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Obama Wins Democratic Nomination; Bill Clinton Says Obama is "Ready to Lead America"
By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 28, 2008
Modified Aug 28, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 28, 2008
Modified Aug 28, 2008
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The Democratic Party nominated Barack Obama as its 2008 presidential candidate, making him the first African-American presidential nominee in a major political party.
He won the nomination in an emotional moment during the roll call: After New Mexico yielded its place to Illinois during the alphabetical-by-state roll call, Illinois then yielded its place to New York. In the middle of the New York delegation--surrounded by Governor David Paterson, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senator Charles Schumer, and Attorney General Andrew Cuomo--Senator Hillary Clinton released her delegates and called for Obama's nomination by acclamation (video below)
"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, with the spirit of unity ... let's declare all together with one voice right here and right now that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our president."
Later in the evening, after a 3 1/2-minute standing ovation, former President Bill Clinton endorsed Obama and his running mate forcefully and personally:
Last night Hillary told us in no uncertain terms that she is going to do everything she can to elect Barack Obama. That makes two of us...
Clearly, the job of the next President is to rebuild the American Dream and restore America's standing in the world... With Joe Biden's experience and wisdom, supporting Barack Obama's proven understanding, insight and good instincts, America will have the national security leadership we need... Barack Obama is ready to lead America and restore American leadership in the world. Ready to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. Barack Obama is ready to be president of the United States.
called it "masterful" and that it was "like watching Michael Jordan in his prime." Here's a transcript and video is after the jump.
The vice presidential candidate Joe Biden used his speech (transcript; video below) to attack McCain, listing a number of issues where "Again and again, John McCain has been wrong, and Barack Obama was right." Afterwards, a surprise guest--Obama himself--appeared. He said Hillary Clinton "rocked the house last night" and thanked President Clinton, saying he reminded everyone of what it's like when you've "got a president who puts people first." But the presidential nominee's big speech will be his acceptance speech tomorrow at Invesco Mile HIgh Stadium.
Hillary Clinton releases her delegates and announces OBama's nomination:
Bill Clinton's speech:
Joe Biden's speech:
Obama's appearance:
Tagged
barack obama
bill clinton
Democration nomination
election 2008
hillary clinton
Joseph Biden
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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