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There was dancing, clapping, defiance, praise for Barack Obama, dire warnings, fierce pride, and rallying cries for more than 17 million voters.
And that was just Hillary Clinton.
This was perhaps the most impassioned and electrifying night of the former First Lady's campaign, a genuinely packed crowd on her home turf in New York, hundreds of journalists, campaign aides demob happy but still on message, and a feeling that Mr Obama cannot do without her - fuelled by an extraordinary speech.
Mrs Clinton talked of party unity, but - make no mistake - Mr Obama was being put on notice: this was victory for him on her terms. She wants to be vice-president.
Unlike previous primary night rallies where Mrs Clinton was the victor - and she won South Dakota against the odds last night - there were no television screens on view to record the fact for cheering supporters. Every cable network was fixated on Mr Obama's countdown to victory as superdelegate after superdelegate rallied behind him to end the race.
At 9pm, he officially crossed the finishing line, but inside the bowls of Baruch College in lower Manhattan, the crowd were unaware and uninterested in him. They still passionately believe in her.
"She has been treated horribly," said Barbara Whitaker, 47. "I think she's going to run as an independent and win."
Walter Coppage, 61 and an African American, said: "She's never going to give up. I've met her. She's a great, great lady. If she loses, I vote for McCain."
In the hour before Mrs Clinton appeared with her husband Bill and daughter Chelsea, Lanny Davis, a former White House counsel to the Clintons and one of her most vocal defenders, was telling journalists of his impending internet petition to get her on the presidential ticket as Mr Obama's running mate. Mrs Clinton had not opposed the idea, he said.
Then Hillary took to the stage. The roar was deafening. She began with such praise for Mr Obama that there was a sense that a concession was suddenly coming.
“It has been an honour to contest these primaries with him, just as it is an honour to call him my friend," she said.
Mr Obama was readying himself for an historic victory address in Minnesota, but if had been watching what followed, he might have got a chill up his spine. She began to articulate again why she is the better candidate to beat John McCain - and then this: "I want the nearly 18 million Americans who voted for me to be respected, to be heard and to no longer be invisible.” The crowd went wild.
She said to roars: "In millions of quiet moments in thousands of places you asked yourself a simple question: who will be the strongest candidate? Who will be ready to take charge of the White House and ready to be commander-in-chief?
"I often felt that each of your votes was a prayer for our nation...I am so proud we stayed the course together.”
She was interrupted with shouts of "Denver! Denver!" - a rallying cry for those who want her take the nomination all the way to the Colorado convention in August. Terry McAuliffe, her campaign chairman, introduced her as the "next president of the United States!"
Mr Obama's chief aide phoned Mrs Clinton last night. He got her answer phone. He told her that Mr Obama wanted to talk. When he finally gets through, the nominee-elect - who instinctively does not want Hillary Clinton on his ticket - has his first major political and diplomatic challenge on his hands.
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"Oh I am so tired of anyone thinking that if you do not support Obama it is a racial issue." So am I, especially since I voted for him in the senatorial primary and GE. Perhaps people in the UK are not aware of the baggage that Obama brings to the GE: Rezko, Wright, Pfleger, Meeks, Ayres, Johnson.
Fran G, Illinois, US
I cannot believe that anyone in their right mind would vote for either Obama or Clinton..both of them are liars.....but..maybe that is what America wants.....America has gone soft...They want government to pay for everything....so they can have all their play toys...BUT WHO WILL PAY FOR IT?
Delaine, Mesa, USA
I would hope by now that everyone now realizes that Hillary Clinton cares about herself and nothing else. What should have been a memorable night of history will be viewed later by historians as a complete disgrace on how some people with power lose complete sight of what is right and wrong.
Roger Cyr, St. Thomas, Canada
In my eyes any credibility Hillary had has but gone completely. This is beyond "sour loser" , this is a woman so obsessed with winning and getting what she wants that she will defy anyone (actual winner) and anything (the party itself) that gets in her way. Hillary is a liability.
James, London, UK/US
Hillary Rocks!
Kara Swart, London, UK
Hillary would have won had the votes in Florida and michigans been counted. This contest doesn't really reflect the feel of americans
Alexander, Detroit,
I hope Hillary walks away from the Dems. Being independent would be a good choice. Then, everyone would stand on their own in the race.
Barb, Dalton, USA
I'm not really sure why so many people around the world have this view that Americans think like they did in the 1960's.
Why is it so hard to accept that we might vote Obama?
I can tell you that this White American has no problem voting for Obama.
Maybe I'm just naive.
Matt, San Diego, California, USA
Um, if America is not ready to vote for a black male president, than I doubt they will vote for a white female.
If Hillary goes independent, than McCain wins... easy as that.
Tanya, Redlands, USA
It's quite sad, really. I had such high hopes for Hillary. But she has behaved with so little grace, it's no wonder she's driven a wedge through the heart of the Democratic party.
I'm glad I voted for Obama, and I will in the general election, too.
John F, London,
It looks rather pitiful. Can't she simply accept defeat gracefully? Maybe she enjoys pain...after all, she stuck with Bill after the humiliation he caused her.
If I were Obama I wouldn't ask her to be on the ticket. it wouldn't be he and Hillary but he and Hillary and Bill.
george legro, Amherst, Canada
What are people afraid of? If Hillary run president for personal reasons - then let her go for it no matter what --- even as an INDEPENDENT. If she is committed to the democratic party - then she should bow out gracefully and position the party to win! Let her true colors come through.
Kiki, Darford, USA
Oh I am so tired of anyone thinking that if you do not support Obama it is a racial issue. The fact of the matter is that he is very inexperienced. Has said there will be change but has mentioned nothing concerning what that change may be. I hope charisma alone can run the nation.
Leila, Orlando, FL
HRC is cynically using her misled voters for her own ends to threaten the DNC and Obama. I watched the befuddled John McCain last night and later watched Senator Clinton as she tried every trick in the book short of offering Obama the VP slot. The only thing that will lose the Dems the GE is HRC.
Robert, Boca Grande, Florida
A three way race for the Presidency is a great idea and Hillary can then test her popularity on her own and not ride on Obama's coat tails.
It would make for a most amazing Race to the White House!
You go girl!
Ursula, Markham, canada
This whole battle has really energised politics again, and that of course is a good thing. I hope for an Obama Clinton "dream" ticket because I fear anything else would mean another Republican administration - bad for America, bad for the rest of the World!
Jonathan Main, Kuwait City,
People who would "rather vote McCain" than accept a Democrat they consider to be second-rate are seriously missing the point. I have a very hard time believing someone could be whole-heartedly for any Dem. and then decide that someone such as McCain is worth voting for. The stakes are too high!
Daniel, California,
I Think it's time that she admits defeat Barack Obama is the better choice for the US and it's about time the people wake up, change is needed and he's the one to bring it about
Campbell, Bromont, Quebec
i dearly love obama, it sounds like jelly, any way im voting for her.
marion williams, fernandina fl.,
I think Mr. Obama is a good man...but still does not have the experience to run this country..at least not yet. I believe if Hilary has gotten this far she must take it to the end not for herself, but for the whole nation who need the best candidate to run this country and get us out of this war!
Margaret M. Tarros, San Dimas, USA
This is so sad. Hillary should bow out gracefully and accept the fact that she is not the nominee. She is not a team player and is so obviously out for herself not for the Democratic Party. "By any means necessary"....that's her motto. Her politics is "old politics". She is too divisive!!!
Annie, San Diego, USA
The problem is not about voting for McCain to spite Obama. It is that there is real doubt as to whether someone like Obama is capable of LEADING. You need nerves of steel and the ability to make difficult choices, not just have charisma. Clinton and McCain have both shown they can do that. Obama?
Nick, Dublin,
Obama stands no chance - mainstream America (i.e. rednecks) is not prepared for him. They want someone chanting USA!, wearing a lapel pin and bombing "terrorists". Clinton will damage continue to hurt Obama and run again in 4 years.
Roger, London, UK
Make no doubt about it...this is one smart woman and no one can argue with that. In addition, she has shown tremendous tenacity and that could go a long way in correcting the United States White House. And I'm not even a supporter!
Marie, San Diego, USA
if she runs as an independant you will pretty much be guaranteed another republican president. of course, after bush's re-election i wouldn't put much past the american public.
Chris, london, uk
Hilary lost my vote forever the moment she pulled the "victim card" and made her race about gender. To Obama's credit, he never made his race about race (ie: he is a candidate who happens to be black instead of a Black Candidate). The choice was easy for me!
Lance, USA,
Icould never allow myself to vote for Senator Obama. According to a CNN special Investigation Obama was picked by the political Daily machine of Chicago and primed to take the job.............. I believe it is more about keeping Hillary outhan electing obamat . I
J.Garrett, port orange,
People obviously haven't been reading all the polls right. Obama is the better nominee and it's about time someone like him stepped in. Years of Bush and Republican nonsense needs to stop.
Hopefully the world won't jump down our throats. Remember, most of us didn't vote for Bush to begin with.
Jenny, Albany, USA
Hillary needs to show some dignity and that means stepping aside. Just as gore did in Florida when he realized it wouldn't be good for the country. I'm from Boston, Hillary won here. Anyone who'd rather vote McCain instead of obama needs to get over it. You really want 4 more of what we got now????
Adam S., boston, USA
People, explain how you can vote for senator Mccain, when he is hell bent on war and destruction. You've already had a cowboy for a president, now we the rest of the world would like to see change.
Please don't vote for Mccain as a show of solidarity to senator Clinton, thats madness and so petty.
Sandy, London, uk
Go, Hillary! Run as an independent. It's the best way to serve the country and it looks like you can win!
Ruth Ann, KIng, US
The Clinton camp (and if I were voting in America she would get my support) have spent as much on their campaign as is being spent to extend and improve Malaga (Spain) airport, including a new runway: unfortunately only the wealthy can be a Presidential candidate, which seems unfair.
Dave Maull, Torre del Mar, Spain
Anyone who thinks Hillary would be best for the United States just needs to remember that she tried to nationalize health care in 1994. If elected, what else would she try to nationalize, or tax?? Can you say Hugo Chavez?!
One look at her supporters makes one understand what is wrong in the US.
Scott, Durham, NC, USA
Whoever thinks that the super delegates voted without thought needs to visit a doctor and have a head examination.
If Hillary was so great, they'd have voted for her. Obama was the under-dog. He survived Hillary and survived the church scandals. He proved to be unstoppable
Tendai Shumba, Manchester, England
Has this contest not been about who the democrates want to represent them? Has not Hilliary had many opportunities to make her case? Have not the people spoken in this regard? Then how can some people still insist that Mrs. Clinton would win as an independant? My advice - Get over it!
Darrel Mitchell, Peace River, Canada
To Tom from Lichfield. As far as I can see, Hillary received more votes than did Mr. Obama. THAT is the voice of the people and and she should be the Democratic candidate.
Kathleen, Middlebury, USA
Hillary stands in the middle where elections are won...she needs to become an independent democrate and fight for the American people...I am a republican and I want to cast my vote for her. Hillary is the best weapon we have against fundamental islamic ideology...a woman in the white house YES!
Kim, San Diego, USA
Hillary is staying in it because she knows what is best for our country. He is unvetted, and super-d's voted for him even in the face of so many negative stories erupting and the threat of more. That is the height of arrogance. She will know when it's time to leave, and until then deal with it.
Debra, Nashville, USA
Surely Mrs Clinton is making it easier for everyone to see she should NOT be running as VP with her conceited speeches and ugly misguided arrogance towards Obama. She lost the nomination and now she's losing any dignity she may have possesed.
patrick moore, tokyo, japan
Barack Obama is the way forward for the USA and just maybe he can rise to 'Camelot' level. I think the chance is real and that this opportunity for the USA is really special. Grab it with both hands and embrace it. Barack is the FUTURE. Hilary Clinton is the PAST!
Tom Marshall, Windsor Berkshire, United Kingdom
Abraham Lincoln said, "United we stand, divided we fall." Senator Clinton speaks of unity. She received many votes but her actions does not indicate this unity. Hilliary should indeed step down with grace and dignity thus positioning herself as a true leader. She is not America's choice. Obama is.
Dennis, Ohio, USA
This is comparable to the Super Bowl having been played and won by the Giants. The game is over, the score is on the board, and the Lombardi Trophy awarded. Still, Bill Belichick is standing on the sidelines claiming the trophy because he had more victories over the regular season. Unbelievable.
Haib Brooks, New York,
What chance has America got if it elects someone that can't hear the message properly. Maybe now's a good time to see how a potential president would listen to the voice of the people.
Tom, Lichfield,
Subbu Jois, Bangalore, India
Who is qualified and what would be the qualifications. Many Americans voted for George Bush out of fear and most likely regret that decision. Republicans consistently create a "mess" and the Democrats come in to clean it up and it continues to repeat itself.
Karsha, Boston Massachusetts, United States
The fastest way for Sen. Obama to loose all credibility would be to cave in to the empty threats of sore looser Hillary. If Obama gives in to her threats, all World leaders, specially the European leaders, will know that he is weak and will treat him with complete contempt.
Cuban Pete, Washington, DC, USA
If Obama makes it to the White House he will have problems with the military. I think general Petreaus will not accept him as commander in chief and will resign. Reason being that Obama wanted to wave the white flag and voted against
the appropiation bill for the military.
Eduard, Houston, USA
Forget all the fervor. Here are two words to point away from voting Democrat come November: "Too green." Go McCain!!!!
Susie James, Carrollton, Miss., USA
If Hillary goes on an INDEPENDENT Ticket she will SPLIT the VOTE for Obama and pave the way for her 2012 Election.
Dick Morris Was Right..... she willl NOT go away
Peter, Talahassee, USA
Somehow, Obama reminds of the days of Bush vs. Gore. The American electorate, however wise, ended up with the wrong guy last two times. I do hope that we don't get an encore. Obama doesn't sound half as qualified to handle the mess that US is in and has put the rest of the world into.
Subbu Jois, Bangalore, India
Hillary does not care about the 18 million or so voters except as leverage to force Obama to pick her as VP or whatever position she wants. Obama will look weak if he caves in to Hillary's blackmail and his supporters (including me) will rebel since Hillary is the old politics we no longer want.
Philip Calderon, Phoenix, Arizona, United States
I believe Hilliary should step down with some dignity and grace. She has slung more mud and tried to hide her hands. I would have thought about voting for Hillary in the past, but after seeing her in action, I think she is less than adequate to take office.
Dana Richardson, Gulfport, USA
I feel that Hillary is no more qualified to run this country than anyone else. She has no experience as President and is no more qualified than a bum on the street. I will not vote for Barack is she is on his ticket. I would rather vote for McCain. Why can't she lose respectfully.
Dana Richardson, Gulfport, USA
Wrong David...if she runs as an independent she will split the democratic vote and hand the presidency to McCain on a silver platter. I favor Clinton over Obama, but I don't think she'll do it.
Jonny, Marietta, GA, USA
Power hungry woman. You can tell it from the way she speaks. But when Obama speaks, he speaks like a real honest man. Obama is the light in the tunnel for America. If only the Americans had the guts to put their racial prejudices aside and vote the new face of America - a mixed race President!
Savio Fernandes, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
How can she give him a Kick when she lost?
I have noticed the American and sometimes the British media towards Hillary and Bias towards Obama.....
I think racism is going on here
Saif, Bradford, England
Typical Woman Hates to lose an argument and never admits she has
O.K you feminists I'm only joking
Gareth Williams, Powys,
It's a scary thought that Hillary's fans would rather vote for 'bomb Iran' McCain than Obama. I do think, unfortunately, he will benefit himself if he has her on board, even if I am sick of the Clintons. It's not my country, but I'm still interested in what happens.
Kat, Dundee,
Is it wise to have such a strong Vice President with such loyal support in a country where Presidents get assassinated?
Ian Tinn, Slough, England
Obama doesn't need Clinton supporters to win.
True enough. He ain't gettting them.
McCain does need them to win, and will.
Ganpat Ram , London , UK
Let Hillary Clinton run as an independent and then Obama will not receive enough votes to win
You go girl!
Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, London, England, UK.
Well fought Hillary and Goodbye for now !!! Hello President McCain and farewell Senator Obama........
Ken Holdaway, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Hillary as an independent ? Haha ! She would crucify the democrats, as she might have already done by continuing so far instead of accepting earlier Obama's victory. Now her supporters don't want to vote for Obama. She has divided her own party
Politics dies of people as obsessed with power as her.
Eric, Paris, France
What are you guys threatening, huh? That there will be white consolidation against Obama. Best of luck to you but you are in the wrong century.
Tarun, Delhi, India
The deranged paragon of delusion will not let this thing die. One who wonders why divorce rates are so high should look no further than an uncompromising, irrational, overly-emotional fem stalker not allowing a more qualified candidate accept that mantle that the electorate has placed at his feet.
alexandre dupre, new york,
Obama doesn't need Clinton to win. For those who think he does-- get over it. There are so many other people better than her-- Clark, Edwards, etc. Moreover, she has this sense of entitlement, I mean she hasn't even conceded!!!! Her husband blames him for the vanity fair article???
bleek, los angeles, usa
Bit more fire than U.K.politics - Hope she does fight as an Independent due to the gerrymandering of election courts that state whether people are allowed , or suppressed votes in the states and then using their version of self-indulgence.
Terry Henderson, Manchester, England
Great idea.I hope Hillary stands as an independent.
She would sweep into power!
No to Barack Nobama.
James Currie, London, UK
THE DEAD DO NOT SLEEP!
Hillary has the tenacity of a vampire: Not even a stake through the heart will stop her! She may yet become
Obama's VP and then President of the USA.
Obama should stay home at night.
Do NOT underestimate her. This saga is very far from over. Stay tuned.
Garth Strong, Los Angeles, USA
So she is fighting for a place on the ticket if she can't manage to wrest the nomination from Obama.
He is less strong against McCain without her & yet he owes her nothing.
Without Obama I think Hillary has no future now, crowd tumult notwithstanding.
Ernest Werner, Trumansburg NY, USA
I believe Hillary should be on that ticket if not be an Independent. As a Clinton supporter, I still believe that she is the strongest candidate for this election. Expierence counts and she is the one that can make strong and RIGHT decisions politically. I still believe...
oswaldo, Los Angeles,
Obama & superdelegates beware... you need to hold the Clinton's voter base to beat McCain. Many see Clinton as more qualified for the top job or VP as consolation. Obama's ego needs to accomodate it for a win win. Bush is seen as a failure of a president outside USA, so dual ticket for a win!
Kim Purnell, Sydney, Australia
If Hilary Clinton stands as an Independent then she will win the Presidential election. Many Americans will not vote for a black Preseident nor will they vote Republican. In voting for Hilary Clinton as an Independent they will have an acceptable compromise.
David Robinson, BANBURY, UK