delegation, and the microphone was passed to Clinton.

"Madam Secretary, on behalf of the great state of New York, with appreciation for the spirit and dedication of all who are gathered here; with eyes firmly fixed on the future; in the spirit of unity with the goal of victory; with faith in our party and in our country: Let's declare together, in one voice, right here and right now, that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our president," Clinton said.