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Gerard Baker: Bill Clinton could wreck Obama's bid | No charges for Obama plotters | Clinton in quotes, now and then | Obama message is being lost | Across the Pond |
Hillary Clinton has delivered a full-throated appeal for her supporters to unite behind Barack Obama, using her prime time speech at the Democratic convention to declare: "Barack Obama is my candidate. And he must be our President."
Her arrival on the stage in Denver capped another day of speculation and intrigue about lingering resentment from the Clintons over their 16-year domination of the party coming to an end, as well as the palpable anger felt by many of her supporters after the titanic battle with Mr Obama for their party's nomination.
After being introduced by her daughter, Chelsea, and greeted with a long ovation from most delegates - although some chose to remain seated or refuse to applaud - Mrs Clinton's eyes briefly filled with tears. But her speech was pitch-perfect from the beginning.
"Whether you voted for me, or voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose. We are on the same team, and none of us can sit on the sidelines," she said.
Driving home the sharpened attacks Democrats had been making all day against Republican nominee, John McCain, she added: "I haven’t spent the past 35 years in the trenches advocating for children, campaigning for universal health care, helping parents balance work and family, and fighting for women’s rights at home and around the world to see another Republican in the White House squander the promise of our country and the hopes of our people.
"And you haven’t worked so hard over the last 18 months, or endured the last eight years, to suffer through more failed leadership. No way. No how. No McCain."
She then produced a ferocious one-liner about Mr McCain, comparing him to President Bush and suggesting it was no coincidence the Republicans are holding their convention in Minneapolis-St Paul next week. "It makes sense that George Bush and John McCain will be together next week in the Twin Cities. Because these days it's awfully hard to tell them apart."
Mr Obama later telephoned her to congratulate her on the speech, one of several carefully-choreographed steps towards unity that had begun earlier in the day when Mrs Clinton was given a rapturous reception by delegates at an Emily's List event to celebrate Democratic women. She told them they have more work to do in "putting more cracks into that glass ceiling" - which has stopped women being elected president - so that "one day it will completely shatter".
But she also told them: "We need all those who knocked on doors and made phone calls or me and got into arguments from time to time to work as hard for Barack Obama as you worked for me."
Michelle Obama, speaking at the same event paid generous tribute to the "gracious and open" advice she had received from the former First Lady about preparing for the White House, as well as the inspiration her campaign had provided to women everywhere. They later chatted amicably, by all accounts, backstage.
Mrs Clinton had her own praise for Mrs Obama, suggesting with a sly reference to her controversial "3am" advert about who should take a crisis call in the White House, that "if the president is not exactly on our side, call the First Lady — and Michelle Obama will answer that phone".
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I should say Hillary Clinton is a poor American political woman. She is a sacrificial victim who is being cheated by the old bureaucrats of Democratic Party in the USA, but not the American people.
Rechard Liang, shenzhen, China
Does she think the voters are stupid or something? It was only a few months ago she used to laugh in disbelief whenever someone mentioned Obama for President.
Her arguments against Obama were more sharp and sly than John McCain's.
Alex, London,
Hillary gave the best speech of her 2012 campaign. There were a lot of "I"s and "me" s. Obama was mentioned 10 times, at the end of one of her points about what she did for the campaign and the party. Hill and Bill will be waiting to come out swinging after Obama loses in November.
Phillip Myer, Pasadena, CA, USA
So this was a ringing endorsement ? "Vote for Obama because he won the primary ... Vote for Obama because we can't afford more George Bush"? Some Democratic pundits said "she hit it out of the ballpark". The better sports analogy would be an "own goal". John McCain thanks you Hillary.
Jim Flaherty, Orlando, USA
If you really think that Hillary threw her weight behind Obama, you are just as deaf to American political details as Americans are of European issues.
C Cannon, Dallas,
A fine politician...such a sad day that she has to make way because America needs redemption through colour...
Hope she continues in public life...
Rakesh, Delhi, India
Mrs. Clinton lost, it must be sexism. If Obama wins then the US wants "Change". If he looses then the USA is racists. So far the only party throwing accusations and being divided along race and gender is Democrates. In the past they could blame Repubs, But now we see who is filled with hate-Dems.
William, Atlanta, USA
Enjoy the fantasies while you can. Senator Obama is merely Jimmy Carter II - if he is elected it will because of the complete ineptitude of the current president. Do not believe for a moment that he can deliver all that he has promised in this economy!
Andre, Portland, USA
I voted for Hillary in the primaries and I'm voting for Obama in November. I still believe in Hillary, but it's important to take the White House back from the uncaring, unfeeling, out for themselves Republicans. Bill needs to get his priorities in order. His wife has.
Michelline, Jacksonville, FL, USA
The McCain campaign keeps emphasizing that McCain was a prisoner in Vietnam, as proof of his qualification for the Presidency. Well, so was Gary Glitter, and I would not vote for him either.
Joe, London, UK
Jack, JC's politics are just right of Atilla the Hun and Mrs C's are completely opposite.
Are general elections now just a popularity contest or should we atcually listen to what the candidates are proposing to do?
Mark, Newcastle, UK
She is the one who should have been the nominee as Obama lacks her character. Sad day for the Democrats.
Gene, Gebüg, Germany
People have such short memories. Despite this speech, I still wouldn't trust her or Bill. Words are easy, it's actions that count.
Chris K, Cheltenham, UK
In case Hillary missed it, George Bush is NOT running. The economy was good until the Democrats took control two years ago. The war is coming along nicely. Also, where did that false voice of hers come from ? Just enough edge to say " I'll be back on November 5th " Ready for 2012.
Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA TX
I think this was an outstanding performance. She had to counter so many negatives, and I have found the Clintons, particularly him, leaving a sour taste for months.
Not only was this a fine speech - how she has grown as an orator - but it was a great welding job.
Health Secretary Clinton arrives.
Bryan Stanion, Aghios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
Hillary Clinton still has a lot to offer America and the rest of the World. She's too fine a person (never mind politician) to waste.
Radant Wood, Almoharin, Espana
She is a proud mother, proud Democrate, proud senator and proud American. But isn't she proud to be a wife?
Ganesh, Colombo,
I like her. If only she had been so supportive, and less destructive during the race, she would probably have gained more support.
If this is what she feels now, she should never have gone so hard against Barrack.
She is clearly not a sore loser and that is what you need for a President.
Talese Amer, London,
I like Mrs. Clinton. If Jeremy Clarkson does not make it to No. 10, I suggest Mrs. C. has a go at it.
Jack Briggs, Huddersfield, UK
I think I am starting to like Hillary. She is showing a part of her character that was burried deep out of sight during the primaries. If she carries on like this she will go a long way to re-establish her popularity with the Obama section of the Democrats. I only hope Bill follows her example!
Brian Musah, Hertford, UK
This had to be one of the best speeches I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. What an inspiration Hillary Clinton should be to women and men around the world. As a Hillary democrat, i am now fully behind Obama.
Andy, Atlanta, GA, USA